A proposal to transfer Ukrainian refugees from Cahersiveen in Co Kerry more than 60km away to Tralee will not proceed, Minister for Integration Roderic O'Gorman has announced.
In a statement, the Department of Integration said those who wish to stay in Cahersiveen will be allowed to remain there. Some will move from their current accommodation at the Skellig Star to alternative sites within the town.
Around 220 Ukrainian refugees are currently living in the Skellig Star accommodation centre.
Others who wish to move to Tralee will also be facilitated. It is understood that around a dozen people have expressed an interest in moving to Tralee.
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It is understood that the spaces freed at the Skellig Star will be available for international protection applicants.
The Skellig Star was successful in tendering to provide international protection accommodation.
A spokesman for Minister O'Gorman said the moves were necessary to maximise all available accommodation for international protection applicants, given the current severe shortage.
The spokesman said the hotel will now be used as a mixed-use facility to accommodate international protection applicants and Ukrainian refugees.
