A number of Ukrainian refugees are successfully finding employment across West Waterford.
Waterford City & County Council’s Ukraine response team are working in close proximity with the Dungarvan and West Waterford Chamber of Commerce to find jobs for many of those who’ve arrived in the local area.
Speaking to WLR News, CEO of Dungarvan and West Waterford Chamber of Commerce says refugees are successfully integrating into the local community, particularly in the business sector.
Jenny says the local community have been so welcoming to the new arrivals.
“It was fantastic to see from the get go, that businesses in particular, and obviously the people behind the businesses - were willing and hospitable, welcoming Ukrainians with open arms, whilst offering the dignity of employment. We want them to be a part of our community.”
Arrivals from Eastern Europe are now working in local restaurants, pharmacies and hotels having fled their home country on account of the Russian invasion. Efforts are also underway to find work for other qualifications.
“Successful placements so far would include a chef, a pharmacist, lots of kitchen hospitality staff, a translator, a sound engineer and a number of cleaners. We are actually trying to lobby the government at the moment so that they would accept Ukrainian lorry driver licenses. We have a number of companies here who would like to employ Ukrainian lorry drivers that are in Dungarvan.”
It’s an ever changing situation - and Jenny Beresford says much of the success of integration efforts comes down to hard work from two people in particular.
“The situation is changing all the time. Who would have predicted this six months ago? Hats off to Noeleen Osborne who is co-ordinating refugees around the Dungarvan area, and to Sinéad Breathnach who is over the Council’s Ukraine response team. Waterford Council have been absolutely fantastic. Every day is very different and they’ve really shown what flexibility and courage are to figure everything out and realise what is the best way forward for everyone.”
