Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 June 2024
597. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to confirm the position with regard to the construction works at a location (details supplied); to confirm the reason construction works have paused on this site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24593/24]
View answerAs part of the State’s humanitarian response to the Ukrainian crisis, the Government developed a rapid build housing programme to provide accommodation for families fleeing the war in Ukraine. The Office of Public Works (OPW) is leading the development of this accommodation in conjunction with my Department.
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.
To identify suitable State-owned sites for the programme, my Department and OPW engaged with a range of other public bodies. As part of this process, a HSE-owned site at the location to which the Deputy refers was identified. OPW has assessed the site and plans have been developed for the construction of 82 modular family units. OPW and SISK will deliver the project.
DCEDIY and the HSE have a licence agreement in place for the site and SISK and OPW are in the process of finalising the construction programme. I can confirm that works are underway.
The emphasis of the rapid build programme is on the delivery of quality homes which will enhance local environments. Each site has roads, footpaths, street lighting, community facilities, including green spaces, fully in line with Local Authority planning guidance. The homes are highly energy efficient, durable units with a 60 year lifespan and the development of all sites is conducted in an environmentally sustainable way to ensure that, post development, sites will enhance the local areas in which they are situated. Construction disruption is limited as the units are manufactured off site.
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.
