Vulnerable Ukrainians protested relocation from Citywest

Dozens of Ukrainians with disabilities or serious medical needs protested outside the Citywest complex in Dublin against planned relocation. Moves were due to begin in stages on 27 August after the government decided to wind down State-provided accommodation for Ukrainians.

Residents described a difficult application process, refusals despite medical needs and offers of unsuitable housing. One example involved a family in which the father and daughter use wheelchairs; moving them to County Offaly would mean changing the child’s special school and moving away from services and transport.

The Department of Justice said people with medical needs, disabilities or caring responsibilities could submit a self-declaration that they still needed State-contracted accommodation. Applications were being assessed and offers depended on operational capacity. Where possible, the department said people with established HSE care plans would remain in the same health region, but it could not guarantee accommodation in the same area.