A recent report by the human rights organization Doras has unveiled distressing conditions in accommodation centers for Ukrainian refugees in Ireland, with one-third of the centers being deemed “poor” by the residents.
The report sheds light on significant issues faced by temporary protection applicants, including safety concerns and substandard living environments.
According to the report, 10% of the surveyed Ukrainian refugees expressed concerns about gender-based violence in their accommodations, while one in six worried about their children’s safety.
Doras received numerous accounts of people living without heating and hot water for extended periods, and several residents reported moldy and damp conditions.
Food quality emerged as a major concern, with 60% of respondents rating the meals provided as very poor or poor.
There were reports of undercooked or rotten food in two centers, and instances of food poisoning in three centers. In one alarming case, worms and maggots were found in the food. Additionally, rats and mice were reported in six different centers.
The lack of a formal complaints process exacerbated these issues, with a third of the residents indicating that their centers had no way to address grievances.
One resident recounted being told by staff, “If you are not happy, go back to Ukraine,” when attempting to file a complaint.
Geographical isolation was another significant issue, with 43 centers having no accessible public transport, leaving residents cut off from nearby towns and communities.
Furthermore, one in four respondents stated that people with additional needs did not have appropriate accommodation or adequate support.
John Lannon, CEO of Doras, highlighted the adverse effects of “institutionalized living” on the mental and physical health of both adults and children. “Our new research on the experiences of Ukrainians living in State-provided accommodation paints a worrying, but not surprising, picture,” Lannon said.
“While a significant portion of those surveyed were very happy with their living conditions, we can see from the findings that the quality of service provision varies greatly from center to center.”
The report includes personal testimonies that underscore the severity of the situation. One Ukrainian resident described being “very sick” and living in one room with six other people for a year, while another shared a bedroom with nine people. Many expressed gratitude to Ireland for providing refuge but could not ignore the harsh conditions. One resident noted, “Children are constantly sick, I am not sure about the sanitary condition of the hotel and the food provided,” while another mentioned a “stench of urine” and moldy, damp conditions.
Despite these troubling findings, Lannon acknowledged that some service providers are performing excellently, as reflected in positive survey responses. He emphasized the need for national standards to ensure consistent quality of service across all centers.
Doras is urging the Department of Integration to implement mandatory compliance with the Children First Act 2015 to safeguard children and require Garda vetting for all staff. The organization also advocates for staff training in trauma-informed practices and intercultural awareness.
This report calls for urgent action to improve living conditions for Ukrainian refugees in Ireland, highlighting both the areas of concern and the commendable efforts by some providers and the broader community.
As Ireland continues to provide refuge for those fleeing conflict, ensuring a consistent and high standard of living across all accommodation centers is imperative.
