As part of the State’s humanitarian response to the Ukrainian crisis, the government is rolling out a rapid build housing programme to provide accommodation for families fleeing the war in Ukraine. The programme aims to provide short-term accommodation to 2,000 Ukrainians at several sites across Ireland. While rapid build homes will initially be used to temporarily house people fleeing Ukraine, they have the potential to be utilised to address other accommodation challenges, including social housing and student accommodation.
A rapid build home is a high-quality dwelling that is mostly built off-site from the planned location and then delivered and finished on site. This means they can be put in place quicker than standard accommodation and there is less construction disruption to the area. The Office of Public Works (OPW), working with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY), has responsibility for delivering the Programme.
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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). Since war broke out in Ukraine, Ireland has welcomed over 88,898 ( displaced Ukrainians. The government is providing temporary accommodation to those fleeing the conflict and in need of accommodation. To date, the government has used various types of temporary accommodation to house people displaced by the war in Ukraine. However, as the crisis continues and more displaced persons arrive in Ireland, rapid build homes will provide a means to increase the accommodation capacity available.
| Location | Number of homes planned |
| Heywood, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary | 82 |
| Cavan Town, Co. Cavan | 28 |
| Mahon, Co. Cork | 64 |
| Thurles, Co. Tipperary | 62 |
| Doorly Park, Co. Sligo | 22 |
| Claremorris, Co. Mayo | 28 |
| Rathdowney, Co Laois | 42 |
| Tullamore, Co. Offaly | 64 |
| Charleville, Co. Cork | 66 |
| Backweston, Lucan, Co. Dublin | 120 |
| Pollboy, Ballinasloe, County Galway | 64 |
A number of sites around the country have been identified for the development of rapid build homes. The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, along with DCEDIY, OPW and Local Authorities have identified vacant sites located in or close to urban areas.
For the first phases of construction, OPW has assessed each of the above sites and deemed it suitable for use.
Each site will have roads, footpaths, street lighting, community facilities, including a play area and green spaces, fully in line with Local Authority planning guidance. The rapid build homes will be energy efficient and durable and the sites will be developed in a way that enhances the local area. DCEDIY will provide for the management and maintenance of the homes and sites.
Further sites are under consideration as part of a second phase of development in early 2023.
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DCEDIY, with the support of the OPW, is engaging with local representatives and Local Authorities where the sites will be located. It has provided full information about the plans including the following:
- the rapid build homes have a maximum lifespan of 60 years
- occupants will predominantly be women and children fleeing the conflict in Ukraine
- rapid build homes are well built, energy efficient and will enhance the local area on completion
- construction disruption will be limited as accommodation is manufactured off site
- the Department of Education is planning for the extra school places needed and alternative arrangements will be made to bring occupant children to schools close by where the local school is at capacity
- the Department of Health along with the HSE are planning for additional health service requirements
Environmental Considerations in Sections 181A to 181C of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended).
The European Union (Planning and Development) (Displaced Persons From Ukraine Temporary Protection) Regulations (S.I. No. 306 of 2022) provide that the provisions of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) (other than the environmental considerations in Sections 181A to 181C) will not apply to certain classes of development by or on behalf of a State Authority, that is, a Minister of the government or the Commissioners of Public Works in Ireland, for the purposes of providing temporary protection to displaced persons as specified in the Regulations.
In accordance with S.I. No. 306 of 2022, please see below the site assessments undertaken on behalf of The Commissioners of Public Works in Ireland, on behalf of the Department for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to demonstrate compliance with the European Union Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directive 2011/92/EU as amended by 2014/52/EU and the European Union Habitats Directive (1992).
Proposed Modular Housing Development, Ballinure Land Bank, St. Michael's Drive, Mahon, Cork City, County Cork
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Proposed Modular Housing Development, Farnham Road, Cavan Town, County Cavan
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Proposed Modular Housing Development, Ballyhaunis Road, Claremorris, County Mayo
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Proposed Modular Housing Development, Gortataggart, Thurles, Co. Tipperary
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Email: ukrrapidbuild@equality.gov.ie