Future use of these units following the end of the Temporary Protection Directive (TPD) has always been an integral element of the rapid build project in order to provide value to the State and local communities. While the units are highly durable with a 60-year lifespan, the sites were built with future use in mind with all necessary infrastructure to support long term residency and are finished to enhance the local area.
Under the Rapid Build Programme, the Office of Public Works (OPW) developed an exemplar single-storey modular design and specification to ensure Building Regulation compliance. The design is also aligned with the Department of Housing’s equivalent space standards to allow the units to be potentially utilised for social housing at a future date. Further to the first iteration, OPW leveraged this learning to also provide a modular two-storey housing option as a proof of concept. Twelve such units were built into the design at Backweston, Lucan, Co. Dublin.
While the planning exemption remains in place for the current use of these units by people fleeing the war in Ukraine granted Temporary Protection, under the current Temporary Directive set to expire in March 2028, these units cannot be utilised for any other purpose.
To determine the long-term strategy for the sites post-TPD, a multi-stakeholder process commenced in March 2025, chaired by officials from my department and including representation from the OPW and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH). In tandem with the consideration of the feasibility of potential future uses, this work involves exploring planning regularisation at each site.
Work is also underway to determine the appropriate planning application process for each of the sites. To date, there has been no final decision made on long term future use, as discussions are ongoing with the need to explore all potential options within the local areas. However, these options include Social Housing and lower cost affordable housing such as Cost Rental.
While current rapid build residents will not be required to vacate this accommodation until March 2028, they will be free to apply for the new Temporary Protection Transitional Scheme when the application process opens. To meet the conditions of the scheme, they must surrender their unit and leave their state provided accommodation in line with those in commercial accommodation.
To date, full occupancy has been maintained, and we will continue to do so with eligible families to avoid having vacant units as developments and plans for their long-term future use have been finalised.
