News
One in five Ukrainians in Ireland have already found work

By Natalya Krasnenkova
One in five Ukrainian refugees who have arrived in Ireland since the war broke out have already found employment, while almost two thirds of the remainder are actively looking for work.
This is one of the principle findings of the inaugural survey of Ukrainian refugees carried out by Ukrainian Action In Ireland (UACT), a registered non-profit committed to supporting Ukraine and Ukrainian refugees.
It was established by a group of Ukrainian and Irish volunteers united by the idea to help Ukraine and Ukrainians in the times of the war and beyond. Their main mission is to be the voice and action for Ukrainians in Ireland, to provide humanitarian support to Ukraine, and to show and promote a positive image of modern Ukraine in Ireland.
SURVEY
The main purpose of the survey is to give a voice to Ukrainians fleeing the war and to learn about the main challenges they face. Some 2,191 adult Ukrainian refugees living in the Republic of Ireland were surveyed.
“It is important for UAСT to understand the real pains and problems of Ukrainians from people directly," Olena Redrugina, a co-founder of UAСT, said.
"We understand that many Ukrainians are spread across Ireland, and this survey allowed us to reach out to the most remote locations. This is our first survey, which gave us lots of unexpected insights. It triggered many new ideas and insights within UACT and we hope this information will be of use to everyone involved.”
Of those who have found work, only 5% have found a job matching their professional qualifications. Two out of every five (38%) refugees looking for a job do not have a bank account/card. Mothers face the greatest difficulties finding employment. Although 20% of mothers have found jobs and 43% are actively looking, 22% are unable to work because of child commitments or health conditions.
LANGUAGE BARRIER
One of the biggest issues facing Ukrainian refugees in accessing language courses, with almost half of all respondents speaking little or no English and 63% experiencing a language barrier in their search for a job. More than half of Ukrainians are studying English by themselves using online resources. 40% of them are attending English classes in person.
Most respondents are happy with the provided education. However, frequent relocation is affecting and interrupting language studies. Respondents expressed a strong desire to have more conversational practice and more frequency of classes (more than once per week). With most of the courses oriented towards the unemployed, those who have found jobs struggle to find education outside of working hours.
GRATITUDE
90% of Ukrainians expressed deep gratitude to the Irish Government and the Irish people for being able to live in safety. Almost two-thirds of Ukrainians are willing to actively contribute to the economy of Ireland, and half of the displaced are actively looking for a job and actively studying English.
ACCESS TO SERVICES
Most of the Ukrainian refugee respondents said they did not have issues with services and are satisfied overall. Over 90% are highly satisfied with how they were granted Temporary Protection and a PPS Number. On the other hand, 37% have not received a Medical Card and have issues finding a GP. Some 70% of Ukrainians have not received a bank card. Only 3% exchanged their Ukrainian driving license for an Irish one.
News
Final delivery as DJ retires
By Michelle Crean There’s hardly a Killarney home he hasn’t been to – but now DJ O’Driscoll has stood down from his duties. Friday night marked delivery driver DJ’s retirement […]

By Michelle Crean
There’s hardly a Killarney home he hasn’t been to – but now DJ O’Driscoll has stood down from his duties.
Friday night marked delivery driver DJ’s retirement from the Killarney branch of Corcoran’s Furniture & Carpets, a position he has held for the last 15 years.
On Friday night, colleagues from all three Corcoran’s Furniture & Carpets stores gathered in the Killarney Height’s Hotel. DJ was also joined by his daughter and her partner for the special night.
“After almost 15 years of steadfast work with Corcoran’s, DJ has been a constant pillar of support for his colleagues and has helped the company go from strength to strength,” owner Kieran Corcoran said.
“Corcoran’s would like to wish DJ the very best of luck for the future and hoping that he enjoys his retirement. Many thanks to Killarney Height’s Hotel for hosting the staff night on Friday. A great night was had by all!”
News
Rowers pull together for Order of Malta
Members of Flesk Valley Rowing Club had a strenuous but successful morning on Sunday when they collectively rowed the distance from Malin Head to Mizen Head. And it was all […]

Members of Flesk Valley Rowing Club had a strenuous but successful morning on Sunday when they collectively rowed the distance from Malin Head to Mizen Head.
And it was all done indoors on rowing machines in support of the Killarney Order of Malta.
Just before 11am the Valley armada ‘left shore’, and approximately 40 members aged from 12 to 50ish set to their task with enthusiasm. By midday someone reckoned that Barack Obama’s Plaza had been reached but unfortunately there was no stop for tea, just a splash of holy water, a mouthful of Lucozade and a few jelly babies for the lucky ones!
As the kilometres clicked slowly by the temperature started to rise and the cry went up from the gasping veterans to open all the doors!
No such problems for the junior relay crews who had a fantastic morning rowing, laughing, and racing each other all the way to the finish.
The junior members who took on the half-marathon distance individually were amazing throughout and got stronger as the finish line came into view.
“We’re delighted with how the morning went,” Tadhg Kelly from Flesk Valley said.
“There was a great atmosphere in the venue, and we are grateful to all the parents and Flesk Valley supporters who came along to encourage our young and not-so-young rowers. It was great too to see the members of the Order of Malta in attendance to offer their support, and the club would like to thank everyone who donated on the day.”
Tadhg also expressed his thanks to the underage coaches and committee members for looking after everyone during the event. He especially wanted to mention everyone at Celtic Steps and the Killarney Racecourse for facilitating the club and Workmens Rowing Club and Glenflesk GAA for the use of their equipment.
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