Written answers
Tuesday, 23 April 2024
Department of Public Expenditure and Reform
Emergency Accommodation
Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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235. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to outline the full cost of development of modular homes for Ukrainians since 2022 to date; the cost per development and the cost per home; the number of homes built under this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18023/24]
Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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In 2022, the OPW was asked by Government to develop a pilot programme of an initial 500 rapid build homes on behalf of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. That number was subsequently increased to 700 late 2022.
The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage was asked to assist in identifying sites that might be suitable by seeking information from public authorities on potential sites in their ownership.
The OPW had already begun liaising with the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) relating to the possible use of modular housing units to provide durable accommodation solutions. Those discussions considered the potential capacity of the modular manufacturing industry in Ireland to produce a product at scale and to the appropriate standard.
In conjunction with the CIF and the modular manufacturing industry, the OPW developed an exemplar design and specification to ensure Building Regulation compliance. The modular prototype that was designed is a highly energy efficient durable single storey unit (with a useful life of 60 years). The units would be fully fitted out and transported onto sites around the country.
The OPW undertook an accelerated procurement procedure to select a main contractor to carry out site enabling works and arrange for the manufacture, transportation and installation of modular units. A contract with John Sisk & Son was awarded in August 2022. Sisk then engaged with a range of modular manufacturers an established a framework of 5 suppliers.
A number of interrelated activities took place simultaneously relating to:
- Sites selection via the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage;
- Engagement with site owners;
- Finalising the work programme with the main contractor to manage the enabling works on sites, the acquisition of modular units and their transportation and installation; and
- There has also been considerable positive collaboration with utility bodies such as ESB Networks, Irish Water and Open Eir on those aspects of the site development.
From the outset, the OPW was acutely aware that the most complex part of the process would be the identification of suitable State-owned sites against a backdrop of pressure on housing supply.
The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage provided information on sites that were identified to it by local authorities and other public bodies. However, while local authorities, in particular, have some sites in their ownership, many of these are earmarked for future housing development and were not readily available for this programme.
The completed sites are Farnham, Cavan (28 units), Thurles, Tipperary (62 units), Claremorris, Mayo (28 Units), Doorly Park, Sligo (22 units), Mahon, Cork (64 units), Clonminch, Offaly (64 units), Rathdowney, Laois (42 units) and Backweston, Kildare (132 units).
The other sites currently in development are Chareville, Cork (66 units) and Pollboy, Galway (64 Units).
The OPW continues to work with DHLGH and with local authorities, the Housing Agency and other bodies on the next phase of suitable sites, in order to deliver the required 700 units.
From the start of this project, the emphasis has been on delivery of quality homes that will enhance local environments.
Once completed, the developments will be to a high standard and will include permanent infrastructure, high quality public realm, streets, water, waste, roads, pedestrian routes, lighting, landscaping, semi-private front curtilage and small private rear gardens. These homes will provide housing for up to 2,800 individuals in family units on State-owned land.
In terms of cost information, the project is still ongoing. Until that process is completed, it is not possible to fully specify a final figure or establish the cost per square metre.
Economies of scale are being achieved in ordering furniture, fittings and equipment in bulk and for the optimal management of deliveries to the sites.
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