KILDARE: Uncertainty over the number of refugees coming to Kill

Uncertainty surrounds the eventual number of Ukraine war refugees coming to Kill.

Plans to provide them with accommodation at a former equestrian centre are at an advanced stage - despite concerns among local residents about the pressure this will place on medical and education services locally.

Some 165 bedrooms are to be constructed at the centre and planning permission is not required to do the work.

According to information provided to residents 114 people will arrive at the Kill International Equestrian Centre on April 2 and more coming a month later. 

A contract to do this work is likely to be signed this week.

Meanwhile the  Department of Children, Equality , Integration, Disability and Youth says that updated information will be provided to both local residents and elected representatives by the end of March and the DCEIDY has indicated that no refugees will move in before local community representatives are briefed.

Cllr Fintan Brett

Kildare Mayor and local councillor Fintan Brett said the centre will be used only by Ukrainians but “we want to know what the number will be.

A fire certificate for the building refers to 365 people.

“We are being told that there wouldn’t be more than around 200. It’s a matter of whether we're being told the truth,” said Cllr Brett.

He condemned the “utter failure” of the department to to engage with the local politicians or community or “to tell anyone what is going on” up to now.

He told a Naas Municipal District meeting: “We're seeking information and we’re being totally ignored.”

And he drew a comparison with the opening of the nearby Kerdiffstown House to homeless people five years ago.

He said 90 people arrived at Kerdiffstown House and this created issues in Johnstown.

He said work is taking place at the site and one story in circulation has it that 2,000 people will be moving in.

Read more Kildare news

He said the community was told that only Ukrainian refugees would come but there is no news of any accompanying supports.

Cllr Brett also pointed out that there is no community centre in Kill.

“What’s going on is total nonsense,” he said.

He added: “I’ll hammer this week in and week out until I get information.”

He was supported by colleagues including Cllr Carmel Kelly, who said the full Kildare County Council should get involved and she suggested a meeting with the minister Roderic O’Gorman.

Naas councillor Bill Clear said the lack of information about plans “is causing a lot of anxiety.”

He added: “People would be welcoming if they knew what was happening.”