Just under 200 Ukrainian refugees are set to be accommodated in Athlone before the end of the month.
Two seperate groups are to arrive in the town on Monday next and on October 31st.
The Department of Integration has confirmed that approximately 65 people fleeing the conflict in Ukraine will be temporarily housed in accommodation in Athlone town centre from Monday next.
Following queries from Shannonside FM, it has also been confirmed that a further 120 people fleeing the war in Ukraine will be accommodated in Athlone town centre from Monday October 31st.
It's understood that at least some of the refugees will be accommodated in a town centre hotel, while it's believed accommodation facilities at other locations has also been secured.
Bower Hall, opened in September and has been accommodating Ukrainian Refugees for the past 6 weeks and while it has not been contacted in relation to the latest arrivals, a spokesperson has confirmed to Shannonside FM that there is space to accommodate additional refugees.
According to the latest CSO data from the end of September, a total of 568 Ukrainian refugees were living in the Athlone Municipal District.
The Department claims that it is involved in negotiations with a range of accommodation providers across Ireland but due to the commercial sensitivities involved, it is not possible to provide information on the negotiations with any individual provider.
