Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 October 2023
54. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the progress the OPW is making on the delivery of 700 rapid-build homes; how many active sites exist at present; how many completed sites; the handover dates in respect of each site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46496/23]
View answerThe information requested is set out below.
Ukrainian Rapid Build Housing Programme
In 2022, the 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 late 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. From the outset, the OPW was acutely aware that the most complex part of the process would be the identification of suitable State-owned sites against a backdrop of pressure on housing supply. The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH) provided information on sites that were identified to it by local authorities and other public bodies. Any Local Authority sites already identified for housing under the Housing for All programme were excluded from this Rapid Build Housing Programme.
It is important to note that the completion timelines for the overall programme and for each site has always been subject to (i). site availability (inspection and suitability) and (ii). any technical issues arising during construction. There were a number of such technical issues that arose relating to site conditions, remedial works, boundaries, etc. that delayed earlier forecasted dates of completion on sites included in the programme.
Sites
Five sites are now completed and were occupied between May and August 2023 - Mahon, Co. Cork (64 units), Claremorris, Co. Mayo (28 units), Doorly Park, Co. Sligo (22 units), Cavan town (28 units), Thurles, Co. Tipperary (62 units) – totalling 204 units.
Sites at Clonminch, Co. Offaly (64 units) and at Rathdowney, Co. Laois (42 units currently) will be completed in November, 2023 – providing a further 106 units.
Further sites deemed suitable have been identified in Cork (Charleville), Galway (Ballinasloe) and Dublin /Kildare border (Backweston) and are at an early stage of development. Expected completion dates are between April and July 2024.
OPW continues to work with DHLGH and with local authorities, the Housing Agency and other bodies on progressing technical assessments/surveys on other potentially suitable sites, in order to deliver the required 700 units on State owned sites around the country. Currently there are a further three sites under consideration for inclusion in the Rapid Build Housing Programme.
From the start of this project, the emphasis has been on delivery of quality homes that will enhance local environments. Once completed, the developments 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. These homes will provide housing for up to 2,800 individuals in family units on State-owned land.
