Ireland to End Housing Support for 16,000 Ukrainian Refugees in Phased Withdrawal

The Cabinet has agreed on a phased six-month plan beginning in August to end the use of commercial accommodation for Ukrainians who arrived before March 2024. Make us preferred on Google Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied A picture shows the skyline of the business and financial sector of Dublin city centre on October 7, 2021. (Photo by PAUL FAITH / AFP) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google Ireland will start withdrawing state-provided accommodation for Ukrainian refugees this summer, a move affecting around 16,000 people and triggering accusations that the government is abandoning war-displaced families. The decision follows an earlier cut to the time newly arriving Ukrainians can remain in state accommodation— from 90 days to just 30 days . Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . The Cabinet has agreed on a phased six-month plan beginning in August to end the use of commercial accommodation for Ukrainians who arrived before March 2024. Only those deemed “highly vulnerable” or unable to live independently will continue to qualify. Current housing – largely hotels and other commercial properties – will be gradually returned to the tourism sector, alternative uses, or the private rental market. Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan secured the agreement at a Cabinet committee on migration and social affairs on Tuesday, Irish media reported . Affected refugees will receive at least three months’ notice before being required to move. Prime Minister Micheál Martin defended the decision, saying the shift away from hotel-based accommodation has been underway for some time and is now being formalised. “This has been evolving gradually,” he said , adding that vulnerability criteria would include women and children, people with disabilities, and elderly or frail individuals. Other Topics of Interest The New Oil Order? – Ukraine Latest, April 28 Silver linings in Iran talks, Hormuz developments, Ukrainian-Israeli diplomatic spat, and Ukraine’s accusation against Steven Seagal – updates from Ukraine and beyond But the move has triggered a sharp political backlash. Labour TD Ged Nash branded the decision “immoral and unethical,” accusing the government of stepping back from Ireland’s humanitarian response to Russia’s war in Ukraine. “This is Ireland’s unique contribution as a neutral country,” he said, warning that the change undermines solidarity with Ukrainians fleeing war. The Social Democrats warned the decision could intensify pressure on Ireland’s already stretched rental market, while the Green Party accused the government of “pandering” to anti-immigration sentiment. The move comes as Ireland’s rental market is under severe strain , with Dublin now among the most expensive capitals in Europe. Renting a newly listed two-bedroom apartment in Dublin costs an average of €2,241, compared with about €2,120 in Paris. By contrast, Vienna and Helsinki remain significantly cheaper due to large social housing systems and stronger supply controls. In Dublin, properties are often rented within hours of listing, as demand far outstrips supply. Refugee advocates also raised alarm. The Irish Refugee Council said the move risks pushing more people into homelessness, arguing that current supports have been a crucial safety net. At the same time, opposition parties Sinn Féin and Aontú welcomed the decision. Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín said the scheme was always meant to be temporary and argued Ireland should not offer support beyond what is available in other countries. Sinn Féin’s Pearse Doherty said his party had long warned the accommodation payment system was “deeply unfair” and distorting the housing market, adding: “They are finally coming around to our view – though very late.” The Accommodation Recognition Payment scheme, which supports around 42,000 people hosting Ukrainians, will also be wound down, with reductions expected later this year and full termination by March 2027. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization since 1995. Its international market reach of 97% outside of Ukraine makes it truly Ukraine’s Global – and most reliable – Voice.