Cork City Council says it will do everything it can to avoid housing Ukrainian refugees in warehouses

The Lord Mayor of the city says the council will do everything it can to avoid housing Ukrainian refugees in warehouses.

Cllr Colm Kelleher was speaking during the visit of the Ukrainian Ambassador to Ireland yesterday.

Around 20,000 Ukrainians have arrived in Ireland since Russia invaded the country and there are fears some may have to be housed in warehouses and tents due to a lack of available accommodation here.

Around 1,000 Ukrainians are now living in the city and county, with efforts ongoing to source more accommodation.

Speaking to RedFM News, Lord Mayor Cllr Colm Kelleher says people have a right to suitable accommodation:

"If 1000 People land off in one go, that will prove to be a logistical nightmare. But I do know that the Cork City Council in conjunction with Cork County Council being the closest local authority and highpass in the central Government, we don't want to put people effectively into you know, warehouses and you know, have divides between beds, people have a right to privacy, and I know that we as a local authority are actively working with every provider of hospitality within the city to avoid that at all costs."