Laois councillor supports plan for 42 Ukraine modular homes

A Laois town will welcome some 42 Ukrainian families this year, with the first glimpse of plans for a new modular housing estate positively received by a local county councillor.

Rathdowney will be the first town in Laois to get a planned estate of rapid build homes, in the Government's effort to provide fast, safe emergency accommodation for almsot 67,000 Ukrainians staying in Ireland while the Russian war continues.

The local community can go and see the plans for themselves, with an open day of consultation just announced.

Cllr John King from the Mountmellick Borris-in-Ossory Municipal District, has with his colleagues seen an initial preview of the houses, and he believes they are "fit for purpose" and that his community will welcome the war refugees.

"I think it is OK, I am happy enough. We will be looking at them in detail on the information day, to see them in proper picture format, but I believe they are fit for purpose.

"The community will welcome new residents. Our schools are short numbers, as are the country schools around, Clough and Errill. I am the Chair of the board of St Fergal's Secondary School and it is well capable of taking more students.

"I am aware that the local shops will be delighted to see extra people. We lost a lot of young people who have left for Australia or New Zealand. I couldn't see any problem, this is no different than a new estate being built and we are always looking for new houses to keep the population up," Cllr King said.

He said there are facilities in Rathdowney, such as a playground, youthclub, sports clubs, an all weather pitch and walking track and a "nearly daily" bus service.

"I know there is over €1 million sanctioned for Laois in the Community Recognition Fund to support communities who welcome Ukraine refugees. I hope we can develop our community centre with this and add extra facilities, we will be well able to spend it," he said.

"I hope the rest of the site is developed for our own community, either serviced sites or housing. I can't see the Ukrainians going back in a hurry. I am sure they will still be here in five or ten years. If after that the houses can be used for our own, they will be put to good use," Cllr King said.

Below: images supplied by Government of what the interiors of the homes may look like.

The information day for Rathdowney residents, will take place in Rathdowney library on Thursday, February 9, from 4.30 to 6.30pm. Plans for the housing estate will be on display. Reps from the OPW and Director Irish Refugee Protection Programme Eibhlin Byrne will be there to answer questions, while a contact number will be given for further queries.

"There will be a newsletter in the church next Sunday and information leaflets distributed. I think it is important for the people of Rathdowney to be aware of what is happening, and to be able to ask questions," Cllr King said.

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The houses will be on half of an 11 acre site in Rathdowney owned by central Government, built by the Office of Public Works.

They will have a lifespan of 60 years. The Government says that occupants of the rapid built homes will be mainly women and children, and school transport, additional health services and school places will be organised by it.

"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," the Government says.

The OPW, working with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY), has responsibility for delivering the Programme, which is hoped to give short term homes to 2,000 displaced Ukrainians. 

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Other sites include Cavan Town with 30 homes, Mahon, Co. Cork with 64, Thurles, Co. Tipperary with 62, Doorly Park, Co. Sligo with 22 and Claremorris, Co. Mayo with 28.

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).