First Ukrainian families due to arrive at Garlow Cross accommodation in the coming weeks

The Tara Na Ri premises at Garlow Cross outside Navan is to accommodate Ukrainian refugees, with the first families due to arrive in the next few weeks.

The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) has advised Meath Co Council it has entered a contract with Tara Na Ri Ltd to provide accommodation for Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection from Ukraine at the premises.

The accommodation will consist of 20 rooms accommodating families (up to 76 people) and is being delivered over two phases.

Phase One will provide five rooms to accommodate families (14 people) expected to arrive in the coming weeks.

Phase Two is under development with a separate access from Phase One.

Meath Co Council, through the Local Authority Integration Team (LAIT) will work with local service providers to ensure supports for the guests are put in place.

Cllr Alan Tobin said he wholeheartedly welcomed the move. "It is specifically for Ukrainian families. These people are fleeing war and this gives us an opportunity to wrap our arms around them.

"We already have Ukrainians in Ashbourne, Gormanston and Donore and there is a groundswell of support for them. Hopefully the surrounding community will provide a welcome and support for them."

Cllr Helen Meyer said she was concerned about the lack of communication. "People are genuinely concerned about the lack of corresponding services such as doctors, dentists, school places, and transportation for the local residents as well as the refugees. Those concerns need to be properly addressed.

"I have enormous sympathy for people fleeing the horrors of war and the predicament they find themselves in through no fault of their own."