Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 April 2024
290. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to outline if offers on modular units for BOTPs are still being considered; to outline the process on same; the number of units currently under consideration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18616/24]
View answerMy Department launched an online portal in November 2023 on Gov.ie for developer-led modular accommodation where providers could submit expressions of interest. The portal sought offers for developments with a capacity of up to 200 BOTPs, encompassing the site, units and all management services associated with them. Modular accommodation may potentially provide a further sustainable medium-term solution to assist in meeting overall accommodation requirements, allowing BOTPs to integrate into communities and possibly setting the stage for future housing development at sites. This programme will help establish the feasibility of the approach from a cost perspective and the capacity of the private sector to deliver appropriate solutions.
My Department has currently paused accepting new Expressions of Interest for modular residential developments to accommodate Ukrainian Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs).
My officials are currently working on reviewing 129 Expressions of Interest for developer-led modular accommodation. At this stage in the process it is not possible to quantify the number of units under consideration. Engagement with the relevant Local Authorities is also being undertaken as part of the review process.
My Department's online accommodation portal is still accepting offers of commercial accommodation for Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection which require significant remedial, refurbishment or conversion works for consideration under the Emergency Refurbishment (Ukraine) Project overseen by my colleague the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
