Clare County Council has appointed an acting director of services to co-ordinate the local authority’s response to the Ukraine crisis.

Jason Murphy has been made Acting Director of Services (International Protection – Ukrainian Response) to strengthen the Council’s response to the current crisis by providing a focal point through a new, dedicated team.

A spokesperson for the Council said it has played an integral role in the State’s response to the Ukrainian crisis thus far and this appointment was meant to consolidate that.

“To date, we have worked with our communities and State agencies in the initial phase of this response. We are now taking steps to consolidate our approach and provide a coordination and activation role for services,” said the spokesperson.

Reporting to the Chief Executive of Clare County Council, the role will specifically involve working with various partners such as the Community Response Forum, NGOs and agencies.

Speaking about his appointment, Mr Murphy acknowledged “the crisis experienced by our Ukrainian friends and the significant response and effort by our local communities, organisations and elected representatives”.

“There are varying local circumstances across the county and this role will require a joined-up approach at local, regional and national levels. My role will be to coordinate various interventions to manage this unfolding situation. We will have to be responsive to the changing circumstances and the uncertainties that this crisis brings.”

The appointment will be effective from July 4, 2022.