Meath County Council is joining with other local authorities and The Irish Red Cross for a new appeal asking those who have unoccupied properties or rooms to offer them as temporary homes for those fleeing the conflict in Ukraine.

This new call comes as hundreds of Ukrainian people continue to arrive in Ireland each week, seeking safety.

A tax-free recognition payment of €800 per month is available to anybody offering a room or property to house Ukrainian people or families.

Since the conflict began, more than 98,500 people from Ukraine have arrived in Ireland. Irish people haves been extremely generous in offering many of them accommodation and other community supports.

As winter begins and thousands continue to require temporary homes, this appeal aims to encourage anyone who can make an offer of accommodation to consider it.

· Meath County Council and other local authorities take and manage offers of unoccupied houses, apartments or holiday homes. Offers can be made at offerahome.ie or by contacting the local authority in which the property is located.

· The Irish Red Cross takes and manages offers of any accommodation, including rooms and shared properties. Offers can be made at https://registerofpledges.redcross.ie/#/ or by phoning 1800 753343.

Those making offers can be assured that their local authority or the Irish Red Cross will follow up within days to discuss suitability, complete the required assessments and match properties to Ukrainian people and families in need.

Deirdre Garvey, Secretary General of the Irish Red Cross:

"The Irish Red Cross Register of Pledges platform has been supporting refugees fleeing conflict, oppression, and climate change since 2015. The outbreak of the crisis in Ukraine in 2022 saw an unprecedented outpouring of goodwill from the Irish people, who opened their hearts and homes to those fleeing conflict in their home country.

“As winter approaches and pressure on the private rental sector continues to mount, together with our partners and local authorities around the country we are calling on the people of Ireland to continue extending a welcoming hand to those fleeing extremely difficult circumstances in Ukraine by offering a home.

“Your pledge could make a huge difference in the life of an individual or family seeking a home this winter."

To make an offer or for more information, visit gov.ie/offerahome.