More than 450 Ukrainians sleep in Laois canvas tents in heavy rain and wind

While concerns were raised about the underfoot conditions at the National Ploughing Championships in Ratheniska, hundreds of people who have fled war had to spend days and nights under canvas nearby in Stradbally.

On a day dominated by rain and wind, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth confirmed that as of 19 September there were 513 Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) in tented accommodation in Ireland.

It confirmed that 456 of these are in Stradbally. The people are being housed in bell tents used originally for the Electric Picnic.

The Department, which signed a deal with Tom Cosby to operate a refugee camp on the land, confirmed the latest figures in a statement to the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

"The welfare, safety and security of the residents of the site is of paramount importance.

"The following welfare services are provided; hot catered meal service provision, on-site access to an advanced paramedic and first aid service, serviced shower and toilet facilities; self-service laundry facilities; sanitation and refuse services; indoor and outdoor dining facilities; indoor and outdoor recreational spaces; utilities (hot water, heating) availability and tracked walkway all around site to ensure safe passage between on-site tents and other amenities.

"The Department will endeavour to ensure that the use of tents is a short-term measure but in the context of the accommodation shortage, the priority must remain on providing shelter," it said.

The Department declined to say what the current condition of the site was in the wake of the weather which flooded parts of the National Ploughing Championships site.

The Department signed a contract with Mr Cosby on Friday, September 1 that would see up to 750 Ukrainians accommodated in Stradbally for six weeks. 

At the time the Department said that the Stradbally Estate site was identified as one of the preferred sites, due to the rapid timeframe within which resources and facilities could be available (e.g., tents, personal hygiene facilities, etc.).  

Given the immediate and urgent need for accommodation, the Department added that the provider’s readiness and ability to meet all necessary requirements meant the Stradbally site was identified as the preferred contingency option. 

Pastures New Limited is operating the Stradbally campsite. The Department has said that the management of the company has experience in large-scale event development, the commercial hospitality sector and human welfare support to asylum communities in direct provision settings.   

Minister Roderic O'Gorman has committed to ending the use of Stradbally tents by the end of the six weeks.

Pastures New Ltd to run Electric Picnic Ukraine refugee Laois campsite - read the Government 'briefing note'

By the end of August 2023  nearly 92,500 people people fleeing the war in Ukraine had arrived in Ireland. Nearly 70,000 of these are being provided with accommodation by the State. 

The most recent 7-day average number of daily Ukrainian arrivals into the State is 58.

The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth's mission is to enhance the lives of children, young people, adults, families and communities, recognising diversity and promoting equality of opportunity.