FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 02/05/24
Catherina O'Sullivan Voices Concerns Over Strain on Local Services Amid Refugee Influx; Blames Government Mismanagement
The unveiling of the county-by-county breakdown of Ukrainian refugees and international protection applicants has ignited deep concern in Kerry. While the figures show Kerry as the leading county in accommodating those fleeing Russia’s war, they also reveal the strain on local services and hospitality due to misguided government policy.
Integration Minister Roderic O’Gorman’s disclosure paints a troubling picture for Kerry, where 6,195 Ukrainian refugees and 893 individuals seeking international protection are currently housed. This disproportionate burden has begun to take its toll on local resources, impacting essential services and stretching community support to its limits.
Catherina O'Sullivan, Aontú candidate for Kenmare LEA, emphasised the challenges facing Kerry, stating, “Kerry has always prided itself on extending a warm welcome to those fleeing war and persecution, but we can only do so much. The strain on our vital tourist industry and local services is becoming increasingly evident, and this is a direct result of the complete mismanagement by the government parties of Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, and The Green Party.”
Peadar Tóibín TD, leader of the Aontú party, echoed these concerns, highlighting the detrimental effects of government negligence. “It’s clear from these figures that there is still a significant regional imbalance in the distribution of immigrants into the country,” “The Government has located far more immigrants per capita in the western counties than in the east.”
“Kerry has taken four times per capita the national average of Ukrainians.”
Mr Tóibín said there was a stark contrast “with one of the most prosperous local authorities in the country, Dún Laoghaire. Kerry has taken in 33 times the level from Ukraine than that borough.”
The system must be fair and the challenge met equally, Mr Tóibín said.
“We need a strict system based on compassion and common sense, but the latter is missing completely from the Government’s approach,” he said.
“It is not engaging with communities, leading to a vacuum of information which is a petri dish for rumour. Government ineptitude is eroding confidence. It needs to get a grip of the situation.”
Catherina O’ Sullivan calls on the government to acknowledge the negative impact of its policies on Kerry and implement immediate measures to alleviate the strain on local resources. It is imperative that Kerry residents receive the support they need to weather this crisis and that the burden of resettlement is equitably distributed across all counties.
Catherina O’Sullivan from Killorglin is running for Aontú in the Kenmare LEA in the upcoming local elections on June 7th.
End of Press Release**