Dozens of Ukrainians refugees have received medical attention in Banteer, Cork after falling ill from a suspected vomiting bug.

“My understanding is that they were feeling unwell on arrival,” Cork North West TD Michael Moynihan explained to Newstalk. 

“There was medical advice for them overnight but this morning GPs and personnel from the armed service were there. 

“I understand two people - an adult and a child - have been transferred to Cork University Hospital for further treatment.” 

In a statement to the press, Cork County Council said:

“A total of 46 Ukrainian refugees were placed in emergency rest centre accommodation in Banteer on Saturday night 16th April.

“A number of refugees complained of feeling unwell upon arrival. Medical assistance was called immediately and medical help was present on site overnight. 

“The HSE's Public Health Unit has been mobilised and the centre currently has restricted access while the matter is being addressed.”

Lviv, Ukraine - March 7, 2022: Ukrainian refugees on Lviv railway station waiting for train to escape to Europe

'An acute shortage of accommodation'

Last week the Government said that some 21,000 Ukrainian refugees had arrived in Ireland and efforts are being made to disperse them across the country. 

Speaking to Newstalk last week, Tom Gilligan from Mayo County Council said it would be a challenge to find them all homes and urged second home owners to step up and help: 

“If you look at the last census in 2016 we had about 4,800 holiday homes here in Mayo,” he said. 

“Now I appreciate that the majority of those could be in areas whereby the supports might not be in place and I think it’s very important that when you house a refugee, that you also ensure that the supports are there - in relation to education, in relation to medical care and other supports as well.

“This is an opportunity for holiday home owners to show leadership, to step up, to provide that accommodation at a time when it is most needed. 

“We have an acute shortage of accommodation in Mayo and throughout the country.”

Main image: Refugees from the Ukraine after their arrival at Berlin Central Station. Picture by Alamy.com