Mildew and overcrowding issues highlighted at Mayo refugee properties

MILDEWED walls and overcrowded rooms - that is the reality some Ukrainian refugees in Mayo are living with.

Concern about conditions and capacity at some accommodation was raised by Councillor Johnny O'Malley with Mayo County Council at the monthly meeting of the authority.

He cited a building where one couple and their 13-year-old are in one corner and another related couple with an 11-year-old are in another corner in the one bedroom.

There is mildew on the walls, which gets brushed off and painted over, only to return after a few weeks, he said.

In another property, he spoke about a woman where there are three sharing a bedroom. She has been told that three more would be in it by the weekend.

Buildings need to be checked, said Councillor O'Malley. They should be up to standard.

Cathaoirleach Councillor Michael Loftus said this matter had to be highlighted with the relevant departments.