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The Journal
01-08-2025
- Politics
- The Journal
Ukrainians leave jobs and pets behind as they're forced to leave Co Cork hotel
THE EVICTION OF around 400 Ukrainians from a hotel in Co Cork has been described as an 'affront to humanity'. The 120-room Quality Hotel in Redbarn outside Youghal had hosted Ukrainian families since April 2022. They were informed in January that they would have less than a month to find alternative accommodation but this was then pushed out to 31 July. In January, the people at the hotel were told that accommodation would be offered elsewhere to those who need it and that 'every effort will be made to keep them as close to their current location as possible'. However, the Department of Integration noted that 'given the significant number of moves planned, this may not always be possible'. The statement added that the provider at this site has expressed an interest in providing accommodation for international protection following the end of the Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection contract. Responsibility for integration matters has since been passed to the Department of Justice. 'Unjust' Fiona Corcoran of The Greater Chernobyl Cause told The Journal that around 250 people left the hotel, while others had left earlier. The Greater Chernobyl Cause is a humanitarian aid charity based in Co Cork and founded by Corcoran. She said it was 'unjust to forcibly remove Ukrainian residents from their sanctuary' and criticised the Department of Justice for not allowing people to bring their pets with them. 'The Government allowed our Ukrainian refugees to bring in their pets from war torn Ukraine and now they're forcing them to find new homes for their animals,' said Corcoran. 'These pets provide essential emotional support in coping with the trauma caused by the death and occupation and conflict and the experience of becoming a refugee. 'One of the women I spoke to said she brought her dog to a friend's house and that this is 'maybe for a while, or maybe forever'.' The people who were being accommodated at the Quality Hotel are now being relocated in various areas around Ireland, including in neighbouring Co Kerry and Co Waterford, but also as far away as Co Louth. 'It's actually an affront to humanity, as far as I'm concerned,' said Corcoran of the relocation. She said that the people in the hotel had 'absolutely no say whatsoever' in where they are sent to. Advertisement 'For some people, it's actually the third time their being forcibly moved, because when Russia invaded Crimea back in 2014 some of these people lost their homes. 'Then they had to move again in February 2022 when Russia invaded Ukraine, and now once again they have to move because our Government is uprooting them.' Corcoran also criticised the decision to move some of the people to the village of Portmagee in Kerry. 'There's one bus a day there, and that's actually booked in advance,' said Corcoran. 'So transport is a huge issue, there's no GP, and the nearest hospital is 90 minutes away.' One woman who had to move from the hotel told Newstalk that she has been resettled in Waterford. 'We hope that something could change, because everybody would like to stay here,' she said. 'Don't give false hope' She also noted that around 150 of those who were living in the hotel were employed locally. 'Our government hasn't a clue what it's doing because that's after creating unemployment of 150 people,' said Corcoran. 'The Government says it's cost saving but how can it be cost saving if people are losing their jobs and then they're on the live register.' She also voiced concern that the move could impact on job security for special educational needs assistants who primarily worked with Ukrainian children. Corcoran also remarked that the move is 'very upsetting for the Youghal community because these Ukrainians are part of the community'. 'They're part of the GAA and other sports and school choirs, so the locals are very, very upset and very sad to see that the Ukrainians have moved on. Meanwhile, Cocoran said she is 'very cross' with one of the local politicians. While she didn't name this politician, she said: 'He knows who he is and shame on him. 'He gave me a guarantee last week that he would be with the Ukrainians in Youghal on Monday, and then chose not to take our calls. 'If you're not going to get involved, that's fine, but don't give false hope to these Ukrainians who left their war torn country and who have lost close family members.' The Department of Justice has been approached for comment. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Irish Examiner
21-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
'It's going to be so traumatic to lose them': Youghal rallies round Ukrainians set to be relocated
