Decision awaited on Mayo accommodation plan for Ukrainian people

Mayo County Council has submitted an application to the Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government to transform a vacant building in the county into accommodation for Ukrainian people arriving in Ireland, it has been confirmed.

Asked by Mayo TD Alan Dillon when a decision on the matter will be finalised, Minister Darragh O'Brien stated: "As part of the government's on-going response to the humanitarian challenges arising as a consequence of the invasion of Ukraine, my department is leading efforts to refurbish vacant buildings suitable for use as multi-occupancy accommodation, in partnership with local authorities.

"In cases where vacant buildings identified as part of the initial request to local authorities do not require, or are not suitable for, refurbishment, they have been notified to the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth for appropriate follow-up.

"I understand that is the case in this instance."