No clarity on Laois Ukrainian refugee camp Storm Agnes evacuation plan

The Department which is housing Ukrainian war refugees in Stradbally tents has not been in a position to say if there is an evacuation plan in place in the event that Storm Agnes makes conditions unsafe for the people there.

However, with a Status Yellow wind warning in place for the storm and extensive rain in Laois, the department has said that it preparations were made for the impact.

On the eve of the storm, the Leinster Express / Laois Live asked the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if there was a contingency plan to accommodate the Ukrainians housed in other permanent buildings.

The Department was also asked if there was an evacuation plan in place in the event of conditions deteriorating to a point where they are unsafe.

In relation to housing the refugees elsewhere, it indicated that the tents were already a contingency plan.

"Due to the ongoing high numbers of arrivals of those fleeing the war in Ukraine, there remains a significant shortfall in temporary accommodation provided by the Department. 

"In this context, the Department has had to put in place contingency measures to meet the shortfall, with tented accommodation being utilised, most notably in Stradbally, Co. Laois.

"There are currently 367 Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection being housed at the site and preparations are being made to secure the site pending the arrival of Storm Agnes.

'Inhumane' conditions for Ukrainians in Laois tents as Storm Agnes bears down

"The Department is working with the service provider on site to put in place additional measures and precautions to ensure the continued safety and comfort of those on-site, including additional personnel, securing of walkways, hourly checks on tents and ropes and other equipment, welfare checks on residents, as well as other contingency measures, including the provision of secure sites, if necessary.

"These measures will be continually reviewed as the situation develops," said an initial statement.

A second statement was issued as the Storm swept the country in relation to an evacuation plan.

"Officials in DCEDIY are always cognisant of the safety and security of residents and routinely monitor weather conditions that may affect those who are temporarily residing in tented structures. Key storm preparations and contingencies have been put in place to help cope with the potential impact of Storm Agnes.

"Officials have liaised with counterparts in the Office of Emergency Planning, the National Directorate of Fire and Emergency Planning and the relevant Local Authorities in preparation for oncoming high winds and heavy rainfall. Official also remain alert to new information from Met Éireann as it issues," it said.

A contract was signed on September 1 with site owner Thomas Cosby to allow the site be used for up to 750 Ukrainian refugees for up to six weeks. The site is operated by Pastures New Limited.

Laois community commended on helping Ukrainians living in 'heartbreaking' tents as Storm Agnes looms

The number climbed from zero on September 5 to over 450 during the week of the ploughing championships in nearby Ratheniska when the weather caused flooding at the ploughing