Written answers

Monday, 9 September 2024

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Ukraine War

Photo of Carol NolanCarol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

72.To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the efforts Ireland is currently engaged in with respect to short-term recovery efforts as part of the reconstruction process in Ukraine, which include the provision of prefabricated homes; the number of prefabricated homes constructed to date in Ukraine with the assistance of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter.[35934/24]

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

More than two years on from Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine continues to face immense challenges. Ireland is engaged in discussions at EU level around short-term recovery efforts and preparations for a successful longer-term reconstruction effort. We also recognise the important role of the private sector and civil society in these processes, and support a gender-responsive and inclusive recovery effort.

Ireland has supported Ukraine in this process from the earliest opportunity, and provided support to the construction of prefabricated homes to support communities devastated by the war.

Approximately one-third of Ukrainians have been forced to flee their homes and around 3.7 million are currently displaced within the country. Ireland funds UNHCR, the United Nations Refugee Agency in Ukraine to provide emergency shelter and access to medium-term housing solutions as part of short term recovery efforts. In 2023 with support from Ireland and other donors UNHCR provided emergency shelter kits to 172,000 people, repaired the homes of 22,000 families and over 40,800 displaced people benefited from different forms of support in 546 collective sites to which people have been forced to flee.

Ireland has also provided €1.5million to UNHCR for the construction of prefab modular homes. Installation of these homes, which provide an opportunity for families whose homes were destroyed to return to their communities and originally owned plots of land, began in January 2024. The homes are simple to maintain and have the full functionality of a house, including standard kitchens, furniture, toilet, bathrooms and appliances. The project aims to have 300 prefab homes built by the end of 2024 and Irish funding provides for 50 of these in the Kyiv region. As of August 2024, 135 homes have been completed overall. The Core Homes have provided a medium-term solution to the acute Shelter and Emergency Housing needs caused by the conflict.

Along with the Taoiseach, I recently announced a funding package of €36m for Ukraine and its immediate neighbours to provide essential humanitarian assistance, support rehabilitation and eventual reconstruction, and contribute to Ukraine's longer term goals. This brings Ireland's total stabilisation and humanitarian support to Ukraine since February 2022 to €130, of which over €40 million was allocated this year. UNHCR will receive €5.5 million to support their work with the millions of displaced people. The 2024 UNHCR winter plan aims to support 600,000 people with cash assistance to cover additional winter needs. In 2024, UNHCR also aims to reach 1 million people with additional support for winter including housing repairs and insulation to enable people to remain in their own homes.

Ireland will continue to identify community infrastructure which we can help to rehabilitate, to ensure that the most vulnerable continue to have access to the essential services they need, and with a view to strengthening Ukrainian systems and enabling longer term development by partnering with counterparts in Lithuania who have significant experience of reconstruction in Ukraine.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.