With one business owner set to lose a third of his workforce, the eviction of 400 Ukrainians from Youghal, Co Cork, has come as a hammer blow to employers in the East Cork town. With just days to go until their scheduled eviction on July 31, residents of the Quality Hotel in Youghal made one last plea to remain in situ — and to safeguard their livelihoods. Waving handmade signs emblazoned with messages such as 'we don't want to lose our jobs,' dozens gathered at Green Park in Youghal in a last-ditch attempt to highlight their plight. Inna Melnyk, Oleksandryna Hendler, and Alla Rakovych are among the 400 Ukrainian people who have built a life in Youghal, Co Cork, after fleeing the Russian invasion. Picture: Howard Crowdy The gathering was co-ordinated by Fiona Corcoran from Cork charity the Greater Chernobyl Cause who has been supporting the residents over the last couple of months since they were first told they needed to move on. Employers in the town have been equally vocal on how the relocation will impact their businesses. A number of business owners say they will now have to cope with the additional costs involved in recruiting and training replacement staff. Residents were first informed they had to vacate the Quality Hotel six months ago via a letter from the Department of Integration. That announcement caused shockwaves in the seaside town as residents were initially given just two weeks to find new homes. Following a huge local campaign — a groundswell of support for the residents, many of whom had been living in the hotel since shortly after the Russian invasion of their country, the eviction date was subsequently extended to July 31. The reason the residents were given for their eviction was, according to the letter, that: 'The department is consolidating its accommodation portfolio in line with the changing circumstances, which includes fewer people arriving from Ukraine and an increase in the number leaving state-funded accommodation.' Some of the Ukrainian children who face relocation from Youghal along with their families at the recent rally in Green Park co-ordinated by Fiona Corcoran of the Greater Chernobyl Cause. Picture: Howard Crowdy While alternative accommodation facilities will be offered to the residents, these are scattered across different parts of the country, far from friends, schools, and employers. Sylvia Rodriguez, who is the lodge accommodation manager at Fota Island Resort, said she will lose nine of her employees as a result of the relocations. 'I am losing nine very valuable staff members,' she told the Irish Examiner. These are not just any staff. They are brilliant and we couldn't be there without them. "They are important to me and for the operations here. This is summertime, our busiest time so it's terrible to hear they are moving out. This isn't just about the work. These are nine beautiful people. Because everyone is close, their problem becomes our problem.' She said the nine employees are all highly regarded by their colleagues. 'These are people who had to abandon their country as well as their professions. They came here well educated. They have already been here for three years. 'I have three teachers and one woman who owned and managed her own beauty salon back in Ukraine. They took jobs cleaning and had no shame in doing that. All of them had big positions and had to start from zero again. It's going to be so traumatic to lose them.' Ukrainian refugees and their families at a recent rally protesting their impending eviction from the Quality Hotel in Youghal Co Cork. Picture: Howard Crowdy Sam Coakley, owner of Ken-Co Cleaning Services in Youghal, shares her sentiments. 'We have 30 people working here and we are going to be losing 10,' he said. 'All these people are working, living in Youghal, and paying taxes. It's not as if they want to sit at home and claim social welfare. They want to be at work. They are very reliable. There are a number of these people who have been with me for years. It's hard to get staff because they come and go. This is happening at a time when every industry is short staffed.' He believes forcing the Ukrainians to relocate will set the community back. 'Other businesses in Youghal want to grow and employ more people. However, staff are being taken away — leaving employers having to start searching and training again. 'You have a lot of time and money invested in people. "I just hope an agreement can be reached where people can stay. As an employer who has a third of their workforce from the Quality Hotel, this has been really hard to accept. People are being moved to Tralee, Waterford, and Dundalk, among other locations. 'Sadly, wherever people are relocated to, they will probably find themselves in the same position in two years' time when they are moved again. "The reality is that securing accommodation is impossible as people are being priced out of the market. There needs to be a plan in place where the residents can stay because it would be really beneficial to the community.' Twins Svitlana and Tefiana are among the many children who face eviction from the Quality Hotel in Youghal Co Cork next Thursday, July 31. Children will be uprooted from schools and parents will lose their jobs in the locality as a result of the relocation plan. Picture: Howard Crowdy Former Miss Ukraine Alla Rakovych from Odesa was supported by the community in East Cork to pursue her dream of becoming a life coach. She now offers sessions in a private office, thanks to Enterprise Youghal. She has also published her own book, I Believe in You, which is available in a selection of local stores. 