Concerns raised over planned refugee centre in Kilkenny

Concerns have been raised by residents living in the Wallslough area of Kilkenny over a planned centre that can accomodate up to 291 Ukrainian refugees.

In a statement issued to The Kilkenny People some local residents said that they are concerned about ‘the resilience of local infrastructure and services’.

An application has been made to the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to provide accommodation for up to 291 people fleeing the war in Ukraine. There are already approximately 60 Ukrainians living in holiday homes in Wallslough village for the past 18 months.

Concerns raised include the lack of a local school, the absence of a sports club or GAA pitch, the lack of healthcare facillities and the absence of a local shop.

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“Compounding the challenges, Wallslough lacks a local bus link, making transportation to and from Kilkenny City and Bennettsbridge unfeasible for residents. The absence of footpaths and street lamps further restricts accessibility and safety for pedestrians. The existing Ukrainian residents in the area have expressed discontent with the difficulty in accessing essential amentities.”

Questions are also being asked as to whether the local water supply is capable of catering for the needs of an additional 290 users and challenges are also been raised about whether the sewerage systems will be apply to cope with any additional demands.

Residents are now calling for a meeting involving all stakeholders to ensure transparent, including members of the Hughes family who own Kilkenny Sports Arena, Kilkenny County Council and department officials. They are also calling for essential amenties such as adequate footpaths and lighting be put in place before the accommodation of any refugees and that concerns are addressed in relation to water and sewerage.

“Upon the successful resolution of these concerns and the implementation of the aforementioned measures, the residents of Wallslough express their willingness to welcome a reasonable number of asylum seekers to their community, ensuring a proportional ratio with local families.

The department confirmed that the property is currently being assessed as part of the Emergency Refurbishment (Ukraine) Project