On 26 April 2022, the Government decided on a range of measures to boost the supply of accommodation for refugees arriving from the Ukraine, due to the ongoing war between their country and Russia. Following receipt of the Government memo on 28 June 2022, the Office of Public Works (OPW) began the development of a rapid-build volumetric modular homes programme.

This project involved the evaluation, assessment and development of suitable sites across a variety of locations nationwide. The urgent provision of an initial 500 modular homes was later extended to 700 homes to accommodate approximately 2,000 or more Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTP's). This project has assisted industry standards within the 3D Volumetric Manufacturers that align with those of social housing standards.

The OPW developed an exemplar single storey module design and specification to ensure Building Regulation compliance and aligned with the Department of Housings equivalent space standards.

The design is based exclusively on rigid frame volumetric structures which represents the best method, having regard to the need for quality, speed, simplicity of design and the availability of resources for the programme requirements, to achieve the scale of programme. Many firms of the modular construction sector have now been brought up to Building Regulations standards, and technical and logistical issues across the industry have been fully resolved.

Further to this evolution, OPW recognised the opportunity to leverage this learning and growth to provide a 3D modular two-story housing exemplar. This exemplar has now benefited this Programme with the first units in place on site in Backweston, Lucan, Co. Dublin.

The URBH Programme can now provide a template to assist with solutions and contribute towards for the wider national housing situation, continuing a natural progression of the modular programme for the benefit of the wider state.

2023