On the afternoon of 27th March, Nadiia Chopko, her husband and their four children disembarked at Dublin Airport. A mere three hours later, they found themselves in a stopgap housing centre in Ballyogan, South Dublin. Having fled the conflict in Ukraine, the Chopko family, though not ideally situated, were relieved to be safe and sheltered, as Nadiia Chopko conveyed via an interpreter.
Four months on, living in Ireland, Chopko is largely content and holds high hopes for the future. In March, the Irish Government amended legislation to assist those escaping the Ukrainian war. Post March 14, newcomers to Ireland are offered state-funded temporary housing for up to 90 days, along with food, services and help with integration.
Upon arrival, the Chopko family’s accommodation had its drawbacks – a roughly 50-bed room with no partitioning, housing only their family. Despite the unconventional setup, its proximity to Dublin was a benefit, and within a week Chopko found employment.
She appreciated the efficient public transportation in Dublin which eased her commute. With the necessities like food and accommodation taken care of, the family concentrated on job hunting and getting set up with public service cards, health cards and bank accounts, she shared of their initial phase.
Nevertheless, the impending 90-day deadline was always in the back of Chopko’s mind. Every fortnight she would receive a reminder, via email and her phone, of the dwindling time before they would need to relocate yet again.
“According to the Irish Red Cross’ Brian Purcell, refugees who delay their departure from conflict zones often suffer greater losses and experience dire circumstances. Their resulting impoverishment and desperation make them increasingly vulnerable.
When the Irish Red Cross representatives visited Ballyogan’s facility, they learned about the plight of Chopko and her family. The Red Cross team, dealing with migration, subsequently contacted her with an offer of a temporary abode in County Kerry, situated in the southwest part of Ireland.
The Irish Government implemented a 90-day housing policy in March, since when about 3,061 war-torn individuals from Ukraine have sought refuge in Ireland. A little over half of them have accepted residences provided by the State, as revealed by the Department of Integration.
The small yet supportive community living in their newfound village has warmly welcomed the Chopkos. The house’s proprietor circulated news of their arrival swiftly, leading to the youngest Chopko securing a spot at a local school.
As of June 11th, 2024, the figure of Ukrainians living in provided living quarters has decreased to below 45,000, down from 60,000 in November 2023, observed the department. It further indicated a weekly decline rate of 42 people opting for alternatives.
Before their given accommodation timespan expired, the Chopkos had relocated. Chopko stated that although leaving Dublin was a relatively easy choice for them, their compulsory exit from Ukraine was considerably harder. Given the size of their family, securing housing in Dublin for all of them was proving too challenging, making relocation their only feasible option.
Navigating life within the isolated County Kerry presented its hurdles. Matters such as acquiring transport, seeking work, and enrolling their children in schools needed addressing. Nevertheless, the helping hand of the local community, and, remarkably, other displaced Ukrainians, helped to smooth their transition, including helping them locate a vehicle for purchase.”
Each school day sees Chopko escorting her son to school in the vehicle recently acquired by her and her spouse. “Travelling six kilometres now appears rather trivial,” she comments with a chuckle.
Rather than relying solely on support from social services, Chopko and her husband, Andrii, take it upon themselves to seek employment. Intending to set up a local enterprise, Chopko contemplates pursuing tailoring, a skill she utilised back in her homeland. Meanwhile, Andrii aims to break into the metal construction industry, mirroring his previous factory work in Ukraine.
“Tailoring was part of my life in Ukraine, creating garments for myself and my loved ones. Given the difficulty in securing employment here, I’m considering tailoring as a viable alternative. I’ve already procured a sewing machine. Within a 40km radius of our location, there isn’t a single tailor; I’ve checked on Google,” Chopko discloses.
With their lives in flux, the Chopkos live each day as it comes. “We cherished our existence back in Ukraine, and it was nothing but grim circumstances that forced us to leave. Thus, we steer clear of long-term plans,” Chopko articulates. “We find satisfaction in our current living conditions, with our stunning home and gracious host.”