Council 'must prepare' for Ukrainian status changes
There are fears homelessness may worsen as a result of the changes.
The Head of Integration with Mayo County Council has said that the local authority needs to find a way to deal with the pending changes to the status of Ukrainian refugees in Ireland.
Out of 3,942 Ukrainians who live under temporary protection in Mayo, 817 reside in state-supported accommodation. At last week's meeting of the council's Community, Integration and Recreation Strategic Policy Committee, Head of Integration Declan Turnbull said these 817 people have been told their accommodation centres will be closed by the end of March 2027 and they will need to find alternative accommodation.
In addition, the monthly tax-free accommodation recognition payment (ARP)) given to homeowners for housing Ukrainians will be reduced from €800 to €600 to €400 before being scrapped on March 31 next. Mr Turnbull said the council will need to consider how to deal with these changes.
“There are a number of changes coming down the line. The 817 people in accommodation centres have been told they will be closed,” he said.
Mr Turnbull added there is an exception for people deemed 'vulnerable' but the council is not yet aware of what constitutes a 'vulnerable' person in this context.
“About 50% are under-18 or over-60 so that may give an indication but we don’t have a definition for the word ‘vulnerable yet. Changes are coming and it is something we have to return to and decide how to deal with it.
“There may be further issues as they are not entitled to social housing or to avail of homelessness services. They don’t qualify for that and may turn up at the council offices and again, so we need to find a way to deal with that.”
Mr Turnbull added there are currently 1,579 International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) applicants in 14 centres in Mayo, predominantly in Castlebar, Ballina and Ballyhaunis.
Director of Services Tom Gilligan said Mr Turnbull was heading up one of the most important teams that the council has.
“They are doing sterling work ensuring Ukrainian and IPAS individuals are being treated with dignity and respect. Declan is showing real leadership in this area,” he said. “It is important that we are welcoming and supportive. We see the positive impact from refugees coming into the county and country and it is important we maintain the help and support for people who have gone through a traumatic time.”
- Published as part of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
