Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 May 2024
537. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of commercially owned modular units for accommodating beneficiaries of temporary protection that are currently in development; and the stage of development of each project and the estimated average cost per project and per unit, in tabular form. [21851/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra539. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the average completion deadline for commercially-owned modular units dedicated to accommodating beneficiaries of temporary protection; the average completion timelines for units procured in each of the years 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024; and the breakdown of the average completion timelines of units procured by county, in tabular form. [21853/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 537 and 539 together.
The information is not available in the manner requested by the Deputy.
My Department launched an online portal for developer-led modular accommodation on gov.ie where providers could submit expressions of interest (EOIs) in November 2023. The portal sought offers for developments with a capacity of up to 200 BOTPs, encompassing the site, units and all management services associated with them. My Department has currently paused accepting new Expressions of Interest for modular residential developments to accommodate Ukrainian Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs).
Modular accommodation may potentially provide a further sustainable medium-term solution to assist in meeting overall accommodation requirements, allowing Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) to integrate into communities and possibly setting the stage for future housing development at sites. This programme will help establish the feasibility of the approach from a cost perspective and the capacity of the private sector to deliver appropriate solutions.
My Department is in the process of assessing the 129 EOIs received. It is my Department’s intention to draft a shortlist of EOIs that demonstrate a basis for further investigation, out of which proof of concept projects will be further discussed with Local Authorities. The proof of concept modular developments can be used to decant tourism accommodation beds in certain areas. It is still too early in the engagement and assessment process to determine timelines and delivery volumes.
Currently, there are no commercially owned modular developments under development as part of this programme.
