A group of Ukrainian refugees residing in Limerick, Ireland, have been informed they must relocate to new housing within just 48 hours. The sudden notice has left the 54 individuals, including students, workers, schoolchildren, elderly residents, disabled individuals, and even a newborn baby, in a state of uncertainty. Many have called Westbourne Student Accommodation home since 2022 or earlier, making the abrupt move even more unsettling.
The Department of Integration issued letters to the group, notifying them of the relocation but failing to provide details about their new living arrangements. The letters indicated that further data would follow in the coming days, leaving the refugees with little time to prepare for the transition. Adding to their distress, the department confirmed that pets—19 in total, brought from Ukraine—would not be allowed in the new accommodations, forcing families to find choice solutions for their beloved animals.
Anastasiia Lapko, a student at Limerick College of Further Education, has been actively seeking clarity from the department for over six days. She expressed the group’s collective anxiety,stating,“Everyone is very stressed.Every day is like the last day—we are very afraid that the second letter will come today or tomorrow, or very soon.” The lack of time has made it nearly impossible for the refugees to explore options under the Accommodation Recognition Programme (ARP) or secure private rentals.
The refugees have appealed to the department,requesting an extension of their stay until june to allow more time to find suitable housing in Limerick. Their original contract guaranteed their current accommodations until at least March, making the sudden relocation even more disruptive. Ms. Lapko highlighted the challenges of rehoming their pets, saying, “We tried to find shelters for these extreme conditions, but it’s so far, we have to pay for it, and we don’t have any time.”
The situation underscores the broader challenges faced by displaced individuals seeking stability in unfamiliar environments. For these refugees, the sudden upheaval not only disrupts their daily lives but also threatens the bonds they’ve formed with their pets, which have been a source of comfort during their displacement. As the clock ticks, the group remains hopeful for a resolution that allows them to stay together and maintain some semblance of normalcy.
Ukrainian refugees currently housed in temporary accommodations are facing a challenging situation as their housing contracts come to an end. Many of these individuals, who fled their homeland due to the ongoing conflict, are now being asked to vacate properties originally designated for students. Among their concerns is the challenge of finding new homes that can accommodate their beloved pets.
“We understand that these accommodations are meant for students, but we’re simply asking for more time to find alternative housing,” said Ms. Lapko, a representative of the group. “For many of us, our pets are family. Leaving them behind isn’t an option, but finding pet-friendly housing in such a short timeframe feels impossible.”
A spokesperson from the Department of Education confirmed that the properties in question are being returned to their original purpose. “This accommodation was previously allocated to students, and it has been agreed with the Minister for Education that it will now be returned to provide that service,” the spokesperson stated.
As the demand for emergency housing for Ukrainian refugees decreases, the department has been scaling back its contracts with various properties nationwide. “In 2024, over 400 contracts for emergency accommodation ended,” the spokesperson added. “In some cases, providers initiated the termination to return to the private sector or repurpose their facilities for other uses.”
For refugees like Dariia Revo and Iryna Grynchuk, the bond with their pets provides a sense of stability and comfort during uncertain times. However, the transition to new housing arrangements has proven to be a significant hurdle. “We’ve already lost so much,” said one refugee. “Our homes, our routines, our sense of security. Our pets are one of the few things we have left.”
As the situation unfolds, advocates are calling for greater versatility and support to ensure that refugees and their pets can find suitable housing without needless stress. “These individuals have already endured so much,” said a local volunteer.“We need to approach this transition with compassion and understanding.”
Ukrainian refugees in Limerick are facing the challenge of relocating to new accommodations in the coming weeks. Authorities have announced plans to move individuals to alternative housing, with efforts to minimize disruption by keeping them as close to their current locations as possible. Though, due to the large number of relocations, this may not always be feasible.
“In the next weeks, the department will offer follow-on accommodation elsewhere to those that need it, and every effort will be made to keep them as close to their current location as possible,” a spokesperson stated. “However, given the significant number of moves planned, this may not always be possible.”
One of the key concerns raised by refugees is the fate of their pets. The department has clarified that it does not provide housing for animals,a policy that has been communicated to those seeking state-contracted accommodations. “We do not provide accommodation to pets, and this has been made clear to people who have requested State-contracted accommodation,” the spokesperson added.
When allocating new housing, the primary consideration is medical needs assessed by the Health Service Executive (HSE). “Due to the scale involved, the only factors that can be considered when allocating follow-on accommodation are HSE-assessed medical needs,” the spokesperson explained.
While the department acknowledges the difficulties associated with relocation, it emphasizes that the temporary nature of the accommodations was always clear. “We appreciate that moving location is not easy and can be disruptive, but it was clear that the accommodation was subject to change,” the spokesperson noted.
For refugees like Iryna Grynchuk, who has been photographed with her beloved dogs, the situation underscores the emotional and logistical challenges of displacement.As the relocation process unfolds, many hope for solutions that balance practicality with compassion.
