Cork County Council's Response to the Situation in Ukraine
Cork County Council’s Community Support Programme has re-established as part of the county’s response to assist the people of Ukraine. The Community Support Programme, formed during the Covid Pandemic, is a multi-agency approach which brings together representatives of both Statutory and Voluntary agencies operating across Cork County, ensuring commitment and consistency in terms of service delivery.
Speaking at the first new meeting of the Community Support Programme, Chief Executive of Cork County Council and Programme Chair Tim Lucey highlighted how the programme avails of county wide organisations to collaborate and knowledge share, “The Council’s Community Support Programme was immensely effective during the Covid 19 Pandemic, both in terms of supporting vulnerable and cocooning members of our communities but also in providing a wealth of reliable and practical resources which benefitted individuals, communities and businesses. For this reason, I convened the programme, and will continue to convene weekly meetings, where members, including An Garda Siochana, HSE South, local development companies, An Post, the Civil Defence, the Red Cross, plus many more voluntary groups, will be able to provide local knowledge and experience into a single contact point and system, again supporting those most in need and those who wish to assist. I will supplement this approach through the Council’s 19 locally based Community Support Hubs who will provide practical on the ground assistance.”
One of the key priorities identified through the initial programme meeting was the requirement for adequate emergency shelter and accommodation facilities to accommodate Ukrainian refugees in Cork County.
The Council is seeking assistance from members of the public to identify potentially available multi-occupancy facilities and properties that may be brought back into use easily and quickly. This might include community halls, sports or leisure facilities or other former accommodation facilities in private or public ownership.
Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Gillian Coughlan said, “The people of Ukraine are experiencing unthinkable pain and suffering as a result of this war. Many are fleeing their country, their homes and their families in search of safety and shelter. In response to this humanitarian crisis, Cork County Council is availing of the incredibly successful Community Support Programme where agencies work together and deliver in the most effective manner possible for those most in need as evidenced in our response to the Covid Pandemic. Now we are asking members of the public to assist in compiling details of potential emergency accommodation options in their locality. This crisis requires us all to work together and do everything within our power to welcome, and support, those seeking our help in Cork County.”
The Council has also set up a dedicated email address communityforum@corkcoco.ie and contact number 021 4386637 (Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm) for members of the public who may have any queries. Queries that cannot be addressed by the Community Support Programme will be referred to the appropriate agency for follow up.
Accommodation requirements for Ukrainian Refugees is provided by the International Protection Accommodation Service who can be contacted by email at ipasinbox@equality.gov.ie.