Supporters of the Blackrock Ukrainians were shocked that the Blackrock centre had been prioritised for closure. They are vulnerable families and are in schools and jobs locally. To be moved now after two years to a remote, out of town hotel setting makes no sense.
The Ombudsman for Children has been clear that long term accommodation in hotels is damaging and inappropriate for children. Hotels are also much more expensive than this self-catering model. Nothing about this closure makes sense.
A decision to close the state accommodation and relocate the vulnerable tenants has been unsuccessfully appealed by the impacted Ukrainian refugees, as well as the local community and representatives.
The group of 30 Ukrainians had been resident at the Blackrock property since December 2022. They claimed the residents are set to be moved to three different hotels and are advised that the new accommodation is temporary, and they can expect to be moved again.
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