Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 31 January 2024
125. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of modular homes that have been built for Ukrainian accommodation; the provider of such homes; the planning requirements relating to these homes; the reason why modular homes are being used for Ukrainian accommodation but are not being permitted for homeless citizens; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4434/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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. The programme aims to provide short-term accommodation up to 2,800 Ukrainian beneficiaries of temporary protection at several sites across Ireland. While these rapid build units will initially be used to temporarily house people fleeing Ukraine, they have the potential to be utilised to address other accommodation challenges, including social housing and student accommodation.
Questions regarding the extension of the use of Rapid Build homes for other uses should be directed to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.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.
OPW are leading on the development of the programme in conjunction with my Department. OPW undertook an accelerated procurement procedure to select one contractor to carry out site enabling works, and arrange for the manufacture, transportation and installation of rapid build units. John Sisk & Son (Holdings) Limited was appointed as the Main Contractor through this process. In addition OPW established a standard for rapid build manufacture, following which potential contractors bid to be placed on a framework to manufacture the rapid build homes. The framework was subsequently established of five suppliers with the capacity to produce the homes to the required standard.
Work has been completed on the first seven sites at; Mahon in Cork, Farnham Road in Cavan, Doorly Park in Sligo, Thurles in Tipperary, Claremorris in Mayo, Clonminch in Offaly and Rathdowney in Laois. These sites comprise of 310 rapid build homes and are accommodating approximately 1240 individuals. The final stage of the programme will be delivered in 2024.The emphasis in this programme is on delivery of quality homes which will enhance local environments and this has been a priority.Each site will have roads, footpaths, street lighting, community facilities, including green spaces, fully in line with Local Authority planning guidance. The rapid build units will be energy efficient and durable, and the sites will be developed in a way that enhances the local area.
