Local residents and public representatives have pleaded with Minister for Education Helen McEntee to intervene and prevent this weekend’s eviction of Ukrainian families from their home in Oughterard.

Joined by the Ukrainian residents themselves, they are asking the Minister to act because thirteen of those facing an Easter eviction are under 18 – and they all attend primary and secondary schools in the village.

All are based at Oughterard Manor, the former nursing home that is also at the centre of controversy over plans – now abandoned – to turn it into a centre for International Protection applicants. That was one of the reasons the Ukrainian residents were being forced to move.

“We have thirteen children under 18 years old. Six attend Scoil Chuimín agus Caitríona in Oughterard, three go to St. Paul’s Secondary School, one attends Muire Doireglinne, and three are in a community college in Galway,” said a representative of the Oughterard Manor residents.

“We were sure we would stay in Oughterard as long as possible. The kids have friends, they love their schools and teachers. We already feel like part of the community.

“We’re attending GRETB classes, joining local interest groups, taking part in events, and working. Many local people support us and stay in touch — they are our friends. We feel safe and comfortable here. It has been our home for more than two years.”

Their pleas were echoed by a group of local residents under the name Oughterard Welcomes All, calling for ‘compassion and common sense’.

“It’s heartbreaking to think our children’s friends, and our own neighbours, could be taken out of the community for no good reason,” said a spokesperson.

Caption: Cllr Seamus Walsh joins local residents and Ukrainian refugees in a silent protest against their eviction from the former Oughterard nursing home this week. Among the locals protesting is Helen McQuinn (on the walking frame), who lives next door to the facility. Photo: Tom Broderick.

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