"We're not participating" claims Electric Picnic on plan to use tents for Ukrainian refugees

THE use of tents in Stradbally at the Electric Picnic for Ukrainian war refugees is not a matter for the festival, according to the managing director of the company that runs the festival.

The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth confirmed that by September 7, the 750 Ukrainian who have been given temorary protection in Ireland will be housed in tents on the site under a six week contract.

While it has been reported that the Department had talks with the Festival operators, Melvin Benn, MD of Festival Republic, told the Leinster Express / Laois Live that the six week arrangement is not an Electric Picnic matter.

"That is between the Government and Thomas Cosby. I know there are lots of tents here, and toilets and showers.

"They would have to be moved from one field to another. It's not an Electric Picnic matter. We are not participating in it," Mr Benn said.

Festival Republic or Thomas Cosby is not referenced in a briefing note to public representatives in Laois. It says an accommodation facility will be operated by Pastures New Limited.

"The management of the company has experience in large scale event development, the commercial hospitality sector and human welfare supports to asylum communities in direct provision settings," it says.

Department officials are due to meet public representatives in Laois this Monday to answer further questions on the arrangement.

The Department has said that the number of arrivals from Ukraine increased during the summer, with more than 10,000 people fleeing here since May 1, an average of around 650 people per week.

It is estimated that up to 500 people could continue to arrive over the next weeks from Ukraine.