Ukrainians in Kilkenny facing further 'inhumane' displacement

Dozens of Ukrainian refugees who found safety and community in Kilkenny face the grim reality of displacement next week.

Many of the residents at Kilkenny Manor, situated on the grounds of the former St Joseph’s industrial school in Kilkenny City, are from war-torn Eastern Ukraine.

Children attending local schools, parents who have secured jobs in the community, and elderly residents are now among those battling to remain in Kilkenny Manor, a place that they have come to call home since fleeing the conflict that has engulfed their country.

Alina, who is attending a local primary school in the parish, told the Kilkenny People that she is upset about the possibility of losing her new friends if she has to move school.

“I found it difficult at first but now I have improved my English and made many friends,” the young girl said.

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Until recently, all of the current residents believed that they would be able to stay at Kilkenny Manor until at least February 2025.

This was based on information relayed to them after discussions between the Department and the accommodation provider.

However, earlier this month, the Department notified the provider that their contract with them would end on October 5.

The decision to cease that contract is being challenged by the provider.

While the Department of Integration now says that 35 of the 44 residents in Kilkenny Manor are to be provided with alternative accommodation within Kilkenny, nine individuals will be relocated in other counties, upending the hard-fought stability they’ve worked hard to build up.

A spokesperson for the Department stated that the number of contracts for accommodation for people fleeing the war in Ukraine is being decreased for a number of reasons, ‘including a decrease in numbers needing accommodation, compliance concerns, value for money, and greater oversight of the portfolio’.

The spokesperson further told the Kilkenny People that they ‘cannot discuss individual contracts’.

Kilkenny TD John McGuinness described the current process of relocating Ukrainian refugees as ‘inhumane’.

“They are being shipped around the country like animals,” he said, adding that he will fight for Kilkenny Manor to have its contract with the Department renewed.

Yehor, a young resident at Kilkenny Manor, explained to the Kilkenny People how challenging it was to forge new friendships and connections on arrival.

“It would be very difficult to have to start that process again,” he shared.

Tymur, another resident, echoed these feelings, saying: “Connections are often hard to nurture with people.”

Ali, who has started a small business selling sweet treats in Kilkenny City with his wife, stressed how important Kilkenny Manor has been in supporting their daily needs and entrepreneurial ventures.

“The accommodation centre is vital,” he said. The prospect of relocation has left him worried about losing that foundation.

Anastasia, a young professional who recently secured a job at St Luke’s Hospital, told the Kilkenny People that she would love a to continue her work in the city, and attend night classes to further her education.

For mothers like Yevheniia, who moved from an occupied territory with her mother, the prospect of moving and of further upheaval is devastating.

“There is a lot of trauma still being processed and at the same we are trying our best to adapt to our new culture,” she explained.

For her, like many others at Kilkenny Manor, the thought of potentially starting over again and being continually moved around is heartbreaking.

Svetlana, a mother whose city was devastated by the war, expressed her gratitude for the peace she’s found in Kilkenny.
After two years of rebuilding her life, the thought of leaving is deeply painful.

“Thank you for all of your help so far,” she and other residents said in a statement addressed to the people of Kilkenny.

“We are very grateful. People are very polite and friendly here. As the war continues, Kilkenny feels like a home away from home.”

The residents are hoping for an intervention that would allow them to stay in Kilkenny Manor, where they feel best placed to give back to the city that welcomed them.

As the contract deadline looms, the residents are bracing for more sleepless nights, unless a last-minute intervention can be secured.

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