Information event for Ukranian refugee arrivals

Event takes place today at the Cavan Crystal Hotel (Thursday, April 14) from 4-7pm.

An information event will take place later this afternoon for those who've recently arrived from Ukraine to Cavan and those currently providing accommodation to Ukrainians.

The event takes place at the Cavan Crystal Hotel (Thursday, April 14) from 4-7pm.

The event is being coordinated through Cavan County Local Development (CCLD), with input from a range of stakeholders including Cavan County Council, Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection; HSE; Tusla; Cavan Monaghan ETB; Cavan Public Participation Network and others.

There are currently more than 300 refugees in Cavan at present in hotels or guesthouses organised through the International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS). The figure does not include the “significant” additional numbers residing with friends or families across the county, or those staying with members of public who have pledged spare rooms in their own homes via the Red Cross.

At a meeting of the County Council last Monday, it was stated that Cavan has “likely not seen the height of the problem yet” with regards to trying to accommodate any future arrivals seeking refugee from the Russian invasion of their home country.

Cavan County Council is part of a multi-agency group coordinating a response to deal with Ukrainian refugees that have arrived, and in expectation of those yet to come.

The Council has provided the use of the sports hall at Cavan Sports Complex for use in the case of emergency, with the site capable of accommodating up to 50 refugees, if required, on a “short-term” basis. While the sports hall is closed to the public at present, the pool, gym and other services remain open.