No update from Minister Roderic O' Gorman's Department regarding reports of displaced Ukrainians at village in Kildare

The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth was unable to provide an update regarding the news that Castlekealy Manor in Caragh is being considered as a potential site to house refugees and displaced Ukrainians.

It follows after a public meeting, which was organised by Fianna Fáil councillor Rob Power, took place on the evening of Thursday last in Caragh Community Centre.

The meeting was in response to a proposal to turn the manor, which is a large, five-bedroom domestic dwelling house, into accommodation for 29 International Protection (IP) applicants from Ukraine.

When asked by the Leinster Leader for comment regarding the situation in Caragh, a spokesperson for the Department said: "The Department is working to contract temporary accommodation across the country in order to accommodate people fleeing the war in Ukraine and those seeking International Protection.

"At present, the lists of accommodation locations being considered are subject to regular change, (and is) dependent (on) when offers are received and the suitability of the buildings in question."

The issue of modular homes for displaced Ukrainians and IP applicants has proven to be a contentious issue.

The government's proposals relating to the placement of modular homes in Newbridge, Rathangan and Kill last year have faced criticism from locals, with many of the residents being visibly upset and frustrated by a lack of local consultation.

A number of other factors have been cited by both Kildare residents and politicians as reasons why the sites were unsuitable, such as lack of GP services, sewage facilities and accessibility issues.

Labour Party Senator Mark Wall also said earlier this year that a site in Athy will house a number of IP applicants on a short-term basis.