Call for building in Athlone for use as Ukraine hub

There's a call this week for anyone with a vacant building in Athlone to consider making it available to help put in place an “information point hub” for Ukrainians arriving in the town.

Cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council Cllr Frankie Keena made the appeal after it was confirmed on Friday that over 150 Ukrainians, mainly women, children and the elderly, are being housed in the Creggan Court Hotel in the Kilmartin N6 Centre, just off the Dublin Road.

Thanking the public for their marvellous support for the humanitarian appeal to date, the Fianna Fáil representative, who is a member of the countywide Ukraine Community Response Forum, said that a centralised hub for the new families in Athlone now needs to be provided.

“It's where resources can be made available as well as information in one place,” said Cllr Keena. It would also be a venue where agencies could meet with those displaced by the war in Ukraine now living in Athlone.

The other big issue is the need for school transport to be put in place for the children already in schools, and a list of available primary and secondary school places for those who are not yet enrolled.

“More and more children are arriving on a daily basis from Ukraine and they need to be in school as soon as possible to assist them to integrate with other children.

“The lack of school transport for these children is a major issue that needs to be resolved and hopefully the department will make a positive decision on this shortly.

There is also a need for good quality second-hand school bags.

“Another matter that came up is to identify a centralised building which could act as an information point hub for all queries and resources. If anyone can help with any of these issues please let me know," he urged. Condemning President Putin for “carrying out this murderous campaign on innocent Ukrainian people”, he said it has been heartwarming to see the response of the public in Athlone and beyond to give assistance to people fleeing the conflict.

“As Cathaoirleach, I am a member of the Ukrainian Community County Response Forum which consists of a large number of stakeholders. I am also engaging on a daily basis with the Ukrainians living in Athlone to give them direct assistance in any way I can with local issues,” he ended.