Louth TD says government must act on Ukrainian refugee situation in Dundalk

Efforts must be made at government level to "sort out the mess" that has been created after a large number of Ukranians were given just over two days' notice to move from the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Dundalk a week before Christmas, Louth TD, Ruairí Ó Murchú has said.

The Sinn Féin TD said the Ukranians, many of whom have been staying the Crowne Plaza since they arrived from the war-torn country earlier this year, have been left "deeply shocked and saddened" by the news they received on Friday evening after letters were left under their doors telling them they had to be ready to move to different accommodation on Monday.

Deputy Ó Murchú met a number of the Ukranians affected on Sunday morning, with party colleague, Cllr. Kevin Meenan, who is also cathaoirleach of Dundalk Municipal District Council.

The Dundalk TD had already raised the issue with Minister Roderic O'Gorman at Leinster House on Saturday while the Dáil was voting on the change of Taoiseach.

Deputy Ó Murchú said: "Cllr. Meenan and I spoke to many of those affected at the hotel on Sunday morning. They are at a complete loss as to what to do. Many of them have children at school and some of the adults, which include solicitors, pharmacists and other professionals, are working or studying part-time in Dundalk and the surrounding area.

"To give people just over two days' notice to leave where they have been living and get on a bus on Monday to go Kerry and Limerick is not on."

The Dundalk TD said it was his understanding that the rooms are not being recalled by the hotel and they will remain available for those who are seeking refuge in Ireland. The government should "call a pause" to the proposed move "until a solution is found", he said.

Deputy Ó Murchú added: "This not a case of there being no room at the inn. We accept that we are dealing with an unprecedented housing and accommodation crisis but there is an opportunity here to pause this decision and for that to happen, the government and the minister need to get directly involved and get this sorted out."