Last week Gript learned that the Carmelite Monastery in Delgany, County Wicklow was being used as a direct provision centre since the 20th of September.
The monastery which until 2019 was home to a small congregation of Carmelite nuns – about 9 in total – is located in the small village approximately 2.8km from Greystones.
According to a statement from Wicklow County Council, the “New Ukrainian Centre at Carmelite Convent Delgany A63 A008” will accommodate 53 Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection.
The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth told Gript there will be a maximum capacity of 63 residents at this location.
That residents “will mainly consist of families, single females and older couples,” it said.
16 of the rooms have ensuite facilities while the remaining 3 rooms have “shared bathroom facilities in line with the guidelines for shared bathroom facilities,”
“Offers are considered in line with the guidelines for temporary accommodation in existing buildings, as outlined by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government,”
Gript asked The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth how long the facility was contracted to house Ukrainian refugees and what if any steps were taken to consult with locals in Delgany but we have not received a response.
The department told Gript: “There are currently 1,088 International Protection applicants and 1,441 Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection accommodated in County Wicklow.”
Last year in May the Irish Independent reported that 24 Ukrainian families had been “welcomed” to the Coolnagreina Centre in Greystones.