I propose to take Questions Nos. 524 and 525 together.
The location to which the Deputy refers was the last site to be delivered under the Rapid Build Programme for people fleeing the war in Ukraine. In total, the Programme has delivered 654 homes at 11 sites nationwide which are providing temporary accommodation for just over 2,600 people. Works on this site commenced in Autumn 2024, the site was handed over in July 2025 and was occupied by residents from August of that year.
As with any construction project, security was a standard feature at this and each of the rapid build sites during development and remained in place in each case until the units at each site were occupied to at least 50% occupancy. Security was provided as part of the overall site development contract, which was procured by the OPW and funded by the State, initially through the then Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. Responsibility for Ukraine accommodation transferred to my Department in May 2025, including responsibility for the costs for same.
There were specific security concerns and requirements at this location over the period of development and initial occupation period, due to regrettable instances of anti-social behaviour, criminal damage to property and threats to the site. Enhanced security was provided at this location on a 24-hour a day basis, based on consultation with local Gardaí and community stakeholders and the provider on the site. This included 1 security guard on site during the day and 2 security guards at night, working on structured shifts, augmented by CCTV on site.
The security costs for the development phase at the location to which the Deputy refers are as follows:
|
Description
|
Cost €m
|
|
Security Guards
|
3.74
|
|
Security Management Costs (resourcing, logistics, security plans, consulting, briefings etc)
|
0.21
|
|
Accommodation costs for Security Guards
|
0.05
|
|
Security Equipment (CCTV and lighting)
|
0.11
|
|
Development Total
|
4.12
|
Final accounts for the Rapid Build Programme are still being finalised so a year-on-year breakdown for each of these aspects is not yet available. There are no ongoing security costs at any of the rapid build sites.
