Ukrainian refugees in Ireland - Megathread

09-06-2022 02:39PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119179559#Comment_119179559

I know it sounds terrible but I think we need to get a grip on this before we're fucked.

Sorry, but from what I've seen, it's too late. Between covid, and Ukraine, government spending is out of control.. without that spending being directed at improving the infrastructure of Ireland. Instead it's being directed at feel-good initiatives, NGOs, minority groups, refugees, migrant supports, or badly planned developments, that invariably get placed on hold later, which costs the taxpayer even more.

We're already fucked. The current state of the HSE is an absolute joke, especially outside of the main urban areas. There is no resistance in Ireland to the political parties. Our regulatory bodies or organisations aimed at reining in our politicians are compromised, or don't care. I don't know which, but it's the same with RTE and the broadcasting regulatory commission. Bias is everywhere.. and it's not a bias directed at favouring Irish people.

So, honestly, I'd suggest forming opposition groups, and shouting loudly, or make plans to leave Ireland, because this country is heading towards a meltdown.

09-06-2022 03:09PM

I have heard of one where a local Bus Driver picks up the Ukrainians from their accommodation and takes them to a shopping centre in the local town. The Bus Driver has a debit card and literally goes around and taps to pay for their food shopping. I'm not sure if there is a limit on the amount they can spend.

Bus Driver is a good sort so I doubt he is lying.

The need for some serious Cop On is right (inserts serious roll eyes).

Boggles · 09-06-2022 03:15PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119178792#Comment_119178792

When Ukraine kicked off, our politicians could have resisted the EU

Resisted a directive we incorporated into our own statute?

You'll have to explain that one?

they would have gained support from many of the other member states

Like who? Name them?

The activation of the TPD was voted through unanimously by every member apart from Denmark who didn't have a vote but instead passed a law to incorporate similar supports.

the same way Poland did over immigration

Can you image the humanitarian crisis in Poland now if the EU adopted similar?

Boggles · 09-06-2022 03:38PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119179744#Comment_119179744

government spending is out of control.. without that spending being directed at improving the infrastructure of Ireland

We are spending an absolute shít load on infrastructure.

Almost twice the EU average.

We're already fucked

Epic scaremongering.

The exchequer collected record amounts of revenue from Vat, income, and corporation taxes, allaying fears that the Irish economy and in particular household spending would be hit hard by the worst surge in consumer prices for a generation.

Figures released in late May, showed the number of people in employment, at 2.5 million, had reached record levels and had pushed beyond the levels before the onset of the Covid-19 crisis.

Like every other single country we certainly have our share our problems, particularly at the moment the cost of living driven largely by Soviet Expansionism, but again this will ease.

The idea the country is "fúcked" is as confusing as it is nonsensical.

Dempo1 · 09-06-2022 03:41PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119179867#Comment_119179867

I can't comment on the use of Debit cards but can confirm someone is paying for a private bus service for 22 Ukrainian women that mysteriously ended up in my village in the arse end of nowhere, the service is pit on 3 days a week into town.

Meanwhile, I'll be bringing a sick neighbour down to the hospital for an urgent medical appointment tomorrow, no transport services being put on for him.

09-06-2022 04:54PM

"the long period of virtually free money that enabled the Government to easily borrow billions for Covid support measures is coming to an end.

Ireland – along with much of the world - is now facing a period of high inflation, central bank tightening and economic uncertainty, which is causing bond investors to demand a greater risk premium."

https://www.independent.ie/business/irish/ireland-set-to-use-full-coffers-to-pay-down-more-bailout-debt-41736053.html

_Kaiser_ · 09-06-2022 05:41PM

I know it sounds terrible but I think we need to get a grip on this before we're fucked.

And right on cue, just as I said earlier in fact:

https://www.independent.ie/business/personal-finance/property-mortgages/mortgage-holders-bracing-for-higher-costs-as-ecb-set-to-start-raising-interest-rates-from-next-month-41736607.html

MORTGAGE holders have to brace for higher costs after the European Central Bank signalled a change in policy that is set to hit those with variable and tracker rates.

The European Central Bank (ECB) is now set hike its key refinancing rate in July and again in September.

Two rises of 0.25pc have been indicated, but a rise of 0.50pc in September could be implemented if high inflation persists.

This is likely to impact some 450,000 people who have a tracker or variable rate. And it will mean future fixed rates will become more expensive.