'I am a single mum who worked as an accountant for 10 years. I have been here for three years and it's a lovely town. "We want to be able to share our energy and our knowledge with people and help the town grow. My son is 12 years old and loves Bunscoil Mhuire, Youghal. Having to leave will be very destructive for him. Meanwhile, Siobhan Sheehan from Enterprise Youghal said that many residents from the Quality Hotel have done their utmost to contribute to the community. 'Each person is trying their hardest,' she said. 'They have put down roots. They are an asset to both Youghal Community Employment and Youghal Community Services. We have eight people from Ukraine with us and they are working hard both in training and in community activities.' Colin Kelly from Kelly's Cars and Commercial Repairs in Little Island said the relocations will have a detrimental impact on his business. 'I have two Ukrainian people working for me and the only word I could use to describe this relocation is detrimental. It's impossible to get staff now and these guys are brilliant. They have contributed immensely to my business. Fiona Corcoran from the Greater Chernobyl Cause said she will continue lobbying on behalf of the residents. 'A number of people who want to work are going to end up on the live register as a direct result of this relocation,' she said. 'There are also other additional costs that haven't been factored in. 'These include the logistics of relocating as well as items like school uniforms among other costs. 'We also need to consider the health needs of those who are seriously ill who now won't have access to their local GPs and hospital support.'
Irish Examiner
27-06-2025
- Politics
- Irish Examiner
‘Value for money' cited as reason to evict Ukrainians from accommodation
The Department of Justice has cited 'value for money' among its motivations to evict 123 Ukrainians from a temporary accommodation centre in Millstreet, Co Cork. Residents of the Green Glens Arena were devastated to learn that they will have to leave their homes by August 29. The news was outlined in a letter sent to the residents by the Department of Justice. Their decision sparked a campaign by Fiona Corcoran, from Cork charity the Greater Chernobyl Cause, to halt the eviction. Residents were told by the Department of Justice that a letter will be sent with locations of their new accommodation, but they are unsure of when this will arrive or if they will be relocated in Cork. The Department of Justice issued a statement shedding light on its decision: 'As part of the response to the unprecedented humanitarian crisis of the war in Ukraine, the Department of Integration, at the time, contracted for a variety of different commercial properties,' a representative for the department said. 'All accommodation contracted by the department is temporary in nature, and Ukrainian citizens are advised of this when requesting emergency accommodation.' Decrease in demand for accommodation for Ukrainian citizens 'As the demand for accommodation for Ukrainian citizens decreases, and they make their own independent arrangements for accommodation, the department is carrying vacancies in commercial contracts. 'As a result, the department ends contracts on a regular basis in order to ensure value for money and greater oversight of the portfolio. 'This means that a number of Ukrainian citizens who are in State-supported accommodation are being moved to other accommodation.' The department representative added that they need to make the 'best possible use of state funds'. 'Any Ukrainian citizen resident in a property affected will be offered alternative emergency accommodation at a different site if they still require it. 'We need to provide the best we can for all those who come to Ireland fleeing war or oppression in Ukraine and other countries, while balancing this with the requirement to make best possible use of State funds.' The department reiterated its intentions, adding 'the Ukrainian residents at Green Glens Arena, Co Cork', will be relocated by August 29. The department has sent updates, through the accommodation providers, to the residents who will be affected, to let them know that the contract is ending with that provider. Fiona Corcoran, from the Greater Chernobyl Cause, said the charity is committed to preventing this. 'These residents are not just passive recipients of aid. They are working, attending school, and actively striving to rebuild their lives,' Ms Corcoran said. 'Many of them are seeking housing in the local area, but this is made increasingly difficult by the severe shortage of rental accommodations.'
