Waterford council appeals to locals with unoccupied property to house Ukrainian refugees

Waterford City and County Council is appealing to people to offer temporary homes to those fleeing war in Ukraine. 

The call is part of a new government initiative led by local authorities to make use of unoccupied houses, apartments or holiday homes to house Ukrainian people and their families. 

A tax-free recognition payment of €800 per month is available for properties used to house those arriving from Ukraine, a payment rate which applies from December 1, 2022. 

More than 60,000 people have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine seeking safety since the start of Russia's war, with the vast majority in need of accommodation. 

Under a new programme, Waterford City and County Council will take offers of temporary accommodation, liaise with owners to assess suitability, and arrange for their use by Ukrainian people and families. 

Those who offer a property can expect to be contacted by the council within 5 working days of making their offer and an assessment of the property will be carried out by Waterford Council staff shortly after. 

The assessment is to ensure the property is habitable and to get some details so it can be matched to the most appropriate person or family. 

Anybody who offers a property will be able to check the status of their offer at any stage through the Offer a Home website. 

Properties should be in liveable condition and, ideally, available for at least 6 months. 

Appealing to the people of Waterford to offer unused properties, Sinéad Breathnach, WCCC Ukrainian Refugee Lead said, "The Irish and particularly Waterford people have shown incredible support for the people of Ukraine. We know that people are very anxious to help where they can so we’re appealing to anybody who has a house, apartment, or holiday home here in Waterford that they’re not using at the moment to consider offering it to those who need shelter and safety from war.

"We understand that it can be daunting to offer a property to someone you don’t know. That is why dedicated Waterford Council staff will work with you throughout the process and be there to offer support while your property is being used.

"If you have a property that is otherwise going to be empty this winter, please consider offering it for those who badly need a safe home for a while,” Ms. Breathnach concluded. 

To offer a property or for more information, visit www.offerahome.ie or make contact with Waterford Council at email offerahome@waterfordcouncil.ie or by telephone on 058 22059.