Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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899. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth whether a costing has been developed on the potential moving costs of modular homes if planning is refused when required for the sites; how much this is expected to cost; and whether local authorities have identified alternative sites.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44209/24]

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 developed a Rapid Build Programme to provide accommodation for families fleeing the war in Ukraine. The programme aims to provide emergency temporary accommodation to up to 2,800 Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) at several sites across Ireland. While rapid build units will initially be used to temporarily house for people fleeing the war in Ukraine, they have the potential to be utilised to address other accommodation challenges, including social housing and student accommodation.

As noted by the Deputy, the units and sites in the programme have been developed with the aid of the exemptions set out in S.I. 306 of 2022 - European Union (Planning and Development) (Displaced Persons from Ukraine Temporary Protection) Regulations 2022, which are in place until March 2026. In that regard, my Department has already initiated a multistakeholder discussion of the status and future use of the units, as well as consideration on any potential additional costings further to the end of S.I. 306 of 2022. Discussions are ongoing.

This discussion will be greatly aided by the approach taken in developing and delivering the programme, which has ensured that the requirements applicable to residential use are already satisfied. It is not expected that any movement of the units will be required given their adaptability to meet other accommodation challenges in their current locations.

The emphasis in this programme has been the delivery of quality homes, which will enhance local environments, and this has been a priority. Every completed and forthcoming site has roads, footpaths, street lighting, community facilities, including green spaces, fully in line with Local Authority planning guidance. The rapid build units are energy efficient and durable, and the sites have been developed in a way that enhances the local areas concerned.