Former Edenderry shoe factory to house Ukrainian refugees

Up to 50 Ukrainian refugees are to be accommodated in the former Edenderry shoe factory premises in the coming months.

In response to a query from the Offaly Independent this week, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth confirmed it had received an offer of accommodation at Edenderry Business Park on Saint Mary's Street in the town.

"The Department is in ongoing contact with the provider in relation to this property for the purposes of accommodating Ukrainian Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection fleeing the war," stated a spokesperson.

"The expected capacity of the property would be in the region of 50 people.

"The property is undergoing a refurbishment programme. It is anticipated that this will be completed and that the property will accommodate beneficiaries of temporary protection from December 2023."

The spokesperson noted that the "specific timeframe" for delivery of the accommodation was "subject to change" and would become clearer as the refurbishment works progress.

The Department said Ireland was now accommodating some 97,350 people between those fleeing Ukraine and International Protection applicants. This compares with around 8,575 at the end of February 2022.

"This includes over ​​​​​​73,000 Ukrainian people who have sought accommodation from the State, and over 24,355 International Protection applicants," the spokesperson said, adding that the Department was operating in the context of "a severe accommodation shortage" at present.