There was a considerable disagreement at this month’s meeting of Laois County Council, with Councillors clashing over the refugee situation in Stradbally.
Cllr Aisling Moran had tabled the motion that Laois County Council write to the HSE, and Roderic O’Gorman Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth of Ireland, with regard to the current situation.
Cllr Moran was insistent that the HSE and the Minister engage with the public representatives and the community in Stradbally, to allay any concerns around the safety measures of the Ukrainian refugees.
The safety of women and children on the site was outlined as a particular area of concern.
Cllr Moran has previously hit out at the facilities provided for the refugees on the site and again referenced the photographs and videos she has received from those living there showing flooding in the tents.
“Portaloo toilets, which I think are a disgrace, expecting people to stay somewhere for two or three weeks and the use is a portaloo,” Cllr Moran said.
“There is still no storage for showers, there’s no cubicles for people to change.
“There’s no fridges in the tents for anybody with medical issues who may need to keep medication with them. There’s no area where they can prepare or cook food.
“When I went up to go in the other day – I’ve tried on a couple of occasions – I’m not being let in.
“As a public representative, when we have refugees in our area, we need to make sure that they are being treated correctly and that there are no humanitarian issues.
“Some of the people have told me that they were asked to delete the photos and videos that they had and that if they spoke ill of the area that they would be sent back to Ukraine.
“These people are absolutely terrified at the moment – they’re coming from a country where they feel big brother is watching them all the time and now here, they’re afraid to say anything or talk. I think that’s a disgrace.
“A number of people looked for heating in tents. Some went and bought their own heaters and brought them back but were told they were a fire hazard and they weren’t to be put up.
“Some people bought pop-up tents and put them inside the tents because they were so cold.
“A huge number of children and adults got sick from the cold. The rain is coming into the tents – their clothes are wet, their bedding is wet, the mats on the floor are wet.
“Three tents blew down in the winds we had last weekend.
“There’s no walk-ways to the tents at all; there’s flooding all around the tents and the toilets – it’s a health and safety issue.
“Since the numbers have increased, food portions are getting smaller.
“The security staff – are these people trained in humanitarian issues?
“There is still no communication with the people of Stradbally; nobody has come out said this is what’s happening – no communication.
“We really need to get someone down here to look at this, and I think us public representatives should be able to walk in there and speak to people.
“We have to change the laws in relation to child protection.
“Has Tusla come down at all to see this? Has the Department of Children sent someone down to have a look, to walk around with me? Let me point out the things to them and then fix them.
“I sent an email the other day and I still haven’t received anything.
“It is scandalous and I think it has to stop. It is inhumane having people in tents and we need to stop it.
“We should bring in as many people as we can look after, and look after them to the best of our ability; but when we are at the stage when we have no hotels, no houses, why are we putting them in tents?
“We’ve had a lot of abuse – physical, mental, emotional and sexual abuse – in our country’s history, and I do not want this to be on our doorstep.”
Independent Cllr James Kelly said this was a knee-jerk reaction from the Department.
Cllr Kelly said the Department has also shown a lack of respect to the staff in Laois County Council, who are left to look after refugees whether the Council agreed to it or not.
“Anyone that was at the Ploughing Championships and the weather that was there – it’s like if someone said ‘go across to the next field and stay in a tent there for the night’,” Cllr Kelly said.
“It was a disgrace what happened, the time of year that it was, and the Department has an awful lot to answer for.”
Cllr Moran’s assertions in relation to the camp have been backed up by a video released on Twitter by Senator Sharon Keogan.
It is unclear when the footage was taken but it is believed to have been done so around the time of the heavy rain last week.
With Met Éireann issuing a weather warning for this morning, conditions at the site are about to get even worse as Storm Agnes is due bring heavy rain and severe winds.
The video shows the flooding at the site, both inside and outside of the tents – with water under where people are sleeping.
You can see the video below:
This is not right. #StormAgnes is due on Wednesday.
Take a look at what our government considers sanctuary for #Refugees in Stradbally in Laois.
Is this right?
No one should have to live in these conditions.
We must push the 🛑 button now.
This now is becoming a… pic.twitter.com/FornpFTdSv
— Senator Sharon Keogan (@SenatorKeogan) September 25, 2023
However, An Cathaoirleach, Paschal McEvoy, who lives in Stradbally, strongly refuted the claims.
“I don’t agree that they should be there and I certainly don’t think it’s fit for purpose, but I don’t agree with Aisling when she says they’re not being looked after,” Cllr McEvoy said.
“Volunteers from Stradbally and as far away as Borris-in-Ossory and Mountmellick came together about ten days ago, had a meeting, and they’re going in there every day.
“There’s a group of people going in there, bringing in tonnes and tonnes of clothes; anyone that has a medical problem, they’ll go to their tent and see what they want and that’s brought back to them the next day.
“I haven’t heard one complaint about food.
“They have anything they want, from medication, to clothes, to blankets.
“If people are looking for something there – I know we can all say it’s a matter for the Dept – but if people are in an emergency situation and want something, just contact some of the volunteers that are in there every day.
“I cannot accept that they’re not being looked after when they’re there.”
Cllr Moran responded: “I’m not saying that the people in Stradbally are not helping out – they are completely – and it is distressing some people how this humanitarian issue is happening on their doorstep.
“The fact of the matter is, you’re bringing in clothes and you’re bringing in blankets that are getting wet, because they are in tents that are not fit for purpose.”
But Cllr McEvoy came back again, saying: “Things aren’t as bad as you’re making them out to be.”
Fianna Fáil Cllr, Padraig Fleming added: “Now that I’ve heard both sides, I’m glad that you (Cllr McEvoy) have clarified an awful lot of things, and there’s great work going on.
“It’s not easy – as you say yourself, it shouldn’t be there – but while it is there, we try to make the best of it, and great credit is due to the committees and the volunteers.
“I’m glad to hear so much positivity is happening.”
Cllr James Kelly shot back, quick to inform Cllr Fleming that there is nothing positive about being in a tent, especially in this weather.
