THERE are no current plans to build modular homes in Limerick to accommodate people displaced by the war in Ukraine, according to Minister for Children and Integration Roderic O’Gorman.
In response to a question from Limerick Rural Independent TD Richard O’Donoghue, Minister O’Gorman stated that suitable sites had been located in five counties but not, as of yet, in Limerick.
In any instance, the Minister added, communities will be given notice.
“In June, the Government approved the construction of 500 rapid build accommodation units with the potential to house up to 2,000 individuals in four-person family units to address the need to develop capacity for accommodating Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTP) displaced by the war in Ukraine,” Minister O’Gorman explained.
“A further Government decision in October expanded the programme and a further 200 units will be delivered, housing up to 2,800 people in localities across the country.”
The Minister added that the Office of Public Works (OPW) is “leading on the design, development, and delivery of any accommodation to be produced through rapid build construction, including associated site enabling works on available and suitable State land”.
“My Department is the approving authority for the programme and has responsibility for the ownership of these rapid build homes and their future use.”
The Department of Housing sought information from public authorities, including Limerick City and County Council, on potential sites in their ownership which might be suitable for the installation of rapid build units.
“The Department is currently rolling out the first phase of the programme of rapid build homes with sites identified in Cork, Cavan, Tipperary, Sligo and Mayo,” Minister O’Gorman said.
“The timeframe for the installation of the rapid build homes has recently been recalibrated in the light of experience to date with evaluation and assessment of the suitability of sites, engagement with representatives of communities located adjacent to sites and the timescale for the manufacture of the homes required.”
