'Please consider offering' - Local govt appeals to Irish homeowners to shelter Ukrainians

The Irish Red Cross and local authorities are appealing to homeowners across Ireland to make room for people fleeing Ukraine. 

A new appeal for accommodation for Ukrainian refugees has been launched as hundreds of Ukrainian people continue to arrive in Ireland each week. 

Almost 100,000 people have come to Ireland from Ukraine since the conflict began, marking Ireland as one of the countries with the highest number of Ukrainian refugees per capita. 

The new appeal, launched on November 7, aims to encourage anyone who can make an offer of accommodation to consider it as winter begins. 

A tax-free recognition payment of €800 per month is available to anybody offering a room or property to house Ukrainian people or families. 

Secretary General of the Irish Red Cross, Deirdre Garvey, said, "The Irish Red Cross Register of Pledges platform has been supporting refugees fleeing conflict, oppression, and climate change since 2015. The outbreak of the crisis in Ukraine in 2022 saw an unprecedented outpouring of goodwill from the Irish people, who opened their hearts and homes to those fleeing conflict in their home country.

"As winter approaches and pressure on the private rental sector continues to mount, together with our partners and local authorities around the country we are calling on the people of Ireland to continue extending a welcoming hand to those fleeing extremely difficult circumstances in Ukraine by offering a home.

"Your pledge could make a huge difference in the life of an individual or family seeking a home this winter." 

Appealing on behalf of the local government sector, Chair of the County and City Management Association, Tom Enright, said, "Irish people have shown incredible support for the people of Ukraine and there is a huge appetite to help those who need shelter and safety from war.

"We understand that it can be daunting to offer a property to someone you don’t know. That is why local authorities and the Irish Red Cross will work with you throughout the process and be there to offer support. If you have any accommodation that is otherwise going to be unused this winter, please consider offering it for those who badly need a safe home for a while." 

Offers can be made at offerahome.ie, by contacting the local authority in which the property is located, and by contacting the Irish Red Cross at https://registerofpledges. redcross.ie/#/ or by phoning 1800 753343.