A number of Ukrainian Refugees are seeking the public's help to stay in Longford as the contract for their accommodation in a local hotel comes to an end. Shannonside FM News understands that a number of Ukrainian families based at the Longford Arms Hotel in the town will leave their accommodation at the end of this month. While the Department of Integration does not comment on individual contracts, they say they are reducing the number of contracts for a number of reasons, including a decrease in numbers needing accommodation, compliance concerns, value for money and greater oversight of the portfolio.
Alternative accommodation has been sourced for many of those affected in other areas such as Carrick on Shannon and Tipperary. Anna Petrova is the Ukrainian Outreach Officer for Longford Community Resources CLG and is encouraging those with free rooms or appropriate properties to take part in the Accommodation Recognition Payment, which offers €800 tax free to those who host Ukrainian refugees. She says that many these families and individuals have jobs, volunteer or have children in local schools.
