Lack of transport limits Ukrainians’ job options

The shortage of regular public transport services between Castlepollard and Mullingar is standing in the way of efforts of the Ukrainian refugees living in the former Maple Court Nursing Home in Castlepollard to find employment, says Annette Tarpey from Multyfarnham, one of four retired teachers who have been offering weekly English classes to the newcomers.

“Five are about to do an induction day at Mergon; two others have obtained jobs at Feerick’s in Rathowen, and there has been some interest among businesses in Mullingar in taking staff from here – but the problem is how do they get to Mullingar and back?” says Annette.

Attendance is high at the English classes, both from beginners and from those who already speak the language but who need to polish up their skills, demonstrating a real wish to participate fully in Irish life.

However poor internet coverage in the area of the new community centre in Water Street – where the classes are being held – is also curbing their ability to further their ambitions, the teachers have found. It would be great if that problem could be tackled, Annette says.

There’s great goodwill towards the Ukrainian refugees living in Castlepollard, as evidenced by the donations of toiletries and clothes to the Maple Court community centre where the refugees are based – but there isn’t as yet any formal way to match up the newcomers’ needs with the community’s willingness to help.

Annette suggests that if locals from nearby areas from Castlepollard, Coole, Crookedwood, Fore, Whitehall and Collinstown could give regular or occasional lifts to one or more of the 64-strong group, it would be a huge help.

“A regular early morning lift could possibly open up employment opportunities in Mullingar where there are several vacancies in the hospitality and beauty industry,” she says, adding that it would be lovely if someone would offer to coordinate transport offers.

Some of the donations that have come to date have been imaginative, such as stationery and jigsaws from Fagan’s in Mullingar, and some of the Ukrainians have indicated that they would like the chance to get to know people locally – possibly through involvement with the GAA or through playing tennis on the local courts.

“It would be nice if there were some volunteers who would offer some conversation or chat opportunities – and I think the Ukrainians would enjoy an occasional dinner with a local family,” Annette adds.

Donations of working bicycles and helmets would, Annette continues, provide the Ukrainians with some independence.

Unused – but working – iPads or tablets and laptops would also be welcome.

“Fitness classes have started in Water Street Community Centre and 14 of the group have signed up; Anita Reynolds is offering arts and crafts with embroidery and tapestry every Monday: Jurgita Stuckaite is doing art for children on Sunday afternoons, and we have the English classes on Thursdays from 10.30am for two hours. Westmeath Community Development is also starting classes this week.”

Not on the list of essentials – but likely to be on the wishlist of many of the women – are cosmetics, obviously only if unused.

“Many of the 45 women left Ukraine with only backpacks, and what we think of as an essential – makeup – is a luxury for them , so moisturiser, foundation, eye palettes, lipsticks, make-up bags would be welcomed,” Annette says.

Annette extended thanks to Joli Hair Salon in Mullingar – and in particular Helen Dolan, Lisa Corrigan and Beata – for offering free hair products along with six free appointments for colour, cut and blow dry, and hopes similar offers might come from other hair salons, beauty salons, barber shops or nail bars.

If anyone wishes to help, they can contact Annette via tarpeyannette@gmail.com.