Tipperary’s Government TD, Jackie Cahill is calling for extra resources to be provided to Thurles to ensure the resettlement of Ukrainian refugees can be a success.
In particular Deputy Cahill wants a special incentive package to be offered to attract a GP to the town and consideration to be given to awarding DEIS status to the schools to qualify for extra teaching and financial resources.
Mr Cahill noted that Thurles is a successful participant in a refugee settlement programme with a number of Syrian refugees settled in the area in recent years.
The Thurles based TD also wants a consultation process to be established to inform the local community about the new housing estate.
A Thurles Ukrainian Community Centre has been established on O’Donovan Rossa Street and the Centre will hold an open day on Saturday from 11am to 3pm offering members of the community a chance to meet some of the arrivals from Ukraine and refreshments will be provided including some homemade Ukrainian food.
43,000 Ukrainian citizens have sought refuge here in Ireland since the Russian invasion began. Of these, more than 33,000 are being provided with accommodation by the State.
60 modular homes are to be established at Gortataggart in Thurles the first tranche of which are to be ready by November. Modular houses will also be provided in Kildare, Cork , Dublin and Cavan.
The Dept. of Children says the Modular homes will be highly energy efficient, durable homes with a 60 year lifespan.
