Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2023
1367. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to provide a detailed breakdown of the costs and works of the proposed development of the modular homes situated on the outskirts of Charleville, County Cork (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37365/23]
View answerUnder European Council Directive 2001/55/EC Ireland agreed to assist with the relocation of those fleeing the war in Ukraine. Following government decisions in March and June 2022, it was agreed to commence installation of Rapid Build homes to be occupied by those fleeing the war in Ukraine.
The Office of Public Works (OPW) was asked by Government to develop a pilot programme of an initial 500 rapid build homes on behalf of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY). That number was subsequently increased to 700 in October 2022. The programme is being progressed under the emergency derogations from planning that were provided for by Government under S.I. No. 306 of 2022 – European Union (Planning and Development) (Displaced Persons from Ukraine Temporary Protection) Regulations, 2022.
In 2022, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH) was asked to assist in identifying sites that might be suitable by seeking information from public authorities on potential sites in their ownership. In that regard, a site at Rathgoggin, Charleville was identified as potentially suitable for the programme. The development planned on the site is for 68 single storey rapid build housing units for families fleeing the war in Ukraine. Once completed, the development will be to a high standard and will include permanent infrastructure, high quality public realm, streets, water, waste, roads, pedestrian routes, lighting, landscaping, semi-private front curtilage and small private rear gardens.
Following a procurement process, John Sisk & Son (Holdings) Ltd was appointed as the main contractor to manage the site enabling works and to arrange for the procurement, transportation and installation of the modular units for the overall programme of works. Subsequently, John Sisk & Son (Holdings) Ltd engaged in a separate competitive tender process with the rapid build homes manufacturers and assessed them to determine their capacity and capability to produce the homes to the required standard. Following this tender and assessment, John Sisk & Son (Holdings) Ltd established a framework of five suppliers around the country to manufacture the homes.
In October and November 2022, the OPW placed two orders (through Sisk), with the manufacturers on this framework for 500 homes. In December 2022, to secure the additional 200 homes at a fixed cost, the OPW gave an instruction to place a third order (bringing the total to 700). The production, transportation and installation of the rapid build homes is timetabled for delivery as site-enabling works are completed, ensuring the process is conducted as efficiently as possible.
In terms of cost information, the project is still ongoing and further sites are under consideration to facilitate the additional units. Until that process is completed, it is not possible to fully specify a final programme figure.
A process of information sharing regarding this project has been undertaken by DCEDIY in each area. This has comprised: briefing of councillors, leaflet drop, Information Session and ongoing communications with those directly impacted. This has resulted in the successful delivery of rapid build homes in 5 areas of the country and is also the process which will be followed for the site at Charleville, County Cork which is at an early stage of development.
There is also an ongoing assessment of access to education, health, and social care to ensure that access will be available for those who arrive in a community. A DCEDIY official is meeting all local agencies in the locations to ensure that all services can be accessed and that they are aware of what is required and can prepare in advance.