Sunday World
26-06-2025
- General
- Sunday World
Huge upset as Ukrainians told to leave Cork accommodation
distraught | 120 Ukrainians at the Green Glens Arena have to leave the facility by August 29th Valeria Marchenko Fiona Corcoran of the founder of the charity the Greater Chernobyl Cause says that some 120 Ukrainians at the Green Glens Arena have to leave the facility by August 29th. They have spent three years living in the facility. It is understood that the decision was made without any consultation not only with the Ukrainians onsite but with the team at the Green Glens Arena who were reportedly informed of the decision by the Department last week. There is no plan for the reallocation of the accommodation to other persons seeking shelter. Ms Corcoran says that there is a huge sense of anxiety among the residents who received their notice to leave. Valeria Marchenko News in 90 Seconds - June 26th 'Two ladies are battling cancer, while others have heart conditions, autism, and various other concerns. Many of these individuals are in school, attending college, or working locally. There is a profound sense of sorrow within the Ukrainian community. They have been informed that they must find homes for their pets, as they will not be allowed to bring them to their next accommodation. Unfortunately, no one knows where they will go next. I call on decision makers to seriously consider the profound impact this move will have, particularly on the children and families who now call Millstreet home. It is deeply distressing.' Meanwhile, Valeria Marchenko, who is from Mariupol, has lived in Millstreet since 2022. She is desperate not to leave her new home. 'Even though I didn't speak English at first, I was hired (locally). My husband has been working as a welder for the past three years. I have never met people as kind and generous as those in Ireland. They gave us a home, and we are truly happy to be here. We're glad that we can contribute something in return. We pay our taxes, we work, and we're proud to be part of this community. Arena is like a big family, we help and support each other. Please don't take my home away from me.' Ms Marchenko said that when the war broke out in February 2022 her husband was away working. She was living with her mother. 'For two months and 16 days, we lived in a basement — without electricity, gas, or Internet. We were completely cut off from the outside world and didn't understand what was happening. We only understood one thing: we could die at any moment. On March 8th, my godmother passed away. I took a shovel and dug a grave in our yard. I don't know where I found the strength, but I buried her. I tried to dig deep enough so that the body wouldn't be disturbed by animals. There was no one left in the city — no doctors, no police, nothing was functioning. When there were fierce battles for access to water, we had to crawl on the ground to reach the sea. There was a stream about 2–3 kilometers away. When we couldn't cook over a fire, we ate snow. Food was given to the children first. There were around 30 people in the basement. I still remember how one young man's leg was torn off when he went out to get food. They tried to save him — they cut away the shrapnel with a kitchen knife and put a burning log or coal on the wound to cauterize it. But sadly, he didn't survive. He remained dead with us in the basement for another five days until we could finally carry him out and bury him. During all this time, my husband didn't know whether I was alive or not. He was trying to find me. Some people took money from him in exchange for false information. They even told him I had died in the drama theatre.' Ms Marchenko said that her mother was too terrified to even leave the basement. 'But when the Russians entered, we left the city. My dad lived in the nearby village of Volodarsk. My mom, my cat, my dog, and I walked 22 kilometres. The city was closed, and my dad didn't know whether I was alive or not. He tried to get into Mariupol five times, but they wouldn't let him in. A military bus eventually took us from Volodarsk to Taganrog. From Taganrog, we made our way to Lithuania. My mom's husband was waiting for us there. My husband's family was already in Ireland because they had a car and had managed to leave earlier. My husband and I later flew to Ireland. We were welcomed with smiles and kindness. People gave us food, clothes, and housing. I want to say that, throughout this incredibly difficult journey, I didn't meet a single bad person. I am deeply grateful to Ireland and its people.' It is understood that the Department of Justice has told the families that there is a reduced need for accommodation for Ukrainians in Ireland following a drop in the number of people leaving Ukraine. They were told that the number of locations is being reduced and that all accommodation required is 'temporary' in nature. The Department of Justice has been contacted for comment in relation to the move.
