Children from Ukraine visit DSPCA in Rathfarnham

CHILDREN from Ukraine were brought on a visit to the Dublin Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (DSPCA) facility in Rathfarnham.

The trip was part of an initiative to help the Eastern Europeans acclimatise to their Irish settings, before they set off for new accommodation in the West of Ireland.

South Dublin Mayor Emma Murphy got in touch with the DSPCA, who facilitated the event.

“During Dublin Pride parade, I was walking with the Taoiseach and Ukranian kids.

“They were talking about their experience in Ireland, and what came out of that, was that a lot of them left pets at homes, or came from agricultural and farming backgrounds, and they couldn’t bring their pets and are missing them,” said Mayor Murphy.

“As part of their integration to Ireland, there has been a huge amount of displacement, they are a struggling group, missing home and adapting to life in Ireland.

Checking out the goats at the DSPCA

“I contacted the DSPCA and they facilitated a visit for 20 Ukrainian kids and some parents.”

Gillian Bird, DSPCA Education Officer, said it is” absolutely fantastic” to help out.

“Education is important for everybody. It is fantastic to be able to do this”, she said.

PJ from DSPCA introducing some of the facility’s residents

“We will have a chat with them, give them stuff and information. These guys will be heading to Mayo in a couple of weeks.

“We have been doing our bit all along, have some Ukrainian kids in our summer camps, but it is a bit more under the radar.”

Mayor Murphy, who previously said Citywest Hotel was “managed chaos” in terms of the ability to process refugees, believes the situation in Citywest is improving.

“The Taoiseach said the more Russian activity in Ukraine, the more Ukrainians there will be in Ireland.

“We weren’t prepared, but the centre has improved. People are being processed quicker, but it is a day-to-day situation.”