Paul Murphy
Ceist:140. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will update on the new report on rapid-build housing published by his Department. [57887/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 23 November 2022
Ceisteanna (140)
Freagraí scríofa
Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and the activation of the Temporary Protection Directive immediately afterwards, over 59,000 people have been forced to leave their homes in Ukraine and have sought refuge here in Ireland. Approximately 47,000 of those are being provided with accommodation from the State.
In response to the crisis, the Government has sought to provide a range of accommodation solutions in every county in Ireland. This has primarily involved the contracting of hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs, but also has included the use of Scout Halls, Religious Congregations’ accommodation, vacant student accommodation and other locations. In addition, around 5,450 people displaced by the war in Ukraine have taken up places in the private homes of Irish people who have volunteered their rooms or vacant houses for use.
As part of this considerable national effort, the Government has also approved the construction of 500 rapid build homes, which will aim to provide accommodation to 2,000 individuals in family units. The Office of Public Works (OPW) is leading the development of this accommodation in conjunction with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY).
The rapid build homes will be constructed on state owned land. To identify sites for the programme the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH) sought information from public authorities on potential sites in their ownership, which might be suitable for the installation of rapid build homes. On foot of the responses received, the Department provided a shorter list of potentially suitable sites to DCEDIY and OPW.
My Department is currently rolling out the first phase of the programme of rapid build homes with sites identified in Cork, Cavan, Tipperary, Sligo and Mayo. A comprehensive communications strategy is being rolled out for each of the sites that have been identified for the first phase. Much work has been carried out over the last number of weeks to brief Local Representatives and Local County Council officials on the programme. Work is now ongoing, in collaboration with the Local Authorities, to distribute information about the programme to the immediate areas surrounding the sites.
Further engagement with public representatives and communities will take place in the coming weeks and early in 2023 regarding the next phase of sites.
All rapid build 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 rapid build 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 will be limited as the units are manufactured off site. DCEDIY will provide for the management and maintenance of the homes and sites once they are completed.
My Department is working with other Departments and Agencies to ensure the additional resources needed are in place. DCEDIY works closely with the Department of Health in relation to the healthcare needs of displaced people from Ukraine. The HSE has been notified of the proposed number of residents for each site and associated potential healthcare needs. The Department of Education is planning for the extra school places that may be needed. If the local school does not have enough places, alternative arrangements will be explored to bring occupant children to schools close by.
Given the emergency nature of this significantly accelerated programme, the development of modular homes to assist the Ukrainian humanitarian response will greatly support families fleeing from the war in their country.
For further information on the project please see attached briefing document and link to a gov.ie webpage www.gov.ie/en/publication/ef882-rapid-build-housing/