As the Electric Picnic festival in County Laois draws to a close, a notable transformation is poised to take place. The festival grounds are set to undergo a conversion into temporary accommodations for refugees, marking a significant shift in purpose.
The Irish government, in a decisive move, has entered into an agreement to repurpose the Stradbally site for this humanitarian endeavor, with the initiative taking effect as of Tuesday.
Under this arrangement, the site is poised to provide housing for up to 750 individuals over a duration of six weeks, a development facilitated by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration, and Youth (DCEDIY).
This venue, once the host to Ireland’s largest music festival, where approximately 70,000 music enthusiasts gathered to enjoy performances by artists such as Billie Eilish, Niall Horan, and The Killers, is now assuming a critical role in addressing the pressing issue of refugee housing.
The Irish government has been actively extending refuge to a significant number of individuals since February 2021. Among these are 69,518 individuals who have sought shelter due to the conflict in Ukraine and an additional 22,700 individuals seeking international protection.
It is noteworthy that there has been a notable upswing in arrivals from Ukraine during the summer months, with over 10,000 individuals seeking refuge in Ireland since May 1st, amounting to an average of approximately 650 arrivals per week. Projections indicate that up to 500 more individuals from Ukraine may seek refuge in the coming weeks.
Consequently, the DCEDIY has revealed that, commencing next week, the primary mode of accommodation for new arrivals from Ukraine will be tented facilities. Some individuals have already been settled in tents, and this practice will be expanded as new locations for tented facilities become available. Importantly, priority will be afforded to vulnerable arrivals for any non-tented accommodation that may become accessible.
In essence, the Stradbally site, renowned for hosting the Electric Picnic arts and music festival at Stradbally Hall Estate in County Laois, will now serve as a critical facility in supporting and addressing the needs of refugees during this crucial period.
