Ukrainian refugees clean up south Dublin park to give back to community

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Ukrainian refugees staying in south Dublin organised a clean-day last week to thank the community for their support.

Women and children staying in the Clayton Hotel at Liffey Valley spent one of their mornings picking up rubbish in Lucan.

South Dublin County Council supplied equipment to the group and the clean-up took place in the Hermitage Park area.

Read more: €400 payment for Irish households who take in Ukrainian refugees set to go to Cabinet

Yulia is one of the women living in the Clayton and told Dublin Live that the clean-up was “a small thank you to the people of Ireland for what they have done for us”.

She said: “When we arrived in Dublin, some people helped us with things for us and the children, food and diapers for the babies, sweets and fruits.

“The cleaning went great. Every family that lives in our hotel agreed to participate, both adults and children.

“The older children helped to collect garbage, the younger ones played on the playground. It was wonderful sunny and warm weather.”



Ukrainian women and children doing a clean-up in Lucan last week

Yulia mentioned local Niamh Kinsella who has been a big help in assisting the families with settling into the community.

“Niamh Kinsella helps us in many organizational matters here, she helped the children find a school,” Yulia said.

“She phoned the council and agreed on a day and time, as well as a place where it would be better to do something. The council produced large garbage bags, mittens and special sticks for collecting garbage.”

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Rubbish collected in Hermitage Park by the group

Yulia arrived in Ireland in early March and said it was hard in the beginning.

“Several of our families arrived in Dublin on March 10,” she said.

“It was hard in the beginning, because we were the first to go through the path. Now we already know a lot and have completed all necessary documents.

“Children go to school and small children who are four years old go to another school.

“Difficulties for us were in the preparation of the necessary documents, because every day we learned something new.

“A big problem for many girls is not speaking the language. We started learning English.

“I think there will be more problems that are associated with finding housing and work. But we’ll manage.”

Read more: Hugh Lane Gallery to host charity event celebrating Ukrainian culture

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