Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 December 2023
202. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to provide a breakdown of the full cost involved in connecting newly built modular homes (details supplied) to services such as electricity, lighting, sewage and water; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53687/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 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 & Son was awarded in August 2022. Sisk then engaged with a range of modular manufacturers an 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 on those aspects of the site development.
The connection costs associated with electricity, lighting, sewage and water at the site in question to the utility companies are as follows, Uisce Éireann at €181,216.00 and ESB Networks at €35,415.20 (exclusive of VAT).
