O'Donnell Announces Date for Intake of Kosovo Refugees Brought Forward
- First group due on Monday and to be accommodated in counties Cork and Kerry
- Wednesday May 5th
The Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Liz O'Donnell TD, has announced that the date for the first in-take of refugees from Kosovo has been brought forward to Monday next, May 10th.
About 150 refugees will arrive at Farranfore Airport, Co. Kerry, on Monday night and will be brought to accommodation being provided at Atlas House, Killarney, and Drishane Caste, Millstreet, Co. Cork.
A further 150 refugees will arrive in Ireland next Thursday, and will be accommodated at the Army Barracks in Kildare Town, and at a hostel in Baltinglass, Co. Wicklow.
Preparations are also being finalised for the receipt of further refugees in accommodation in Waterford and Cork City over the next few weeks.
"I am relieved that we have been able to bring forward the date for our initial in-take of refugees from Kosovo especially given the acute difficulties of over-crowding and hardship which exist in the camps in Macedonia", Minister O'Donnell said.
She confirmed that a range of services were being put in place to cater for the needs of the refugees, and said she was sure they would receive a warm and generous welcome from the people living in the particular localities.
