Thousands of refugees fleeing Syria and Afghanistan continue to cross European borders, with the border between Hungry and Serbia the focal point of much of the movement in the last week.

Newstalk’s Shona Murray is on the Hungarian border with Serbia now and she reported for Newstalk Breakfast on the situation there, with a heavy police presence adding to an already tense atmosphere between the refugees and Hungarian officials.

Taimer Ghaznavery from Afghanistan spoke about why most refugees would not consider Ireland as a destination, primarily due to its distance -“Many of these people cannot afford to pay” the cost of travelling to Ireland, he said.

“I think Irish people are a peace loving people. I would love to go to Ireland but it is very difficult because we have to cross many borders (and) pay much money,” he said.

With a more robust economy and welcoming system, the vast bulk of refugees aim for Germany – and do not generally consider Ireland as an option, largely due to the distance and the need to cross several more European nations to complete that journey.

Shona also spoke to young university students from Homa in Syria, who talked to her about their plans to eventually return to their home once the conflict has ended, and the danger of the journey to Hungary – and why they wouldn’t do it again.

Listen below to Shona Murray's report from the Hungary-Serbia border