Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 April 2024
287. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will confirm the receipt of a submission from a community organisation (details supplied); his response to the concerns expressed by the residents; and if he and his Department officials will engage immediately with the community and this Deputy. [18602/24]
View answerMy Department received a submission dated the 8th of April 2024 from the community organisation to which the Deputy refers. This submission is receiving attention and a reply will issue shortly.
My Department received an offer of accommodation for Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) at the location to which the Deputy refers.
The property is currently being assessed as part of the Emergency Refurbishment (Ukraine) Project which is overseen by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage with the assistance of Local Authorities.
In furtherance of this process, the relevant Council has assessed the plans for the proposal with regard to suitability, compliance with the Guidelines for Temporary Accommodation in Existing Buildings for those fleeing the war in Ukraine and the project’s capacity to comply with key regulatory requirements. I understand that discussions in this regard are ongoing and any issues with regard to planning, environment or other regulatory requirements are being dealt with through that process.
My Department’s acceptance of this property is dependent on all the necessary statutory and regulatory requirements being met. In that regard, the property is not yet in contract and will not be until these conditions have been met.
