Meanwhile the Ukrainian president says his country's bracing itself for a "hard battle" - as Moscow focuses its attention on the east.
Nine evacuation trains are being laid on for people in the eastern region of Luhansk today.
Deborah Haynes is in the capital Kyiv and says other evacuation efforts are also happening.
MEANWHILE, the Minister for Housing says he thinks emergency powers on planning will be needed to help provide accommodation for Ukrainian refugees.
Darragh O'Brien will meet with construction and property representatives tomorrow to discuss ways to increase supply.
The Business Post reports the construction sector's expected to dismiss proposals to build 'prefab villages' to house those fleeing the war.
Up to 200-thousand refugees are expected to arrive here in the coming months.
Minister O'Brien says the government will do everything it can to respond to the humanitarian crisis.
