KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL PRESS RELEASE November 10th 2017

Kilkenny County Council and other agencies are delighted to welcome and support the resettlement of Syrian families as part of the Irish Government's commitment to The Irish Refugee Protection Programme.

25 to 30 Syrian families, will be welcomed to County Kilkenny during 2017 and 2018. It is hoped that we can house and resettle two to four families at a time beginning in December 2017. This will ensure greater integration and greater supports for both the families and the welcoming communities

The areas that are being considered for the first 18 families are Piltown, Urlingford Callan, Rosbercon, Graiguenamanagh and Ferrybank. In 2018, we will be examining additional locations such as Thomastown, Castlecomer and Kilkenny for the remaining families, but other areas may need to be considered also depending on overall requirements of families and communities. It is intended to purchase houses where possible and some houses will also be provided by Approved Voluntary Housing Bodies. It is our intention to ensure the minimum impact on our existing social housing applicants while also honouring our humanitarian commitment and welcoming families in real need to our county.

In undertaking our commitment to the resettlement process Kilkenny County Council has established a local Resettlement Inter-Agency Working Group. This Working Group will ensure the provision of appropriate supports and services which will include the appointment of a Resettlement Worker and an Intercultural Worker to support families in their transition to life in Kilkenny.

Mary J Mulholland, Director of Services, KCC

Queries please contact Lindsey Butler or Martin Mullally, at Lindsey.Butler@kilkennycoco.ie, martin.mullally@kilkennycoco.ie