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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.'
Irish Examiner
27-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Irish Examiner view: Ireland needs immigrants to help address our labour shortage
A series of points and counterpoints have been made in recent days about our national infrastructure. No sooner had we learned of ambitious plans for rail stations in Cork, and motorways linking Limerick and Cork, for instance, than parallel announcements were made that had the effect of dousing those plans in cold water. A good example was a recent story focusing on the challenges facing our quarries in producing sufficient sand and gravel, an issue with clear implications for large-scale infrastructural projects. The same applies to our energy sector, where there are concerns about the amount of electricity being used by data centres in Ireland. Now we have a fresh concern, with the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) reporting on the possibility that labour shortages may hinder our plans for development. As ever, the housing and accommodation crisis is a complicating factor. Alan Barrett of the ESRI said this week that the Government is trying to deliver an 'enormously ambitious national development plan' while at the same time increasing the number of new homes being built. Mr Barrett said that getting housing completions up to about 50,000 a year would require about 40,000 additional construction employees, but the problem does not end there. Referring to other analyses carried out by the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council, Mr Barrett added that if the Government were to complete the entire national development plan, 'you could be looking at 80,000 additional employees'. It is dispiriting to acknowledge that a country which has exported countless skilled workers to other nations for decades now finds itself so shorthanded, but here we are. Finding 80,000 workers will be a serious headache which may ultimately require a refocusing of the education system to get more Irish school-goers to consider apprenticeships, for instance, in order to maintain a pipeline of qualified tradespeople, but that is a medium to long-term solution which will take years to come to fruition. The obvious solution is to promote inward migration to make up that shortfall and to meet our need to build houses and infrastructure — no matter what lies the far right chooses to spread. Ukrainian refugees kept in the dark The international focus on the horrors of Gaza is understandable, given the barely comprehensible level of slaughter that has occurred and continues to occur in the region. A report suggests that around 377,000 people have gone missing in Gaza since 2023, half of them children. Yet the effects of another long-running conflict are far more visible closer to home. The invasion of Ukraine by Russia has led to thousands of people being dispersed around the world from the war zone, and some of them are in Ireland. Adrianna Kholostenko and Olena Vlasiuk with Greater Chernobyl Cause founder Fiona Corcoran, centre, in Millstreet, Co Cork. Adrianna and Olena spoke to the 'Irish Examiner' about the uncertainty they now face. See link below. Picture: Larry Cummins This week, we learned that over 100 Ukrainian refugees housed in Millstreet have been told they are to be moved to other locations. A recent eviction notice from the Department of Justice informed them that they will be moved to alternative accommodation on August 29, with promises that letters would be sent outlining the locations of that new accommodation. Yet, as of now, they do not know when this letter will arrive or whether they will be relocated within Cork. The centre currently houses 123 residents, with nine children attending primary school and 14 in local secondary schools, 25 elderly people, and five residents with disabilities. This abrupt eviction would be grossly insensitive in any context, but it should be borne in mind that those in Millstreet — like their compatriots in similar situations around Ireland — are there because of a war being waged in their homeland, a conflict which has left thousands dead and maimed and has destroyed swathes of their country. Fiona Corcoran, from The Greater Chernobyl Cause charity, told this newspaper: 'I have seen first hand the deep gratitude these individuals have for Ireland and specifically for the community of Millstreet, which welcomed them with open arms. These residents are not just passive recipients of aid. They are working, attending school, and actively striving to rebuild their lives. They deserve better than an impersonal announcement telling them they are to be moved again. What's your view on this issue? You can tell us here The race for the Áras Readers may have seen yesterday that Ireland South MEP Seán Kelly is considering a run for the presidency. Seán Kelly MEP celebrating his re-election at the European Parliament Ireland South constituency count at Nemo Rangers on June 10, 2024. Picture: Eddie O'Hare 'I haven't made a decision, but I met Simon Harris and John Carroll a couple of weeks ago just to find out what the thinking was,' Mr Kelly, a former president of the GAA, said. He joins an increasingly inclusive club of politicians and prominent citizens who have been linked to Áras an Uachtaráin. At various times, this club has included former European commissioner Mairead McGuinness, former minister Heather Humphreys, former MEP Frances Fitzgerald, Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O'Neill, former SDLP leader Colum Eastwood, GAA president Jarlath Burns, senator Frances Black, former taoiseach Bertie Ahern, convicted criminal Conor McGregor, and a host of minor celebrities far too numerous to list. It has been entertaining to watch the delicate balancing act pursued by many of those named as they seek to indicate a general interest in the position without revealing a deep hunger for the title. That balancing act has been more successful for some, while others may have already found that estimates of their appeal to the population at large are somewhat overstated. Whether any of those candidates can replicate the popularity of the incumbent among the general public, of course, remains to be seen. Read More Irish Examiner view: Satire dead as Trump makes peace
