In 2022, the Government approved the construction of 700 rapid build homes with the potential to house up to 2,800 individuals in family units. The rapid build homes are being constructed on State owned land.
The OPW is leading the development of this accommodation in conjunction with my Department. Following further engagement and the completion of suitability assessment work, further sites will come on stream in the first half of 2024.
The completion timelines are subject to any technical issues arising during construction. There were a number of such issues that arose over the past few months relating to site conditions, remedial works, boundaries, ESB connections. This delayed earlier forecasted dates of completion on sites included in the programme.
All the sites will have roads, footpaths, street lighting and community facilities, including green spaces fully in line with Local Authority planning guidance. The rapid build homes will be highly energy efficient, durable units with a 60-year lifespan and the development of the sites is being conducted in an environmentally sustainable way to ensure that, post development, the site will enhance the local area.
Local Representatives in each constituency where the first phase rapid build homes were planned received a full briefing from my officials and the OPW. This briefing of Local Representatives is continuing as more sites are identified.
The breakdown of the number of modular homes housing Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) in place as of 18 January 2024, by county and number of modular units is set out in the table below. Each unit houses a family of 4 BOTPs.
No
|
County
|
No. of Units
|
1
|
Cork
|
64
|
2
|
Cavan
|
28
|
3
|
Tipperary
|
62
|
4
|
Sligo
|
22
|
5
|
Mayo
|
28
|
6
|
Offaly
|
64
|
7
|
Laois
|
42
|
8
|
Meath
|
20
|
|
Total
|
330
|