A PUBLIC meeting took place in Kilbaha last night, as locals began a campaign against the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth’s decision to transfer Ukrainian residents of Loop Head Lodge away from the area.

They subsequently released a statement demanding that Government ministers come to one of the most remote parts of the county and hear their concerns.

“The community of the Loop Head Peninsula, Co. Clare, have been devastated to receive the shocking news that their Ukrainian neighbours have been issued with a relocation notice this week.”Considering that this Government encouraged communities to foster inclusivity and integration, why are the people of Loop Head, who absolutely excelled in this regard, now being punished?

“Immediately on hearing about this abrupt ’48-hour notice’ plan for relocation, the community have responded by calling an Emergency Meeting to take place in Halla Eoin, Kilbaha, Co. Clare.  V15W273 on Friday the 28th June at 6pm to which there is an open invitation to all to attend. The community specifically request the attendance of the following: Minister Roderic O Gorman, Minister of State Joe O Brien, Minister Heather Humphreys Minister Norma Foley and all Clare members of the Oireachtas and local representatives,” the statement read.

It claimed that moving the Ukrainians away from the area will be bad for them and bad for the local community. “Eighteen months ago, people from Ukraine, ranging in age from pensioners to young school children arrived to a rapturous welcome on the Loop Head Peninsula.  The community held welcome evenings, heritage nights and multicultural events. Despite the traumatic situation that led to their arrival, having fled a war-torn country before finally settling here, these families have now found peace and stability in a community that has fully embraced them.

“Now the community fear for the well-being of these people and children, and the totally unnecessary negative impact that such a forced move will have on them.

“Loop Head had been openly acknowledged by its own local authority as being a community in terminal population decline despite being an area that has won multiple awards for sustainability and community initiatives. The arrival of these new community members breathed new life into the area, and they were welcomed with open arms.”Their settling on the peninsula has had a hugely positive impact both amongst themselves and the wider Loop Head Community. Their arrival has mobilised and supported many local initiatives to the benefit of residents and the Ukrainian community alike, to the tune of local transport links, LCETB courses and even the refurbishment of the local hall. Their loss to the area will have a devastating effect on the children themselves who have forged strong friendships and the adults who have integrated tremendously, not to mention the local primary and secondary school, both of which will suffer.”

The statement also called for a rethink from the Government. “The community are now appealing directly to the Government and specifically Minister Roderic O Gorman and Junior Minister Joe O Brien, to demonstrate some humanity and do an immediate U Turn on this abhorrent and inhumane decision which, if carried out will only serve to further traumatise these individuals and will also have a devastating impact on the rural development potential of Loop Head. Rather than consolidating the government’s property portfolio, Loop Head would like to simply consolidate their community.”