Clara property to house a further 142 Ukrainian refugees

A further 142 Ukrainian refugees are to be housed at Inchmore House in Clara, it has been confirmed.

In a briefing note to local public representatives today, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth outlined that from early October onwards, 142 beds will be provided for people fleeing the war in Ukraine in Inchmore House, Kilcoursey, Clara.

Currently 88 Ukrainians are resident at Inchmore House in the first phase of the project.

The department said the contract with the centre is for two years.

It said the accommodation in the second phase to accommodate 142 people has undergone significant refurbishment work. The arrivals will be accommodated in a mix of bedroom sizes, with the majority of rooms suitable for accommodating four people.

The bedrooms have ensuite facilities, with a toilet and a shower or bath. There are shared self catering facilities and shared living space. The laundry facilities are communal.

The department briefing note did not specify the make up of the refugees, but said that the profile of arrivals from the war in Ukraine to date has been mainly women and children.

It said the intention was to use the accommodation at Inchmore House for Ukrainians who arrived in the State before March 14, 2024. The refugees to be accommodated at Inchmore House (phase 2) would be moving from alternative State accommodation in the general area, where possible.

Under new policy arrangements, arrivals from Ukraine from after that date who seek accommodation from the State will be offered a maximum of 90 days in State supported accommodation in 'designated accommodation centres'. The changes do not affect people from Ukraine who arrived in Ireland before this policy came into force and are already registered for temporary protection.

The property is owned and overseen by Townsend Property Services Limited, who will be employing a centre manager.

Inchmore House was built in 1846. It was bought by the Franciscan order in the 1930s and dormitories were added as a boarding school, known as St Anthony's, began operating there.