Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 April 2024
533. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the full cost of providing modular homes for Ukrainians to date; the proposed commencement date for the development of 82 modular homes for Ukrainians on HSE-owned lands at a location (details supplied) in County Tipperary; the proposed cost of this development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17521/24]
View answerAs part of the State’s humanitarian response to the Ukrainian crisis, the Government has developed a Rapid Build Housing Programme to provide accommodation for families fleeing the war in Ukraine who request it. The programme aims to provide short-term accommodation for up to 2,800 Ukrainians at several sites across Ireland. The Office of Public Works (OPW) is leading the development of this accommodation in conjunction with my Department.
This project – the first of its kind – is an important one, as it will provide a blueprint for future developments. As each phase has brought new challenges, these challenges are providing important future learnings.
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.
The emphasis in this programme is on delivery of quality homes which will enhance local environments and this has been a priority. Each site will have roads, footpaths, street lighting, community facilities, including green spaces, fully in line with Local Authority planning guidance. The homes will be highly energy efficient, durable units with a 60 year lifespan and the development of the sites will be conducted in an environmentally sustainable way to ensure that, post development, the site will enhance the local area. Construction disruption is limited as the units are manufactured off site. In the future, the units have the potential to be utilised to address other accommodation challenges, including social housing and student accommodation.
The cost of each unit is approximately €145,000 per unit (45m² / 484sqft), inclusive of supply, delivery and provision of loose electrical and household items. This is separate to the site development and utility connection costs, etc. relating to the overall development. As the project is still ongoing and further sites are under consideration, it is not possible to fully specify a final overall programme figure.
To identify suitable State owned sites for the programme, my Department and the OPW have engaged with both the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and other public bodies. As part of this process, a HSE owned site at the location to which the Deputy refers was identified. OPW have assessed the site and plans are being put in place for the site to accommodate 82 units.
A comprehensive communications strategy is being rolled out for each of the sites that have been identified for the programme including at the location to which the Deputy refers. Work is now ongoing, in collaboration with the Local Authorities, to ensure that Councillors are updated on investigation works. Officials from my Department and the OPW met Tipperary Local Authority Officials and Councillors on Thursday 18th April 2024 to provide an overview of the sites plans for the development.
Discussions are currently ongoing with the HSE around licence arrangements once this is completed a start date for the works will be scheduled.
For each of the Rapid Build sites, my Department has put in place structures to ensure planning for the provision of essential and support services, like healthcare and education, are conveyed to the relevant providers in each area. My Department is working with other Departments, State Agencies and stakeholders to ensure these additional resources are in place.
