The Government is seeking to secure church owned properties for free or at a low cost to house Ukrainian refugees.
The State is reportedly poised to spend 5 million euro on renovating and maintaining the buildings.
The Department of Children’s been leading the Government effort to house refugees – it’s been in talks with the Association of Leaders and Missionaries and Religious of Ireland about taking control of church properties.
The Irish Independent reports the AMRI told the State that its member’s buildings could be offered free of charge if they’re properly maintained, with utilities paid for.
The properties could house other people seeking international protection, not just Ukrainian refugees.
A senior Government official has said there’s a ‘reluctance’ among those fleeing Russia’s invasion to take up accommodation pledged by members of the public, as it would separate them from communities built up in the hotels and community spaces they’ve been living in.
Approximately 43 thousand Ukrainian refugees have arrived since February.
