Rapid Build Housing

As part of the State’s humanitarian response to the Ukrainian crisis, the government has completed the rollout of a rapid build housing programme to provide short term accommodation for families fleeing the war in Ukraine. The programme has resulted in the provision of 654 units in 11 sites across Ireland, providing temporary homes to 2,640 people who were originally accommodated in commercial accommodation. While rapid build homes are currently being used to temporarily house people fleeing Ukraine, they have the potential to be utilised in local areas to address other accommodation challenges.

A rapid build home is a high-quality dwelling that is mostly built off-site from the planned location and then delivered and finished on site. This means they can be put in place quicker than standard accommodation and there is less construction disruption to the area. The Office of Public Works (OPW), initially worked with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY), and subsequently the Department of Justice Equality and Home Affairs and Migration (DJHAM) to deliver the Programme.

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). Since war broke out in Ukraine, Ireland has welcomed approximately 120,000 displaced Ukrainians. The government is providing temporary accommodation to those fleeing the conflict and in need of accommodation. To date, the government has used various types of temporary accommodation to house people displaced by the war in Ukraine. However, as the crisis continues and more displaced persons arrive in Ireland, rapid build homes are providing a means to increase the accommodation capacity available.

Sites on state owned land were identified around the country for the development of the rapid build homes. The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, along with DCEDIY, OPW and Local Authorities chose these sites in or close to urban areas.

Each site has roads, footpaths, street lighting, community facilities, including play areas in open green spaces, fully in line with Local Authority planning guidance. The rapid build homes are energy efficient and durable and the sites are developed in a way that enhances the local area. DJHAM provides for the management and maintenance of the homes and sites.

DCEDIY and DJHAM, with the support of the OPW, engaged with local representatives and Local Authorities regarding the location of the sites. They provided full information about the rapid build sites prior to their completion including the following:

• The rapid build homes have a minimum structural guarantee of 60 years.
• Occupants are predominantly women and children fleeing the war in Ukraine
• Rapid build homes are well built, energy efficient and enhance the local area on completion
• The Department of Education was consulted to allow them to make arrangements with local schools and to source additional resources where required
• The Department of Health and HSE was consulted regarding additional health service requirements
• Discussions with DJHAM and OPW are still ongoing with Local Authorities and Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH) regarding future use of the rapid build homes

Environmental Considerations in Sections 181A to 181C of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended).

The European Union (Planning and Development) (Displaced Persons From Ukraine Temporary Protection) Regulations (S.I. No. 306 of 2022) provide that the provisions of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) (other than the environmental considerations in Sections 181A to 181C) will not apply to certain classes of development by or on behalf of a State Authority, that is, a Minister of the government or the Commissioners of Public Works in Ireland, for the purposes of providing temporary protection to displaced persons as specified in the Regulations.

In accordance with S.I. No. 306 of 2022, please see below the site assessments undertaken on behalf of The Commissioners of Public Works in Ireland, on behalf of the Department for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to demonstrate compliance with the European Union Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directive 2011/92/EU as amended by 2014/52/EU and the European Habitats Directive (1992)

Heywood, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary

Rathdowney

Doorly Park

Cork – Ballinure, Mahon

Cavan – Farnham Road

Claremorris – Co Mayo

Thurles – Co. Tipperary

Clonminch - Co. Offaly

Charleville - Co. Cork

Backweston, Lucan - Co. Dublin

Pollboy, Ballinasloe, County Galway

Email: ukrainetempaccom@equality.gov.ie