BREAKING KILDARE NEWS: First of up to 950 Ukrainian refugees due at site near Naas 'in weeks'

Preparatory work has started at a site near Naas which will accommodate refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine.

Some 950 people, who have left because of the war started by Vladimir Putin two years ago, could take up residence there. The conflict has created tens of thousands of civilian casualties among the population of Ukraine.

Kildare Live previously reported that the Department of Children, Equality, Integration , Disability and Youth is exploring the possibility of availing of a site near Flood’s Cross, which is on the route which lies roughly between Caragh village and Toughers Industrial Estate. 

The road passes the M7 Business Park and links areas like Allen, Rathangan and Blacktrench with Naas. It also connects to the Newbridge-Naas dual carriageway.

Cllr Rob Power

The area is currently a greenfield site and it is likely that the arrivals will be accommodated in “winter ready cabins inside large marquees”.

It’s also understood that Pastures New Ltd will manage the project and this company was associated with the creation of tented-type accommodation for Ukrainians at Stradbally, County Laois, in the wake of the Electric Picnic concert event last year.

Local councillors were given an initial briefing by Kildare County Council.

Cllr  Rob Power said he welcomed the fact that “there has been engagement at an early stage.”

The site is near the locally known Flood's Cross junction

Cllr Power and his Fianna Fáil colleague Cllr Noel Heavey met with some 60 local residents last night to discuss the proposed development of an arrival centre in Newhall.

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

Representatives of Pastures New also attended and gave an overview of the project addressing some - but not all - of the local concerns, said Cllr Power.

The councillors took note of several issues raised and said they are committed to working with local residents through a committee “on finding answers.”

Cllr Power added: "It's my understanding that discussions on contracts between the landowner and developer and between the developer and the department are at concluding stages.

“Currently, KCC is considering various aspects of the proposed development such as the environmental impact assessment and traffic management plan. I'm aware preparatory works are taking place on site but it's only when those formal elements are approved can the development go ahead.

“If the development is in compliance with all the appropriate regulations we are told that the first occupants could be in place in a few weeks and that further capacity for up to 950 will be developed within two months. At any one time it is expected that 600 Ukranians will be living on site."

He also said that because the numbers of Ukranians entering Ireland in 2024 have fallen to approximately 32 per day, it is expected reception centres such as the one proposed in Newhall will allow hotel spaces to be returned to tourism use.