Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 March 2023
920. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his Department can confirm the total number of persons who are permitted to reside in St. Anne's, Roscrea; if this facility is being considered as a potential site for the use of modular dwellings to house Ukrainian refugees or for persons seeking asylum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12846/23]
View answerThere are currently 96 international protection applicants (IPAs) residing in St. Anne's Roscrea as of week ending 12 March 2023.
The Office of Public Works (OPW) are currently developing a programme of rapid build homes on behalf of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth who are the Approving Authority for the programme.
St. Anne's in Roscrea is not currently being considered as a potential site for the location of these rapid build homes.
The OPW are the Sponsoring Agency for the purposes of rolling out the programme, with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage identifying sites that might be suitable.
Once sites are offered, an assessment is carried out in terms of location and access to local facilities. OPW then undertakes the necessary technical site assessments. When sites are confirmed as suitable, a programme of engagement is carried out by DCEDIY which involves meeting with Councillors and officials of local authorities, service providers, community groups etc. The OPW are responsible for site preparation and the acquisition and installation of the homes onto the sites.
