Department of Justice gives update on plans for former Louth orphanage

The Department of Justice has confirmed that the former St Joseph's Female Orphanage & Industrial School and St Malachy's Convent at Seatown Place in Dundalk will be used to accommodate people fleeing the war in Ukraine but there is no set date to move people to the north Louth location.

It was confirmed last year that the building was to be refurbished to accommodate refugees fleeing the conflict in Ukraine. Previous to this, planning permission had been granted to convert the buildings into an apartment complex.

Following the recent completion of the refurbishment works, the Dundalk Democrat contacted the Department of Justice last week for more information on its plans. In a statement, a spokesperson for the Department said that:

"A contract is in place between the Department and St. Malachy's Convent, Seatown Place, Dundalk to accommodate people fleeing the war in Ukraine. The capacity of the accommodation is 250 residents.

"The room configurations at the property allow for a variety of groupings, including families with children. There is no set date to move people to St. Malachy’s Convent.  

"Due to a reduction in the number of people arriving from Ukraine, it is likely that those who are accommodated at St Malachy’s Convent will be relocated from properties whose contracts are ending. Those requiring relocation will be accommodated in the same area if possible.

"Currently there are a number of contract terminations and relocations in process where people are moving from State contracted commercial accommodation. On completion of this current process, a detailed plan will be put in place regarding the use of St. Malachy’s Convent."

The site was the location last year for a number of protests against the decision to house Ukrainian refugees there by anti-immigration protesters, as well as counter-demonstrations by activists welcoming the refugees.