Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 October 2022
141. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if all the 500 units of modular housing that the Government has stated it will deliver for Ukrainian refugees will be contracted out for delivery in 2022 and if not, the reason for same. [53800/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince the outbreak of the war in Ukraine on 24 February, and the invoking of the Temporary Protection Directive by the European Union shortly afterwards, my Department has worked intensively as part of the cross-governmental response to the Ukraine crisis.
The operational challenges brought about by responding to the conflict are significant. Our country has never experienced an influx of displaced persons like the one that we have seen over the past months.
My Department’s role is focused on the immediate, short-term accommodation needs of those who have fled here. To date, more than 54,000 people have arrived in Ireland and in excess of 43,000 of those have been referred to this Department seeking accommodation from the State.
Overseeing provision of accommodation on this scale during this timeframe for all those who require it remains immensely challenging. Due to the urgent need to source accommodation, my Department has contracted in excess of 34,000 beds to accommodate Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) in more than 550 settings including hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs, hostels, commercial self-catering accommodation and certain other repurposed settings.
The Government is committed to delivering a humanitarian response to welcome people seeking protection in Ireland as part of the European Union's overall response. The priority is to place people fleeing the conflict in safe and secure accommodation.
Regarding the matter raised, I can advise the Deputy that the timeframe for the installation of the modular homes has recently been recalibrated in the light of experience to date with evaluation and assessment of the suitability of sites, engagement with representatives of communities located adjacent to sites and the timescale for the manufacture of the homes required. Accordingly, it is now expected these homes will be installed on a phased basis during January and February 2023 as site enabling works across a range of locations are completed. All modular sites will have roads, footpaths, street lighting and community facilities, including a play area and green spaces fully in line with Local Authority planning guidance. The modular homes will be well built, highly energy efficient, durable units. The development of the sites will be fully compliant with social housing regulations and conducted in an environmentally sustainable way to ensure that, post development, the site will enhance the local area.
I trust this information is of assistance.
