By Michelle Crean

The Government department in charge of moving 135 Ukrainian women and children tomorrow from Killarney to Mayo says it will "make this move as easy and efficient as possible".

In response to a query from the Killarney Advertiser, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, which is overseen by Minister Roderic O'Gorman TD, said that Hotel Killarney was originally meant to host International Protection applicants - or refugees.

The Ukrainians, they said, were housed there temporarily and will now have to be moved to Mayo - or the newly arrived refugees will face homelessness.

"Ireland is now accommodating 55,000 people between those fleeing Ukraine (Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection, or BOTPs) and International Protection applicants. This compares to 7,500 at this time last year," the Department said.

"The accommodation in Killarney referred to was previously successful in applying to host International Protection applicants [refugees]. As an interim measure, BOTPs [Ukrainians] were accommodated there.

"There is now a severe shortage of accommodation for International Protection applicants and, as such, the accommodation in Killarney is required in order to prevent International Applicants from entering homelessness."

BOTPs have been offered alternative accommodation in Westport, and are also eligible for pledged accommodation options, they said.

"There are 25 pledged accommodation units reported available in Killarney. Kerry County Council have been working with Peter McVerry to encourage the take up of pledges.

"The Department is cognisant of the impact such moves have on those affected, and work to ensure these only take place where absolutely necessary. We are now working with our implementing partners and accommodation providers to make this move as easy and efficient as possible."