Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
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617. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the status of a facility (details supplied) in Kilkenny; the time frame for works and a potential contract, as it seems this situation is ongoing, and given that this was an equestrian premises, it is very worrying that people may be housed there; his views on whether this is suitable accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36537/24]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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In January 2023, my Department received a proposal in relation to the former Equestrian and Conference Centre, Wallslough, Co. Kilkenny, R95 T9FE for the provision of temporary accommodation for those fleeing the conflict in Ukraine (Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection, also know as BOTPs).

As the proposal involved a property requiring significant conversion and refurbishment works, it was referred to the Emergency Refurbishment (Ukraine) Programme (ERUP) overseen by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

The proposed accommodation envisages a total capacity of 291 people and it is anticipated that the accommodation will be in pods, generally with three bedrooms and a shared living space per pod.

My Department’s acceptance of this property as temporary accommodation to BOTPs is dependent on completion of the conversion and refurbishment works, all the necessary statutory and regulatory requirements being met, and the accommodation centre being substantially compliant with the Guidelines for Temporary Accommodation in Existing Buildings for those fleeing the war in Ukraine – Single Persons and Family Type Accommodation (May 2022).

The property is not yet in contract with my Department. Specific details on a contract commencement date are not yet available. It is anticipated that the accommodation could be available to my Department in Q4 2024. The property will not be contract until my Department is satisfied that all the necessary statutory and regulatory requirements have been met.