Laois TD to lead quizzing of officials about modular homes for Ukrainians in Laois and elsewhere

TDs on a Dáil committee chaired by Laois Offaly TD Brian Stanley are to ask Government officials about the building of modular homes for Ukrainian refugees in Rathdowney and other locations.

The Committee of Public Accounts resumes examination of 2021 appropriation accounts with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth on Thursday, February 16.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Dep Stanley said the Department is leading the emergency response for providing accommodation and services to the more than 74,000 Ukrainian refugees who have arrived in Ireland under the Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTP) scheme since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine this time last year.

He said housing the refugees will be on the agenda alongside services for international protection applicants.

“Members would also like to examine the Modular Homes Pilot Programme to provide an initial 700 units for emergency accommodation and the State Architect from the OPW will be available at the meeting to contribute to discussions on the matter. The Committee looks forward to an extensive discussion on these issues and related matters with the Department officials,” he said.

An OPW representative has met with local people to outline plans for 42 prefabricated homes to accommodate up to 168 people in a development on the outskirts of Rathdowney. People are due to have moved in by early summer 2023. The people who are due to move in are living in emergency accommodation in Laois.

Laois County Council is not building the homes but it is expected that it will take possession of the homes when they are no longer needed by Ukrainians.

Laois council can take over Ukraine housing for locals in 2026

In June 2022, the Government approved the provision 500 modular houses as part of its plans to address the need to develop capacity for Ukrainian arrivals. It said that once in place, the modular houses will accommodate 2,000 people across 20 sites across the country. None are completed.