Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 November 2023
209. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if newly built modular homes (details supplied) were fitted out completely prior to being allocated; if so, to detail the total cost of fitting out each modular home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52571/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra217. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to detail the final cost for the construction of modular homes (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52122/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 209 and 217 together.
In 2022, the OPW was asked by Government to develop a pilot programme of an initial 500 rapid build homes on behalf of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY). That number was subsequently increased to 700 late last year.
The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH) was asked to assist in identifying sites that might be suitable by seeking information from public authorities on potential sites in their ownership.
The OPW had already begun liaising with the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) relating to the possible use of modular housing units to provide durable accommodation solutions. Those discussions considered the potential capacity of the modular manufacturing industry in Ireland to produce a product at scale and to the appropriate standard.
In conjunction with the CIF and the modular manufacturing industry, the OPW developed an exemplar design and specification to ensure Building Regulation compliance. The modular prototype that was designed is a highly energy efficient durable single storey unit (with a useful life of 60 years). The units would be fully fitted out and transported onto sites around the country.
The OPW undertook an accelerated procurement procedure to select a main contractor to carry out site enabling works and arrange for the manufacture, transportation and installation of modular units. A contract with John Sisk and Son was awarded in August 2022. Sisk then engaged with a range of modular manufacturers and established a framework of 5 suppliers.
A number of interrelated activities took place simultaneously relating to:
• Sites selection via the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage;
• Engagement with site owners;
• Finalising the work programme with the main contractor to manage the enabling works on sites, the acquisition of modular units and their transportation and installation; and
• There has also been considerable positive collaboration with utility bodies such as ESB Networks, Irish Water and Open Eir on those aspects of the site development.
Commencement of site works took place in November 2022 on the first available sites.
From the outset, the OPW was acutely aware that the most complex part of the process would be the identification of suitable State-owned sites against a backdrop of pressure on housing supply.
The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH) provided information on sites that were identified to it by local authorities and other public bodies. However, while local authorities, in particular, have some sites in their ownership, many of these are earmarked for future housing development and were not readily available for this programme.
The OPW continues to work with DHLGH and with local authorities, the Housing Agency and other bodies on the next phase of suitable sites, in order to deliver the required 700 units. For its part, the OPW has included 3 of its sites in the first phase of the development of the housing units. Those sites are in Cavan, Thurles and Claremorris and have provided accommodation for up to 118 persons.
Also complete are Doorly Park, Sligo (22 units), Mahon, Cork (64 units) and Clonminch, Offaly (64 units).
In terms of cost information, the project is still ongoing. Until that process is completed, it is not possible to fully specify a final figure or establish the cost per square metre.
Economies of scale are being achieved in ordering furniture, fittings and equipment in bulk and for the optimal management of deliveries to the sites.
From the start of this project, the emphasis has been on delivery of quality homes that will enhance local environments.
Once completed, the developments will be to a high standard and will include permanent infrastructure, high quality public realm, streets, water, waste, roads, pedestrian routes, lighting, landscaping, semi-private front curtilage and small private rear gardens. These homes will provide housing for up to 2,800 individuals in family units on State-owned land.
