AT its monthly meeting, Clare County Council condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine, while it expressed its willingness to do what it can for the refugees now fleeing the country, writes Owen Ryan.
Monday’s meeting saw a minute’s silence observed, while Cathaoirleach of the Council PJ Ryan said that Clare stands with Ukraine.
“Clare County Council condemns Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which is in gross violation of international law and human rights.
“This Council stands in full solidarity with the people of Ukraine. The thoughts of the elected members and staff of Clare County Council are with the people of Ukraine and with the Ukrainian community in Clare and Ireland.
“As a demonstration of solidarity Áras Contae an Chláir is lit up nightly in the Ukrainian colours and the Ukrainian and Clare flags are being flown outside the building.”
Councillor Ryan added, “Clare County Council supports Ireland’s efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to the people of Ukraine in their time of need.
“This Council joins with all those in Ireland and around the world in declaring its opposition to Russia’s aggression and calling for an immediate ceasefire and withdrawal of all forces from Ukraine.”
Council Chief Executive Pat Dowling said there is now a major humanitarian crisis.
“One and a half million people have fled across the borders of Ukraine in search of shelter and civilian casuatlies continue to mount as Russian shells pound major cities in Ukraine. It is the worst refugee crisis since World War II.”
Regarding the people who are fleeing Ukraine, he added, “The Government, its departments and agencies are closely monitoring the situation in Ukraine, together with our EU and other international partners and are providing political, practical support to Ukraine.
“There’s a measure called a Temporary Protection Directive and the enactment of that directive means that people fleeing from conflict in Ukraine have access to a temporary protection status in the EU member states.”
He said that the Council are awaiting communication from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage regarding the provision of accommodation for refugees, with it expected that the repurposing of buildings will be fast tracked, as happened when Covid-19 reached Ireland.
Fine Gael’s Joe Cooney also expressed his horror at the events of the Ukraine, and said Ireland would like to do more to help.
“We would like to be able to do more for the people of the Ukraine, but unfortunately, as we are all well aware, our hands are tied.”
Fianna Fáil’s Tony O’Brien said that the party’s councillors would assist in any way that it could, while he said that “an unbearable and unthinkable situation” prevails in Ukraine.
Independent Gerry Flynn also expressed his sorrow at the invasion of Ukraine.
“It’s something we thought we would never see again, there are still some tyrants around and they like to exert their pressure and their dictatorship on countries that are there legitimately. It’s something all law abiding people would stand up to.”