Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein)
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252. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the actions that will be taken to ensure value for money in the rapid build programme of modular housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40693/24]

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 housing programme to provide temporary accommodation for Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) at several sites across Ireland.

As recommended by the Comptroller and Auditor General, assessments of the delivery mechanism and of the long-term future use of the units will be carried out in a timely manner. Preparatory work on these assessments is underway.

While the cost increases experienced by the programme have been significant, the cost comparison of rapid build homes to house over 2,600 BOTPs versus other forms of State provided temporary accommodation shows that it will only take five years to deliver significant savings to the State.

In addition, the State has gained valuable experience in the delivery of residential units using modern methods of construction which can be applied elsewhere and could achieve time and budgetary savings at better sites.

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 will provide important future learnings.

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 rapid build units will be energy efficient and durable, and the sites will be developed in a way that enhances the local area.

While rapid build units 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.