Each 0.25pc rise in the ECB rates will cost €30 more in monthly repayments for a €250,000 tracker mortgage.

Just the beginning I fear.

And then you have Heather Humphries coming out with gems like this:

Minister Humphreys insisted: “We have done a huge amount. We have cut the excise on diesel and on petrol. We have cut the VAT on the gas and electricity. We have reduced public transport fares by 20pc.

“So we have done an awful lot already. But there are limits as to what Government can do. We do not have a magic money tree.”

https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/politics/government-doesnt-have-magic-money-tree-says-minister-as-cost-of-living-crisis-worsens-41733566.html

I guess those limits only apply though if you're a native taxpayer!

enricoh · 10-06-2022 04:56PM

Numbers coming over going up after having dipped. I see Poland are cutting some benefits, Ireland will be looking very attractive very fast.

Independent.ie: Revealed: The counties that have welcomed the most Ukrainian refugees after surge of 2500 in past fortnight.

https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/revealed-the-counties-that-have-welcomed-the-most-ukrainian-refugees-after-surge-of-2500-in-past-fortnight-41740278.html

10-06-2022 05:36PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119185107#Comment_119185107

why Kerry and Clare? Genuine question….

enricoh · 10-06-2022 05:45PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119185237#Comment_119185237

Don't know tbh- plenty of hotels?

Dempo1 · 10-06-2022 06:02PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119185237#Comment_119185237

Kerry, likely because of availability of hotel rooms initially but hotels want those rooms back, there's also a lot of Hostels in Kerry, Claire is a genuine mystery but I believe one hotelier has a number of properties and did a deal to fill his rooms.

Luxembourgo · 10-06-2022 06:09PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119185326#Comment_119185326

Burren is a massive tourist attraction, good few hotels there. And yes one hotelier family is raking it in

Strumms · 10-06-2022 06:09PM

So we’ll be seeing hotels full, enabling people who want to come here as tourists and adding to our economy won’t really have an opportunity… so all outward spend.

Dempo1 · 10-06-2022 06:17PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119185355#Comment_119185355

Thanks for clarification, have to confess, don't know clare well even though I worked in Ennis and Ennistimon, many years ago 😏 but know Kerry very well especially Dingle, we're I lived for a few years .

Dempo1 · 10-06-2022 06:19PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119185356#Comment_119185356

Unfortunately that decision was made months ago , based I believe on the Harsh Reality few tourists were going to come this year. Those that have must be scratching their heads at the lack of accommodation, Horrendous car hire costs and general Gouging go on.

Luxembourgo · 10-06-2022 06:23PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119185387#Comment_119185387

Its great news for the hotels not so much for the surrounding / dependent businesses.

They were starved of business with covid just won't get the chance to recover. Most of lisdoonvarna survives due to the matchmaking festival hard to see how it goes ahead now without being seriously reduced, as all the hotel places are taken

Strumms · 10-06-2022 06:24PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119179559#Comment_119179559

we saw this coming but hey..

remember the next pay check you open, the next time you or a friend relative is put on a hospital waiting list… for months and months or has their medical card taken :) what a time to be alive,

Dempo1 · 10-06-2022 06:31PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119185410#Comment_119185410

Yes it's a harsh fact most of Clares tourism is seasonal and to be fair to Hoteliers, its hard to be critical re giving over hotels to accommodate refugees, guaranteed income when they knew it was going to be a bad season, I'd be curious to know what government would have done if there was no hotel rooms available. This all said there's wider consequences as you point out to local economies and if Hotels off the Tourist market for two years they'll find it very difficult to re enter the market.

jmreire · 10-06-2022 07:18PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119160016#Comment_119160016

I doubt that the housing, health and schooling situation was as dire 20 years ago as it is presently...times were completely different back then.

jmreire · 10-06-2022 07:28PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119160056#Comment_119160056

Only for Poland stepping up to the plate when they did, there's a fair chance that Ukraine would have fallen to Putin. Fair play to them. And if they have put a time limit welfare payments, what's wrong with that? They will either find work, or return to the part of Ukraine where it is safe. When you have no choice in the matter, you take the only course open to you. The Russians have been denied access to most of Ukraine, but that was not certain in the beginning, when the invasion began, and no one knew where it would stop, so many people left back then, but now the situation has changed, and in many areas its safe to return to.

jmreire · 10-06-2022 07:47PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119157657#Comment_119157657

The Irish Red Cross account for every penny collected throughout the year, and I'm sure that they will respond with any request to give an update on what's already happening with the funds donated for Ukraine. They are completely transparent where their operations are concerned.

