No Ukrainian arrivals yet at Leisure Centre

EMERGENCY Sports Hall to close to public

Preparations and support measures for an influx of Ukrainian refugees to the county are being ramped up ahead of the imminent arrival of those fleeing the Russian invasion.

No refugees have, as of yet, arrived at Cavan’s Leisure Centre; while the Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board (CMETB) is co-ordinating school places for displaced children (see page 4).

Cavan County Council last week announced the centre’s sports hall will be used to house 43 people as part of the country’s response to the humanitarian crisis, though the pool will remain open.

In a statement, the local authority, which operates the Drumalee facility, said it had received an “urgent request” from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.

Camp beds will be used in the sports hall, with food prepared in the centre’s canteen.

Service tents and other equipment have also been installed.

It had been expected people would arrive over the past weekend but, as of Tuesday, none had yet been accommodated at the centre. A spokesperson for Cavan County Council said it does not have an expected arrival date.

The centre’s sports hall will be closed to the public, meaning it cannot be used for the usual scheduled activities, which the council admits will cause inconvenience. The swimming pool and gym will remain open as usual, as will the playground and other outdoor facilities.

“The swimming pool, gym, and outdoor facilities including Astro-turf pitch and bowls green are unaffected and will remain open to the public. However, Cavan County Council acknowledges that the requisition of part of this facility will cause inconvenience to some users of the leisure centre and thanks the local community for their patience and understanding as every effort is made to assist those fleeing conflict during this humanitarian crisis.”

As part of its humanitarian response to welcome people fleeing the war in Ukraine and seeking protection in Ireland as part of the EU response, the Government is providing accommodation through the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS). Ukrainian arrivals seeking accommodation should continue to be directed to IPAS by email at ipasinbox@equality.gov.ie

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