Modular houses for Ukrainians in Laois could end up in Ukraine

More than 40 modular homes like those earmarked for Rathdowney for the Ukrainian refugees could end up being shipped back to Ukraine after the war ends, according to the State architect from the Office of Public Works.

The building of 42 homes in Rathdowney and hundreds more for other parts of Ireland was raised with senior Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth officials at a meeting of the Dáil Public Accounts Committee. The meeting was also attended by Ciarán O'Connor, OPW State architect.

Laois Offaly TD Brian Stanley chairs the Committee which monitors the spending of public money by Government Departments.

Under questioning from Dep Stanely on the use of the semi-detached prefabricated accommodation, Mr O'Connor outlined a possible future use. He said the buildings, which are 45 sq metres, could be reconfigured by merging two together, to give one full-sized social house. Mr O'Connor said there is another potential use.

"We were cognisant of possible future use. It can be lifted and sent off to Ukraine as part of Ireland's aid to Ukraine later. It is a lift-and-plug house," he said.

The architect told Dep Stanley that the homes would include a kitchen-dining-living area combined, a bathroom, a small bedroom and a large bedroom. He said up to four people could live in the semi-detached homes which have an option for a pull-out sofa bed in the dining area.

He told the Committee that the buildings have a lifespan of a minimum of 60 years and the cost varies between five suppliers. The average build cost is €145,000. 

TDs were also told that it is envisaged that approved housing bodies would manage maintenance.

The Department's Secretary General Mr Kevin McCarthy said there is "a good communications plan" in respect of the modular housing programme.

"We have people on the ground engaging with communities and speaking to their representatives and their local public representatives," he said.

However, Deputy Stanley disagreed. 

Laois people invited to show support at Portlaoise event for Ukraine, Turkey and Syria

"The point is that there has been zero communication. In this vacuum, the rumour mill gets going," he said.

The Rathdowney houses will be built as part of a Government approved modular home project which will see 700 homes built and completed by July.

The TDs were told that seven sites across Cork, Cavan, Claremorris, Sligo, Thurles, Laois and Tullamore would accommodate 480 out of the total. Sites have to be found to build the remaining 220 homes.

In PICTURES: White angels in Laois as Ukraine's war dead remembered in Portlaoise

Houses are due to be delivered from Easter and through April, May, June and July. A total of 168 Ukrainians are due to be living in Rathdowney in June and July and the houses will be on-site by May.