10-06-2022 07:59PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119185396#Comment_119185396

Ireland isn’t alone in skyrocketing prices. It’s happening all over Europe, if not the World. Any tourists coming will already have their accommodation arranged and will know the cost.

Dempo1 · 10-06-2022 08:02PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119185834#Comment_119185834

I never said Ireland is unique when it comes to increasing prices but sadly its a well known fact, its hospitality sector, excels in gouging practices and its no wonder its in the Toilet

10-06-2022 09:01PM

I sometimes wonder why people, who are so unhappy with living conditions in Ireland continue living here?

It’s not perfect, but it’s MY country. My home. One that’s been good to me and my children. One that I’d never want to leave.

People should put up or shut up. If you aren’t happy with something, stand up and do something about it. Don’t just moan on anonymous social media.

US3 · 10-06-2022 09:14PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119186163#Comment_119186163

Same thing for migrants and refugees who give out about our country?

10-06-2022 09:15PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119186163#Comment_119186163

You are very naïve Maryanne84. Ireland is changing so fast its hard to keep up. Ireland is not your country anymore. It is frightening to think what it will be like for your children and your grandchildren!! Open your eyes. Its not about us, its about our kids and our grandkids and what Ireland will be like in 10 years time! Have a read of this on the "Multiculturalism in Ireland " thread...............especially the quotes from Simon Coveney at the end! He wants the population to double.............and the extra 50% will NOT be Irish born. You are happy with this???? Read post #15571 on this page - an eye opener!

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058087687/what-are-your-views-on-multiculturalism-in-ireland-threadbanned-user-list-in-op/p519

end of the road · 10-06-2022 09:21PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119186220#Comment_119186220

i couldn't care a less no , there are actual issues out there, some brown and black people coming to live in ireland isn't one of those.

Ha Long Bay · 10-06-2022 09:23PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119186220#Comment_119186220

especially the quotes from Simon Coveney

Are you referring to this National Party propaganda from 4 years ago?

?

10-06-2022 09:23PM

So my friend in Kerry who has been housing a family of 8 Ukranian refugees for the last month rang me today. He said that the family had turned down houses in Tralee and Kenmare. He finally got them the option of a house in Killarney. They view it today and said it was not of high standard!! . They were quickly told by the Housing Officer that it would be grabbed by hundreds of other people if they didn't take it. They then proceeded to ask what day the bins were collected. I think they have a lot to learn.

I had a look at the Facebook page for "Ukranians in Ireland" earlier. Ukranians who were living in Greystones (wouldnt we all love that!) looking to move to Sutton. A 64 year old Ukranian man still in Ukraine looking for a house in Sutton or Howth!! Dream on.

10-06-2022 11:12PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119186163#Comment_119186163

People should put up or shut up.

It's not your country alone though.

It’s not perfect, but it’s MY country. My home. One that’s been good to me and my children. One that I’d never want to leave.

I was 30 years old when the banking crash happened. I had just taken out a reasonable mortgage, decent job (a fairly stable startup company), and I had no plans to go anywhere. My life was here. Totally. Next, I lost my job, couldn't get support with my mortgage, and the choice was to default (but keep all those lovely debts), or leave the country. So I left, continued paying my mortgage, supported my family in every way I could, but lived abroad. Since then, I've paid my mortgage (and taxes), registered a publishing company here (paid my taxes), registered my revenue which I made abroad (but paid my taxes here), and.. I'm back during covid to help my family.. but sure, I'll likely leave again, because I don't see things improving to the point where there's any value in returning full-time.

Sorry... but what you've written is remarkably ignorant, and selfish. It's MY country too. However, I am able to work abroad.. but my concern isn't for myself. My concern is for my nieces and nephews, and the nation they will inherit, and all the debt that will cripple their options for the future.

Don’t just moan on anonymous social media.

This rubbish. You have no idea what other posters do in their lives other than what you see on boards. Love how you're exempt from the moaning reference, considering you've posted up a lot of complaints/criticisms on the platform yourself. Wouldn't want to embrace double standards, would we?

Ukrainian refugees in Ireland - Megathread

Comments