Since the outbreak of the conflict in Ukraine in February 2022, my Department continues to work as part of the whole-of-Government response with a focus on providing access to emergency temporary accommodation to those fleeing the conflict who request it, in line with Government policy. To date, over 106,000 beneficiaries of temporary protection (BOTPs) have arrived in Ireland and approximately 84,000 of those have been referred to my Department seeking accommodation from the State.
In November 2023, my Department launched an online portal for developer-led modular accommodation on gov.ie where commercial providers could submit expressions of interest (EOIs). The portal sought offers for developments with a capacity of up to 200 BOTPs, encompassing the site, units and all management services associated with them. The use of modular accommodation may potentially provide a further sustainable medium-term solution to assist in meeting overall accommodation requirements, allowing BOTPs to integrate into communities and possibly setting the stage for future housing development at sites. This programme will help establish the feasibility of the approach from a cost perspective and the capacity of the private sector to deliver appropriate solutions.
129 EOIs were received on foot of this process. My Department carried out a preliminary review of the EOIs and began engaging with the relevant Local Authorities as part of the review process. While a significant number of the EOIs have been deemed to be non-viable, the review process in respect of the remaining offers is ongoing, 3 of which are located in the Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown area. At this stage in the process it is not possible to quantify the number of units under consideration at these or other sites due to the level of analysis still required.
Due to this ongoing process it is also not possible to confirm the locations of any proposed developments.
My Department has paused the expressions of interest portal until further information is available on the viability of the business case for such developments arising from the review of the EOIs already received.
While my Department assists with the Government’s response to the Ukraine crisis, to ensure that Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection have access to suitable accommodation or, if necessary, receive the means to access accommodation, other Departments and Agencies are also involved in the whole-of-Government response to this crisis. The Deputy might wish to refer questions regarding social housing to my colleague the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
