Patricia Ryan (Kildare South, Sinn Fein)
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515. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the progress being made with the provision of modular homes for Ukrainian refugees at Beechgrove, Rathangan, County Kildare; the timeline for delivery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3975/23]

Patricia Ryan (Kildare South, Sinn Fein)
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516. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the progress being made with the provision of modular homes for Ukrainian refugees at Lakeside, Highfield, Dara Park, Newbridge, County Kildare; the timeline for delivery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3976/23]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 515 and 516 together.

My Department is currently rolling out the first phase of the programme of rapid build homes with sites identified in Cork, Cavan, Tipperary, Sligo and Claremorris. The timeframe for the installation of the rapid build homes has recently been recalibrated in the light of experience to date. Accordingly, it is now expected these homes will start to be installed on a phased basis during January and February 2023 as site enabling works across a range of locations are completed.

The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage sought information from public authorities on potential sites in their ownership which might be suitable for the installation of rapid build units. On foot of the responses received, the Department provided a shorter list of potentially suitable sites to my Department and OPW and this included both Newbridge and Rathangan. As part of the engagement process, I met with members of both communities in relation to the proposed development of rapid build homes to house people who have fled the war in Ukraine. I listened to the concerns expressed by those at the meetings and outlined the emergency context under which the Government had approved the use of the units. Officials are considering the matters raised and engagement continues with respect to both sites.

My Department is working with other Departments and Agencies to ensure the additional resources needed are in place. My Department works closely with the Department of Health in relation to the healthcare needs of displaced people from Ukraine. The HSE has been notified of the proposed number of residents for each site and associated potential healthcare needs. The Department of Education is planning for the extra school places that may be needed.  If the local school does not have enough places, alternative arrangements will be made to bring occupant children to schools close by.

Further engagement will take place in the coming weeks regarding the next phase of sites and communities will be notified when their location is under consideration in the next phase.