Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 March 2024
538. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the engagements his Department has had with Tipperary County Council in relation to the use of HSE owned land in Clonmel for a modular type accommodation centre; details of all plans for the provision of modular type accommodation for use by his Department in Clonmel Co. Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9945/24]
View answerAs 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 to up to 2,800 Ukrainians at several sites across Ireland. The Office of Public Works (OPW) is leading the development of this accommodation in conjunction with my Department.
This project – the first of its kind – is an important one as it will provide a blueprint for future developments. As each phase has brought new challenges, these challenges are providing important future learnings.
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.
The emphasis in this programme is on the 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 homes will be highly energy efficient, durable units with a 60 year lifespan and the development of the sites will be conducted in an environmentally sustainable way to ensure that, post development, the site will enhance the local area. Construction disruption is limited as the units are manufactured off site.
To identify suitable state owned sites for the programme my Department and OPW have engaged with both the DHLGH and other public bodies including the HSE. As part of this process the site in Clonmel was identified and is currently being assessed by OPW for its suitability for the programme. If the site proceeds it will accommodate 62 units.
A comprehensive communications strategy, is being rolled out for each of the sites that have been identified for the programme including Clonmel. Work is now ongoing, in collaboration with the Local Authorities, to ensure that Councillors are updated on investigation works. Further engagement with the Local Representatives and Local County Council Officials will be scheduled should the site be deemed suitable for rapid build homes.
For each of the Rapid Build sites, my Department has put in place structures to ensure planning for the provision of essential and support services, like healthcare and education, are conveyed to the relevant providers in each area. My Department is working with other Departments, State Agencies and stakeholders to ensure these additional resources are in place.
