Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and the activation of the Temporary Protection Directive immediately afterwards, nearly 100,000 people have been forced to leave their homes in Ukraine and have sought refuge here in Ireland. Approximately 73,000 of those are being provided with accommodation from the State.
In response to the crisis, the Government has sought to provide a range of accommodation solutions in every county in Ireland. This has primarily involved the contracting of hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs, but also has included the use of Scout Halls, Religious Congregations’ accommodation, vacant student accommodation and other locations. .
As part of this considerable national effort, the Government also approved the construction of 700 rapid build homes on State owned land, which will aim to provide accommodation to 2,800 individuals in family units. Five of these sites in Cork, Cavan, Thurles, Sligo and Claremorris are now completed with a further 2 sites nearing completion in the next month.
The Office of Public Works (OPW) is leading on the design, development and delivery of the accommodation being produced through rapid build construction, including associated site enabling works on available and suitable State land. My Department is the Approving Authority for the Programme and has responsibility for the ownership of these rapid build homes and their future use.
The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage sought information from public authorities on potential sites in their ownership which might be suitable for the installation of rapid build homes. The DHLGH, then in consultation with local authorities and other public bodies, prepared an inventory of sites that may be suitable for rapid build housing as part of the Government’s humanitarian response. The request, at that time, was for sites which had "not already been earmarked for social and affordable housing under Housing for all". The ultimate decision on whether sites will be progressed for the purposes of rapid build accommodation is a matter for OPW and DCEDIY.
All Local Authorities are actively supporting the whole of government response to the humanitarian crisis, across multiple strands, including accommodation, integration and community engagement. Each Local Authority has put in place additional staff resources and each works closely with my Department and with DHLGH.
As the Deputy is aware, the development of rapid build homes to assist the Ukrainian humanitarian response will greatly support families fleeing from war and very difficult conditions in Ukraine.
For further information on the project please see attached link to a gov.ie webpage www.gov.ie/en/publication/ef882-rapid-build-housing/.