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 Examiner
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Irish Examiner
Department to evict 123 Ukrainian refugees from Millstreet at end of August
'I would rather sleep on the streets with my dog than live in a house without him.' These were the words of Ludmila Koren from the Green Glens Arena as she faces being separated from her best friend who was known for saving lives in his own country. The dog Tosha's acute hearing offered warnings to Ludmila's family after the air raid sirens in her locality were damaged. Now, the Ukrainian woman, who is one of 123 residents facing eviction from the temporary accommodation facility in Millstreet, Cork is uncertain about what the future holds for them both. It is understood that Green Glens Arena owner Thomas Duggan was not involved with the decision and wants the residents to stay. Ludmila held her little dog tight while speaking about the eviction letter issued in recent days which states that residents will be moved to new accommodation on August 29. A number of people are still reeling after learning they will have to leave their pets behind. Fiona Corcoran of The Greater Chernobyl Cause with some of the 123 Ukrainian war refugees. She said: 'These residents are not just passive recipients of aid. They are working, attending school, and actively striving to rebuild their lives.' Picture: Larry Cummins Fiona Corcoran from the Greater Chernobyl Cause, a Cork charity supporting displaced Ukrainians, described the news as deeply distressing. 'It is unacceptable that Ukrainian residents are being removed from their temporary homes with little notice, vague information about their relocation, and the devastating restriction that they cannot take their beloved pets with them,' she said. 'I have seen first-hand the deep gratitude these individuals have for Ireland and specifically for the community of Millstreet, which welcomed them with open arms. These residents are not just passive recipients of aid. They are working, attending school, and actively striving to rebuild their lives. "Many of them are seeking housing in the local area, but this is made increasingly difficult by the severe shortage of rental accommodations.' She said the impact of such a decision on lives will be detrimental. 'Children have arrived and begun their education in Irish schools, with some now transitioning into secondary school. For these children and their families, who have already faced unimaginable trauma, being uprooted again is an additional and unnecessary burden.' Adrianna Kholostenko and her son Serafym who is going into sixth class at the loacl national school in September. 'Children have arrived and begun their education in Irish schools, with some now transitioning into secondary school. For these children and their families, who have already faced unimaginable trauma, being uprooted again is an additional and unnecessary burden.' Picture: Larry Cummins A total of eight families at the centre are believed to have pets including dogs, cats and one guinea pig. Issued by the Department of Justice, the letters states: 'We can no longer provide accommodation for pets. If you own a pet you will have to make alternative arrangements for it.' Ludmila has vowed to fight the decision to the bitter end. Speaking about her dog's bravery she said: 'They couldn't warn us about the rockets or missiles. The first time it happened Tosha started nudging us with his head in the direction of the basement. Ludmila Koren with her dog Tosha whose acute hearing offered warnings to her family after the air raid sirens in her locality were damaged. Picture: Larry Cummins "He heard the missiles when they were further away because a dog's hearing is better. There were 10 people in the house including friends and family. "The first time Tosha did this we didn't know what was wrong with him. Then we realised he was acting this way because of the missiles. We gathered in the basements, hiding without water or electricity, simply because it was the only option.' Ludmila, who hails from Chernigov, added that escaping unrest in Ukraine back in April 2022 was an extremely harrowing experience for Tosha. 'A bus journey that should have taken two hours took eight. We had to stop so many times because of the explosions. You could see all the animal owners clinging dearly to their pets. Tosha was so close to my chest. "We travelled to the Polish border and took a boat from France. He was so stressed from the experience that his fur starting falling out. Some of the 123 Ukrainian war refugees who are to be moved in August and have been told they cannot bring their pets with them. Picture: Larry Cummins "On the boat from France he was shaking from head to toe. A vet on board was able to give him a pill because it was the only thing that calmed him down.' Ludmila, who has an adult son named Alex, said she refuses to be separated from her pet. 'He came to me two months before the war and I really feel this was meant to be. I first heard about him online because nobody else at the shelter wanted him. Natalia Husieva and her niece Yana with their pet guinea pig. Picture: Larry Cummins "I knitted him clothes before he came to me even though I didn't know his size. They fit him perfectly. When he arrived in my house for the first time he went straight to his water bowl. It was like he had been with me forever. "I fell in love with him the first day I saw. He is like another child to me and I refuse to be without him. We are looking for alternative accommodation but I would rather sleep on the streets with my dog than live in a house without him.' Read More EU plans would extend right for 4m Ukrainians to stay in bloc until 2027
