1,000 signatures reached
To: Department of Children
Prevent forced relocation of Ukrainian families settled in Blackrock
Our lives and the vibrant nature of our community in Blackrock, Co. Dublin are touched and enriched by five Ukrainian refugee families who have now made this place their home.
It was very reassuring to know one of the girls settled into my daughter's primary school class at Carysfort National School. She found joy, friends, and integrated well into the local community under very difficult circumstances. Her mother, who works locally, has also become a valued member of our community.
In total, the families comprise of five mothers, two fathers, and 8 children, all of who are actively contributing to both the economic and social life of Blackrock.
There are also 15 other adults, 18-66 yrs old, in employment and retired.
They have worked tirelessly to settle amid incredibly challenging circumstances, and their efforts have not gone unnoticed. They've become part of our local sports clubs, employment market, schools, and more importantly, our lives and hearts.
Despite their successful integration, the Department of Children is planning a very short-notice relocation to the other side of the city and proposed closing the accommodation.
The families were told by letter on Friday of last week the 20th of September that they must move out by *7th October*.
This is deeply concerning because moving them would not only impose unwarranted distress on these families but also deprive our community of valuable members. It is also not in line with Ireland's cherished tradition of hospitality and acceptance, strongly embedded in the ethos of the Irish Refugee Protection Programme.
We urge the Department of Children to reconsider moving these families from their established homes in Blackrock. Their lives with us are a testament of resilience and mutual enrichment - narratives we should strive to uphold in our society.
Time is of the essence and we need to act now. Stand with us as we call upon the relevant authorities to let our friends stay where they have so splendidly settled-in. Please sign this petition to support our cause.
It was very reassuring to know one of the girls settled into my daughter's primary school class at Carysfort National School. She found joy, friends, and integrated well into the local community under very difficult circumstances. Her mother, who works locally, has also become a valued member of our community.
In total, the families comprise of five mothers, two fathers, and 8 children, all of who are actively contributing to both the economic and social life of Blackrock.
There are also 15 other adults, 18-66 yrs old, in employment and retired.
They have worked tirelessly to settle amid incredibly challenging circumstances, and their efforts have not gone unnoticed. They've become part of our local sports clubs, employment market, schools, and more importantly, our lives and hearts.
Despite their successful integration, the Department of Children is planning a very short-notice relocation to the other side of the city and proposed closing the accommodation.
The families were told by letter on Friday of last week the 20th of September that they must move out by *7th October*.
This is deeply concerning because moving them would not only impose unwarranted distress on these families but also deprive our community of valuable members. It is also not in line with Ireland's cherished tradition of hospitality and acceptance, strongly embedded in the ethos of the Irish Refugee Protection Programme.
We urge the Department of Children to reconsider moving these families from their established homes in Blackrock. Their lives with us are a testament of resilience and mutual enrichment - narratives we should strive to uphold in our society.
Time is of the essence and we need to act now. Stand with us as we call upon the relevant authorities to let our friends stay where they have so splendidly settled-in. Please sign this petition to support our cause.
Why is this important?
The affected families have been integrated into many parts of our town in Blackrock so it would have an impact on many people in the community. It is within our interest to maintain them as a key part of this community going forward.