“Ukrainian Community in Kerry Upset Over Forced Relocation to Accommodate International Protection Applicants”

The Ukrainian community living at the Skellig Star Accommodation Centre in South Kerry is facing displacement, causing widespread outrage and upset in the town. Despite building new lives for themselves, the Ukrainian residents have received letters stating that they are to be moved to accommodate international protection applicants. The move includes children attending local schools and workers at local businesses, with at least five Ukrainians working at the Skellig Chocolate Factory. The decision to uproot the community has sparked a sense of injustice and dismay, with calls for Integration Minister Roderic O’Gorman and Kerry’s own Minister Norma Foley to intervene and halt the move. Councillors and local groups have attempted to halt the plans. The Skellig Star Accommodation Centre has been the subject of controversy since its opening in 2020, with concerns about its suitability during the Covid-19 pandemic, leading to its closure in September 2020. It reopened over a year ago to house Ukrainian refugees.