Former religious property in Cork City no longer being considered as accommodation centre for Ukrainians
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The Department of Integration says it is no longer considering a former religious property in Cork City as an accommodation centre for people fleeing the war in Ukraine.
The confirmation on Tuesday comes hours after a protest at the gates of the former Dominican Fathers’ Ennismore retreat centre in Mayfield.
The revelation this morning has prompted calls for further clarification about whether or not the property is still being considered for other needs.
Independent Cllr Ken O'Flynn said a lot of work needs to be done to rebuild trust with the local community.
"Does it take a protest on the streets, after a week of social media poison being pumped out into the community, to get the correct information to public representatives," he said.
Monday's protest was mounted following confirmation from the department earlier that it was considering an offer from the private owners of the property of commercial accommodation for those fleeing the war in Ukraine.
That confirmation came days after several Cork city councillors denied rumours swirling on social media that the building was to be used to house either international protection applicants or refugees.
Based on briefings from city officials and the owners of the building, Labour Cllr John Maher and Fine Gael Cllr Joe Kavanagh were among the public representatives who publicly denied the rumours about “unvetted males” being housed at the property.
“There are currently no plans in place to accommodate anyone at all in the old Dominicans building in Ennismore. Rumours currently circulating are 100% false,” Mr Kavanagh said.
Mr Maher said he had spoken to council officials who had made contact with the owners of the building, and he said “the false news is incorrect and unhelpful”.
On Monday, the department said discussions with the provider were at an advanced stage, and a full assessment of the property was currently taking place.
But just hours after more than 100 people attended a protest at the gates of the property, the department confirmed that Ennismore is no longer being considered.
“The position as of this morning is that the department received an offer of commercial accommodation for Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (those fleeing the war in Ukraine) in relation to the property identified,” it said.
“Following a full review, taking into account the needs across our overall accommodation portfolio, this offer is not being progressed.”
It is understood that city councillors for the area have requested an urgent briefing from City Hall on the events over the last few days, while city officials have in turn, requested a meeting with the department on the issue.