Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 May 2024
536. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of State-owned modular units for accommodating beneficiaries of temporary protection that are currently in development; and the stage of development of each project and the estimated average cost per project and per unit, in tabular form. [21850/24]
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 Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) at several sites across Ireland. The Office of Public Works (OPW) is leading the development of this accommodation in conjunction with my Department.
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.
There were a number of issues that have arisen over the past few months relating to site conditions, remedial works, boundaries, ESB connections, etc. This has delayed earlier forecasted dates of completion and also has led my Department to make a decision to not fully complete the programme.
To date, 310 Units have been completed and now provide accommodation for 1240 BOTPs in 7 locations.
A breakdown of the locations that are currently in development and the stage of development of each project is provided in tabular format below.
|
Location |
County |
No. of Units |
Max no. of individuals |
Expected Occupancy |
|
Backweston, Lucan |
Dublin |
132 |
552 |
August |
|
PollBoy, Ballinasloe |
Galway |
64 |
256 |
August |
|
Rathgoggin North, Charleville |
Cork |
66 |
264 |
August |
|
Total |
262 |
1,072 |
A further HSE site in Haywood, Clonmel has been identified as viable by OPW to accommodate 82 units. It is expected that works will commence mid May 2024.
The cost of each unit in all locations is approximately €145,000 per unit inclusive of supply, delivery and provision of loose electrical and household items. This is separate to the site development and utility connection costs 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.
