New Central Statistics Office (CSO) data obtained by the Leinster Express confirm that the number of Ukrainians living in County Laois climbed again in the first weeks of 2026, extending a growth trend that began mid-2025.(ireland-live.ie) The increase coincides with renewed Russian strikes on critical infrastructure, driving fresh displacement during the winter months.
For the Midlands county – traditionally a transit point rather than a long-term settlement hub – the figures signal a need to expand housing, schooling and social-integration capacity. Emergency accommodation in hotels around Portlaoise is nearing saturation, and local employers in food processing and logistics have begun recruiting Ukrainian beneficiaries under temporary-protection work permits.
![CSO Figures Show Ukrainian Refugee Arrivals in Laois Continue to Rise]()
Employers or individuals uncertain about the paperwork required for visa renewals, family-reunification applications, or onward travel from Ireland can turn to VisaHQ for tailored support. The platform’s Irish portal (https://www.visahq.com/ireland/) walks users through each form, helps check document completeness, and even arranges courier delivery, easing administrative pressure on newcomers and HR managers alike.
Nationally, Ireland hosts roughly 92,000 people who fled the war, making it one of the highest per-capita receivers in the EU. The Government’s 2026 Budget earmarked €1.7 billion for housing and social supports, yet local councils warn that refurbishing vacant properties fast enough remains a bottleneck.
Businesses operating in Laois can tap into a growing talent pool – especially women with professional backgrounds in IT and healthcare – but must navigate language-training needs and limited public transport links. HR leaders are advised to liaise with the Department of Social Protection to access employment supports and matching services.
For the Midlands county – traditionally a transit point rather than a long-term settlement hub – the figures signal a need to expand housing, schooling and social-integration capacity. Emergency accommodation in hotels around Portlaoise is nearing saturation, and local employers in food processing and logistics have begun recruiting Ukrainian beneficiaries under temporary-protection work permits.
Employers or individuals uncertain about the paperwork required for visa renewals, family-reunification applications, or onward travel from Ireland can turn to VisaHQ for tailored support. The platform’s Irish portal (https://www.visahq.com/ireland/) walks users through each form, helps check document completeness, and even arranges courier delivery, easing administrative pressure on newcomers and HR managers alike.
Nationally, Ireland hosts roughly 92,000 people who fled the war, making it one of the highest per-capita receivers in the EU. The Government’s 2026 Budget earmarked €1.7 billion for housing and social supports, yet local councils warn that refurbishing vacant properties fast enough remains a bottleneck.
Businesses operating in Laois can tap into a growing talent pool – especially women with professional backgrounds in IT and healthcare – but must navigate language-training needs and limited public transport links. HR leaders are advised to liaise with the Department of Social Protection to access employment supports and matching services.
