Ukrainian Families in Wexford Emergency Accommodation Struggle Without Daily Bus Service

Four years on from the outbreak of war in Ukraine, families now living in emergency accommodation in Wexford say they are facing a daily struggle just to get into town.

Residents at Stanville Lodge say the nearest bus stop is almost a kilometre away, along what they describe as a dangerous and unsuitable stretch of road. While a limited service operates twice a week, many say it is simply not enough to meet their daily needs.

Natalia, a mother of three, travels into Wexford town each day to bring her children to school and creche. She says the walk to the bus stop takes around 20 minutes and involves navigating heavy traffic.

“When I go to the bus stop in the morning, it’s about 20 minutes because so many cars and big trucks. It’s so dangerous. My kids are scared,” she said.

Elderly residents are among those most affected. Many have mobility issues and underlying health conditions that make the kilometre walk extremely difficult.

One 73-year-old woman with heart problems must walk to Larkins Cross to catch a bus whenever she needs to attend a GP appointment. The journey involves a 20-minute walk, a wait for the bus, travel into town, and often a lengthy wait for a return service before making the same walk back to the accommodation.

An 87-year-old resident described the situation as “hard”, particularly when carrying shopping. Others spoke of previous surgeries and leg problems that make the walk painful and, at times, unmanageable.

Residents also raised concerns about poor lighting and fast-moving traffic along the route, particularly during darker winter evenings.

For those working in town, the issue presents an additional challenge. One resident employed at the Talbot Hotel said he often finishes work after dark and relies on the last bus back.

“It’s dark already outside, so it’s dangerous for me to come from the bus. Sometimes drivers see me, sometimes not,” he said.

Another resident working locally said the lack of a closer stop adds significant time to his commute and makes everyday tasks like grocery shopping more difficult.

Residents say they are eager to work, study and integrate into the community, but stress that reliable public transport is essential to doing so. They have contacted local bus services and the Minister for Transport seeking a review of the situation.

For now, they say that something as simple as installing a safe bus stop outside Stanville Lodge would make a significant difference to daily life and most importantly, improve safety for families, workers and elderly residents alike.