Scouting Ireland has confirmed to Northern Sound that should they be asked by the government, they will give up Castle Saunderson for the temporary housing of Ukrainian refugees.
The statement comes following some local concern about rumours that a number of Ukrainian men would be accommodated in the Belturbet site.
According to Scouting Ireland "discussions are continuing with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth in relation to providing refuge to thirty people fleeing the war in Ukraine at Castle Saunderson International Scout Centre."
Their statement points out that three other scout centres have been successfully used by the department for the same purposes "without any negative impact on local communities."
They also stress that their support for the government in meeting the needs of refugees from Ukraine is part of Scouting Ireland's "active citizenship to work to create a better world for all our young people."
And Scouting Ireland adds that "should the Department proceed with Castle Saunderson we are confident they will carry out appropriate checks and will put measures in place" and the centre "would continue to be open to all members, schools and local groups for camping and all other activities."
