Scouting Ireland has confirmed it is “willing to provide sanctuary” to 30 refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine at Castle Saunderson International Scout Centre, Co Cavan.

A Scouting Ireland spokesperson confirmed on Tuesday afternoon that “discussions are continuing with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) in relation to providing refuge to 30 people fleeing the war in Ukraine at Castle Saunderson International Scout Centre".

The Scout Centre is located just metres from the Border and near the town of Belturbet.

The centre provides indoor accommodation and campsites covering 34 acres and is available to both Scouts and non-Scouts all year around.

Scouting Ireland Chairperson Ned Brennan informed members of the news on January 10, which he says is in keeping with the Scout Law and Promise.

“In keeping with our Scout Law and Promise and recognising our duty to supporting those who need our help, we are willing to provide sanctuary to refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine at Castle Saunderson, should it be deemed an appropriate location by the Department.”

Mr. Brennan detailed some of Scouting Ireland’s involvement with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY).

He said: “Since April 2022, Scouting Ireland has been assisting DCEDIY to house Ukrainian people seeking refuge in Ireland, by making the indoor accommodation available in our National Scout Centres.

“In recent weeks, the DCEDIY has requested additional shelter for incoming refugees in Castle Saunderson Scout Centre.”

Business will continue as usual at the Scout Centre and Mr. Brennan confirmed that the Scouts “would continue to be open to all members for camping and all other Scouting activities and a Safeguarding Risk Assessment would be conducted".

Just last week, a resident in Newtownbutler located only a few miles from the centre made this newspaper aware of proposals and expressed concern about how many refugees may be housed in the centre and what it may mean for facility users.

In Cavan, a small meeting of concerned residents was held near the gates of Castle Saunderson. Those present expressed a concern that those housed in the Scout Centre would be single Ukrainian men. 

One of those gathered, Graham McCann, told The Anglo Celt newspaper: “My concern in all of this is the safety of my elderly mother and the safety of my sister. I’ve no issue with families coming with kids but I do not want to see a centre full of men put here.”

A Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) spokeswoman said: “The Department can only confirm use of a premises once a contract has been signed, and will, in the first instance, inform local public representatives and statutory agencies through its Community Engagement Team.”

Three other Scout centres have been successfully used by the Department to provide sanctuary and a safe refuge to people fleeing the war in Ukraine without any negative impact on local communities.

On Tuesday, the Scouting Ireland spokesperson said: “Should the Department proceed with Castle Saunderson we are confident they will carry out appropriate background checks and will put measures in place and will support the people seeking shelter and safety in Ireland to integrate into our local community. The Centre would continue to be open to all members, schools and local groups for camping and all other activities.

"Our support for the government in meeting the needs of refugees from Ukraine is part of our active citizenship to work to create a better world for all our young people."