BREAKING: Kildare accommodation centre for Ukrainian war refugees is to close

The accommodation centre which was provided near Naas for refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine is to close.

The centre was established near Flood’s Cross, roughly between Naas and Newbridge, and is located close to the main route linking the towns.

It opened about a year ago.

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The project was managed by Pastures New Ltd, the company associated with the creation of tented-type accommodation for Ukrainians at Stradbally, County Laois, in the wake of the Electric Picnic concert event in 2023.

When it opened less than a year ago it was estimated it would provide temporary homes for 950 people fleeing the war waged by Putin’s Russia.

Ukrainians are described as Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection who  differ from asylum seekers originating elsewhere and who come to Ireland seeking refugee status.

The contract associated with setting up the centre was to last for a year.

It’s understood Kildare County Council has been informed by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth that the Newhall Designated Accommodation Centre - as it's known -  is due to close and will no longer be a 90-day DAC from  March 28.