Ukrainian refugees to be moved from two Offaly centres by October

A total of 21 Ukrainian refugees are set to be moved from two Offaly accommodation centre after the Government confirmed the facilities will no longer be used for Temporary Protection accommodation from the end of October.

Six residents currently living in Ely House in Shannonbridge and 15 residents living in McLoughlins Guest Accommodation will be relocated as the centre returns to their original or alternative use.

According to an update from the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration issued on Tuesday of this week, both facilities will exit the Temporary Protection accommodation system by October 31.

The move comes as part of the Government’s decision, announced in May, to begin a phased withdrawal of State-supported commercial accommodation for people receiving Temporary Protection who arrived in Ireland before March 2024.

The Department of Justice website states that "Ireland has provided extensive supports to the people affected by the war in Ukraine and intends to continue to support the beneficiaries of temporary protection.

"Proposals have been approved by Government, in line with the 2025 EU Council Recommendation, for a co-ordinated approach to transition people out of Temporary Protection across the EU."

The department has said that, where a contract is ended by the Department or the provider, any residents who wish to continue to avail of State-supported accommodation may be relocated to alternative Ukraine accommodation.

The Department provides information on this process and details of contracts that are ending on gov.ie.