Ukrainian Refugees: What SHOULD have been done?

Mods: This thread is not intended to mirror the Ukrainian accommodation or the Russia thread. If it evolves that way, fine, close the thread.

However, I've seen a lot of complaining over the handling of this refugee crisis (myself included), and I'm curious what people would have done differently. The handling of the situation by the Govt has been abysmal. Considering that they have experts and advisors to draw upon, in addition to the resources (human and others) of the EU/UN, to analyse and formulate a reasonable cost effective plan to deal with the problems involved, but are scampering around like headless chickens.

I don't intend the thread to be a govt bashing thread. We've done that to death already. Instead, for those of you interested in the situation, what do you think would have been the best action plans to implement for both Ukrainians and the Irish people. Keep in mind the problems that Ireland currently faces with the current housing crisis, inflation, and the very real possibility of a recession looming over the horizon. Also, that refugees are most likely to remain in Ireland for at least a year, and many will wish to remain in Ireland after the conflict has ended (nope, not looking for an argument over how many), thus adding to the demands for rental or purchase properties.

I'm not expecting anyone to do extensive research to support themselves. We all have lives to live (I'm in the middle of exams).

How would you respond to the situation? What would you seek to implement?

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For myself, I see two realistic answers.

First:

The provision of funding and expertise to Poland and other Eastern European countries to establish refugee camps, keeping Ukrainians close to Ukraine, but also providing adequate protection and care. Prefabs and tents can be setup relatively quickly, as there are large concentrations of NATO personnel stationed nearby with the knowledge of rapidly establishing forward operating bases, or logistics camps. Modern soldiers don't live that badly when a camp it established, so, for the short-medium period, such camps, if properly maintained, would be a realistic option. By not sending refugees throughout Western Europe, there wouldn't be the expense involved (As western nations are far more expensive in terms of living costs but also for all products and services). Basically, western money spent in Poland would go much further than any similar amount spent in Ireland. The monies saved could be poured into Eastern Europe, giving a serious stimulus to all Eastern European countries (which would improve their own economic stability, and give them the resources to improve their militaries against future conflict.) It would also serve to keep refugees close to Ukraine, and therefore easier to return after the conflict has ended. (Yes yes, Ukrainians love their country, but it was never easy for Ukrainians to get visas to EU nations, and right now, all basic visa requirements have been waived. Many will seek to remain after the conflict.. don't worry, they'll still love their country while they remain in Ireland or Germany)

Second: Ireland.

The government has put no cap on refugees to be accepted. Initially it was 20k, then 50, then 100, and lastly 200k. Realistically, the 50k is most likely with the current response in effect. If the govt response improves, more Ukrainians will want to come here.. that simple logic. So, 50k, women and children. Which likely means about 30k houses, rooms, or whatever. (We still have our own population to consider too). Which, regardless of how generous Irish people are, I don't believe to be practical, as it involves providing for people for 6m-1yr+. Sharing with strangers is difficult enough in normal times, never mind, people who are coming from a warzone. There's bound to be heaps of problems, and the numbers offering to help will drop. That's no judgment on those people involved... it's just the way I see it.

Now, I've spent a lot of time living in China, and Asia in general... and while the general quality of buildings is low compared to Ireland (in some areas), they're also put up extremely fast. If we're wanting quickly built units to last a decade or so, then, the difference in quality doesn't really matter.

For example, this 10-story apartment block was built in 29 hours. Now, from experience, I'm always very sceptical when it comes to China, and what Chinese companies do, but considering we're in something of a crisis here, similar investments could be a viable solution. I can remember Apartment complexes being built near to my own apartment, and being essentially finished in three months. That being four apartment towers, with roughly 24 floors (usually 4 apartments per floor, and two floors below ground for parking).

Surely, such a thing would be an option?

Alternatively, I was thinking of the boarding school I attended for Irish college which had three large buildings which communally held, I dunno, a hundred students or more. No real reason that similar dormitory style buildings couldn't be built to house Ukrainians in a particular area, which has the advantage of encouraging their community to be together. The old communist-era style apartment blocks are another option, with a similar setup.

In terms of land, NAMA still holds roughly 577 hectares of residential development land. And then, there's a rake of other land held by the government institutions would could redirected to such projects.

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The advantage of all this would be to have some alternatives to temporarily house Irish people (until they find their own place) once the Ukrainians go home.

In conclusion, don't turn this into a bitching session, and while you might want to do a Gotcha post to nitpick at peoples suggestions, perhaps refrain yourself? I know it's hard, but let's see a thread that talks about what's possible rather than people **** on others opinions. Something different on CA.

Lastly, let's stick to reality. Remember that money doesn't grow on trees. Leave out the SpaceX colonies on Mars.

So, what would you have liked to see done by the government? What would have been the best response to the crisis (let's not talk about joining NATO, stick to the refugee angle)?

Cheers.