Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent)
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260. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to provide the total budget allocated by Government to develop and implement the rapid-build housing programme to ensure accommodation for families fleeing the war in Ukraine who request it; the number of short-term accommodation and modular units provided under the programme to date; the total cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38300/24]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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As part of the State’s humanitarian response to the Ukrainian crisis, the Government has developed a Rapid Build Housing Programme to provide accommodation for families fleeing the war in Ukraine who request it. The programme aims to provide short-term accommodation for up to 2,800 Ukrainians at several sites across Ireland. The Office of Public Works (OPW) is leading the development of this accommodation in conjunction with my Department.

The first phase of ten sites is completed with 2,312 residents having moved into their new homes.

This project – the first of its kind – is an important one, as it will provide a blueprint for future developments. As each phase has brought new challenges, these challenges are providing important future learnings.

The programme is being progressed under the emergency derogations from planning that were provided for by Government under S.I. No. 306 of 2022 – European Union (Planning and Development) (Displaced Persons from Ukraine Temporary Protection) Regulations, 2022.

The emphasis in this programme is on delivery of quality homes which will enhance local environments and this has been a priority. Each site will have roads, footpaths, street lighting, community facilities, including green spaces, fully in line with Local Authority planning guidance. The homes will be highly energy efficient, durable units with a 60 year lifespan and the development of the sites will be conducted in an environmentally sustainable way to ensure that, post development, the site will enhance the local area. Construction disruption is limited as the units are manufactured off site. In the future, the units have the potential to be utilised to address other accommodation challenges, including social housing and student accommodation.

The cost of each unit is approximately €145,000 per unit (45m² / 484sqft), inclusive of supply, delivery and provision of loose electrical and household items. This is separate to the site development and utility connection costs, etc. relating to the overall development. As the project is still ongoing and further sites are under consideration, it is not possible to fully specify a final overall programme figure.

For each of the Rapid Build sites, my Department has put in place structures to ensure planning for the provision of essential and support services, like healthcare and education, are conveyed to the relevant providers in each area. My Department is working with other Departments, State Agencies and stakeholders to ensure these additional resources are in place.

Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent)
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261. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he can confirm that the rapid-build units being delivered under the European Union (Planning and Development) (Displaced Persons From Ukraine Temporary Protection) Regulations 2022 and the rapid-build housing programme are precluded from use as social housing by local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38301/24]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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As part of the State’s humanitarian response to the Ukrainian crisis, the Government has developed a Rapid Build Housing Programme to provide accommodation for families fleeing the war in Ukraine who request it. The programme aims to provide short-term accommodation for up to 2,800 Ukrainians at several sites across Ireland. The Office of Public Works (OPW) is leading the development of this accommodation in conjunction with my Department.

The rapid build units are being delivered under the European Union (Planning and Development) (Displaced Persons From Ukraine Temporary Protection) Regulations 2022, which limits their use to Ukrainian Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection initially. The Government is obliged under EU law to provide access to suitable accommodation for people fleeing the war in Ukraine under the Temporary Protective Directive (European Council Directive 2001/55EC).

In the future, the units have the potential to be utilised to address other accommodation challenges, including social housing and student accommodation.