A group of over 100 Ukrainian refugees being housed in the Aviva Stadium are to be moved to accommodation facilities around the country. The refugees have been sleeping on camping beds and making use of facilities in the Dublin sports venue.
The Irish refugee and international protection system has come under increasing strain this summer as the numbers of people fleeing Ukraine and other war-torn countries have risen significantly.
The number of Ukrainians who have arrived in Ireland due to the Russian invasion since February now stands at around 42,000. The government expects that number to reach 50,000 by the end of August.
The situation regarding refugee accommodation made headlines recently when up to 160 people had to sleep on the floor of the old terminal building at Dublin Airport as the state's housing capacity reached its limit.
Alternative accommodation in campsites, large vacant buildings and hotels have been used to house the growing number of arrivals. The terminal building is seen as a temporary solution though and is expected to be withdrawn as an option soon.
In addition to those coming from Ukraine, refugee numbers from other countries such as Afghanistan have also risen this summer. Government officials and Irish NGOs have suggested that the UK’s Rwanda policy, whereby asylum seekers are diverted to the African country, is to blame for the unexpected rise as it makes Ireland a more appealing asylum destination.
Earlier this week, Minister Roderic O’Gorman announced a €400 payment for those who offer to host refugees, in a bid to support those who wish to do so and to incentivise more applicants. Those payments may be backdated to 4 March and will be in place until March of next year.
“The payment is a recognition of the generosity of people who have made accommodation available to victims of a humanitarian crisis, and it is linked to a minimum hosting commitment of six months,” the government statement said.
READ NEXT:
Spanish cops arrest three Irish people over €2.1 million 'Rathkeale Rovers' tarmac scam
Jail, lies and Irish connection behind Michael Schumacher’s F1 debut amid rare update on condition
Cabin crew member shares Ryanair travel tip to sit together without paying for a seat
Couple buy entire French village for €26,000 after struggling to get on property ladder
Tourist in Ireland shocked at appearance of young Irish men as they 'all look the same'
Get breaking news to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter
