An Irish radio station has launched a Ukrainian Information Service to assist refugees arriving in Ireland from Ukraine.

The service is being provided by Carlow and Kilkenny radio station KCLR and led by Ukrainian national Tetiana Kuschyk.

It will provide information and support to displaced Ukrainians and connect them with people right across the community who are eager to help.

Tetiana arrived in Ireland on March 4th after fleeing the Russian invasion with her son. She is currently waiting on the arrival of her mother who has travelled from Ukraine to Poland ahead of her journey to Ireland.

She met the team at KCLR when she joined broadcaster Sue Nunn on her programme “The Way It Is”.

Four days later, she began work at the station.

"Invaluable help"

Tetiana said she is “happy and grateful” to be able to offer her help to Ukrainians as they arrive in Ireland.

“In times when Ukrainians face extreme vulnerability, Kilkenny and Carlow communities are providing invaluable help to many fleeing the war,” she said.

“I am happy and grateful to be a part of this unprecedented effort through KCLR’s Ukraine Service.

“I believe this will make a difference through its multi-faceted information support of Ukrainian refugees and connecting interested parties.

“The KCLR team are highly professional and supportive and with their help I could do a lot to help Ukrainians coming here.”

Public support

KCLR CEO John Purcell said he has mixed feelings about the launch of the new service.

“On the one hand, I am delighted to welcome Tetiana to our team and look forward to working with her and the hundreds of individuals rolling up their sleeves to respond to the situation in Ukraine,” he said.

“On the other hand, I am deeply saddened that Tetiana and her son have come to Ireland in such dreadful circumstances, where her country has been invaded and her compatriots are being attacked by Russian forces without any justification.”

Individuals and organisations who want to enlist public support on the service can contact Tetiana at tetiana.kushchyk@kclr96fm.com