On 4 September, The Taoiseach and Tánaiste have announced a new package of support for Ukraine and its neighbours, building on the extensive political, humanitarian, military and economic support provided since February 2022.
According to the press release, this package of €36m from Ireland will provide essential humanitarian assistance, support rehabilitation and eventual reconstruction, and contribute to Ukraine's longer term goals, including peace, stability and political aspirations.
A part of this support, €3m, is dedicated for construction of school shelters in cooperation with Lithuania. Ireland will work with Lithuania, which through the Fund for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aaid as wel as Central Project Management Agency (CPVA) has been managing the building of bomb shelters for schools in Ukraine, and rebuilding destroyed schools to ensure that children can continue their education in Ukraine.
"Ireland's support is extremely important for Ukraine, which is constantly attacked by massive Russian air strikes. Together we can do more to help the people of Ukraine to protect the lives of their children, rebuild their country and build the future. We are grateful to Ireland for its solidarity, cooperation and partnership," said deputy Foreign Minister Simonas Šatūnas.
One in seven schools in Ukraine has been affected by Russia's targeted destruction of civilian infrastructure. As many as 900 000 students in Ukraine cannot attend schools and study remotely due to Russia’s aggression. Shelters in educational institutions are necessary to ensure that Ukrainian pupils could return to schools.
Since 2022, Lithuania’s Fund for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid has financed the reconstruction and equipping of schools and kindergartens in Borodianka, Irpin and Snihurivka, as well as the installation of an anti-radiation shelter in the Irpin kindergarten and the provision of modern equipment for a range of vocational skills at the Snihurivka vocational lyceum. The Fund’s initiatives to rebuild educational institutions in Ukraine are supported by financial contributions from Taiwan, Andorra and now Ireland. The reconstruction projects are implemented by Lithuania’s Central Project Management Agency (CPVA).
