By Róise Collins

SIX Palestinian families’ relocation to Donegal is to go ahead as planned after concerns regarding access to adequate healthcare in Letterkenny delayed their move from Dublin on Monday.

The critically ill children, who arrived in Ireland through a government medical evacuation programme last year, were due to have already been relocated to Donegal by the Irish Red Cross.

However, The Irish Times reported the planned move was delayed following concerns raised by their mothers that they would not receive adequate healthcare in Letterkenny.

A spokesperson for the Irish Red Cross confirmed to the Donegal News that the relocation is to go ahead, but it has been delayed until next week.

“The move is going ahead, we just gave them a little bit more time to reassure them of any concerns they have.

“Their medical team has confirmed that it is absolutely safe for them to move,” the spokesperson said.

The coordination team at Children’s Health Ireland (CHI), who are managing the children’s medical care, have also been working closely with Letterkenny University Hospital and local providers to ensure they will have full access to appropriate local medical and mental health services.

The Irish Red Cross will also arrange private transport for any specialist appointments in Dublin.

The charity, which is one of the government’s partners on the Gaza Medevac initiative, acknowledged that these families have already been through a hugely traumatic experience and that moving again is further disrupting them.

“The Red Cross has put in a huge amount of work to make sure that they will be welcomed and supported locally,” the spokesperson added.

“We know this relocation is a big change, and we understand the emotions and uncertainty it can bring.”

“That is why we have focused on finding sustainable accommodation where the families can stay together, feel part of a community, and have easy access to essential services – medical and dental care, schools, grocery shops, halal food outlets, and places of worship – all within walking distance.

“We strongly believe that the accommodation in Letterkenny supports both the medical needs and the wishes of the families to be close to one-another to provide mutual support.”

The Palestinian families will be relocated in time for their children to begin the new school year in Letterkenny, so the Irish Red Cross has been engaging with the Local Authority Integration Team, community groups, schools and crèche providers.