21-05-2025
Refugees who ‘enriched' west Wicklow community with volunteering are to be relocated
The residents have received letters informing them of the relocation, despite having settled well into the area, with their children attending local schools and having made friends with local children.
The residents at Tynte House have also been volunteering their time by helping out Dunlavin Tidy Towns, and are determined to carry out some final works in the village before they are moved on elsewhere.
Dunlavin Tidy Towns Margaret Birchall said: 'This decision has a profound impact on individuals who have become an integral part of our community. The children living in Tynte House attend local schools, have formed friendships, and are thriving. The adults are working locally and contributing in many meaningful ways. They have integrated into the life of the town with warmth, dignity, and respect.
'Dunlavin gave them a great welcome when they first arrived and reached out straight away to the new arrivals. We initially formed bonds when we started to run an English language conversation group in the library. That really started the bonding process and they were all so keen to get involved and engage.
'We never approached them, instead they came to us to see if there was any help they could lend to our tidy towns efforts. They were really anxious to get involved and have been a great help, sweeping streets and helping to keep our village clean and welcoming.
'Their presence and involvement have enriched our community, and they are valued neighbours and friends.'
The majority of the residents come from Syria, Palestine and Jordan, and many of them are due to leave on Friday, and Dunlavin Tidy Towns and other members of the community intend to present them with a card and small gift as a sign of gratitude to all their efforts while located in Dunlavin.
'They are all very upset,' added Margaret.
'They are generally distraught because they have settled in so well and made so many friends. It's especially difficult for the young children involved, who attend local schools and have made so many friends, who they will now have to leave.
'One volunteer was in tears as they handed over their tools because it was the last time they could carry out some work with Dunlavin Tidy Tows before they are moved on. Some are leaving on Friday and they have already committed to painting the railings on Thursday before they depart. I think that just goes to show just how invaluable they have bee to us and the wider community.
'They have developed a trust within the village and now they are having to move on elsewhere and have to basically start all over again. It was already a huge upheaval to have to move to Ireland from Ukraine in the first place, and now they are facing even more upheaval when they had settled in so well into the village.'
The Department of Justice had yet to respond to the reason behind the relocation and where the international protection applicants would be moved on to at the time of publication.