Irish Daily Mirror
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Irish Daily Mirror
'Please don't take my home away.' 120 Ukrainians told to leave accommodation
Ukrainians who fled the war in their homeland and were placed in accommodation in Millstreet in Co Cork have said that they are distraught at a decision by the Department of Justice to move them from the site. Fiona Corcoran, founder of humanitarian support charity The Greater Chernobyl Cause, says that some 120 Ukrainians at the Green Glens Arena have to leave the facility by August 29. They have spent three years living in the facility. It is understood that the decision was made without any consultation, not only with the Ukrainians onsite but with the team at the Green Glens Arena, who were reportedly informed of the decision by the Department last week. There is no plan for the reallocation of the accommodation to other persons seeking shelter. Ms Corcoran says that there is a huge sense of anxiety among the residents who received their notice to leave. "Two ladies are battling cancer, while others have heart conditions, autism, and various other concerns. Many of these individuals are in school, attending college, or working locally. There is a profound sense of sorrow within the Ukrainian community. "They have been informed that they must find homes for their pets, as they will not be allowed to bring them to their next accommodation. Unfortunately, no one knows where they will go next. "I call on decision makers to seriously consider the profound impact this move will have, particularly on the children and families who now call Millstreet home. It is deeply distressing." Meanwhile, Valeria Marchenko, who is from Mariupol, has lived in Millstreet since 2022. She is desperate not to leave her new home. "Even though I didn't speak English at first, I was hired (locally). My husband has been working as a welder for the past three years. I have never met people as kind and generous as those in Ireland. They gave us a home, and we are truly happy to be here. "We're glad that we can contribute something in return. We pay our taxes, we work, and we're proud to be part of this community. Arena is like a big family, we help and support each other. Please don't take my home away from me." Ms Marchenko said that when the war broke out in February 2022 her husband was away working. She was living with her mother. "For two months and 16 days, we lived in a basement - without electricity, gas, or Internet. We were completely cut off from the outside world and didn't understand what was happening. We only understood one thing: we could die at any moment. "On March 8th, my godmother passed away. I took a shovel and dug a grave in our yard. I don't know where I found the strength, but I buried her. I tried to dig deep enough so that the body wouldn't be disturbed by animals. "There was no one left in the city - no doctors, no police, nothing was functioning. When there were fierce battles for access to water, we had to crawl on the ground to reach the sea. There was a stream about 2–3 kilometres away. When we couldn't cook over a fire, we ate snow. Food was given to the children first. There were around 30 people in the basement. "I still remember how one young man's leg was torn off when he went out to get food. They tried to save him - they cut away the shrapnel with a kitchen knife and put a burning log or coal on the wound to cauterise it. But sadly, he didn't survive. He remained dead with us in the basement for another five days until we could finally carry him out and bury him. "During all this time, my husband didn't know whether I was alive or not. He was trying to find me. Some people took money from him in exchange for false information. They even told him I had died in the drama theatre." Ms Marchenko said that her mother was too terrified to even leave the basement. The Irish Mirror's Crime Writers Michael O'Toole and Paul Healy are writing a new weekly newsletter called Crime Ireland. Click here to sign up and get it delivered to your inbox every week "But when the Russians entered, we left the city. My dad lived in the nearby village of Volodarsk. My mom, my cat, my dog, and I walked 22 kilometres. The city was closed, and my dad didn't know whether I was alive or not. He tried to get into Mariupol five times, but they wouldn't let him in. "A military bus eventually took us from Volodarsk to Taganrog. From Taganrog, we made our way to Lithuania. My mom's husband was waiting for us there. My husband's family was already in Ireland because they had a car and had managed to leave earlier. My husband and I later flew to Ireland. "We were welcomed with smiles and kindness. People gave us food, clothes, and housing. I want to say that, throughout this incredibly difficult journey, I didn't meet a single bad person. I am deeply grateful to Ireland and its people." It is understood that the Department of Justice has told the families that there is a reduced need for accommodation for Ukrainians in Ireland following a drop in the number of people leaving Ukraine. They were told that the number of locations is being reduced and that all accommodation required is "temporary" in nature. The Department of Justice has been contacted for comment in relation to the move.
