2026-07-01

9. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether a review has been undertaken of the long-term role and cost-effectiveness of modular accommodation centres established for persons under temporary protection, including a development (details supplied); whether alternative future uses for such facilities are being considered in light of changes to accommodation policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41558/26]

Following on from the decision to withdraw from State-contracted commercial accommodation for beneficiaries of temporary accommodation, to what extent has a review been undertaken of the long-term role and cost-effectiveness of modular accommodation centres, of which there are 11, including whether alternative future uses for such facilities are being considered in light of that change in accommodation policy?

I thank the Deputy for his question. He is referring to developments in Clonmel. The Deputy has spoken to me before about that. I know it is an issue of concern to him. The rapid build modular units, including those in Clonmel, were built to accommodate beneficiaries of temporary protection fleeing the war in Ukraine. In total, we have 654 units across 11 locations across the country, accommodating 2,640 people in family units of four with children. The long-term use of these units has always been an important aim of the rapid build project. These homes are durable units with an expected 60-year lifespan and are highly energy efficient. They were all developed in an environmentally friendly way. The Office of Public Works, OPW, is undertaking a post-project completion report to which my Department has contributed. It is still being drafted and is not yet available. To determine the long-term strategy for the sites post temporary protection, we are starting a process of consulting stakeholders. That started back in March 2025 and is chaired by officials from my Department, including people from the OPW and the Department of housing. In tandem with the consideration of the feasibility of potential future uses, this work involves exploring planning regularisation at each site. There has been no final decision made yet on long-term future use as discussions are ongoing. We will explore all potential options within the local areas. These options include social housing and lower-cost affordable housing, such as cost rental. Obviously, the residents there will not be required to vacate this accommodation until March 2027. To meet the conditions of the scheme, they can apply to the new temporary protection transitional scheme. I do not know if they will come within that, but that is an option for them. To date, full occupancy has been maintained with over 90 units relocated since the sites were first occupied. We have not reached a final decision on what will happen after March.

I thank the Minister. I want to focus on Clonmel. As he said, there are 654 units at the national level, of which 82 are in Clonmel. From the very outset, not all, but the vast majority of people understood that these modular homes were built as an emergency response to the war in Ukraine. They accepted that such extraordinary circumstances required extraordinary measures. I am somewhat concerned, though, that there is no final decision on the future of these sites despite that multi-agency process the Minister referred to, which has been under way since 2025. What I am really looking for is an assurance that consultation will take place with the local authority, the locally elected representatives and, in particular, local communities living close to the development. I would really welcome the assurance that engagement and consultation will take place.

I think that has to happen. These have got the support of the Deputy, other local representatives and the community. There needs to be engagement, and that engagement needs to continue. There are also units that can be used. As I said, they could be used for social housing or other purposes. Obviously, we will also take into consideration any suggestions the Deputy or other local representatives have in respect of them. There is uncertainty at present because of the ongoing temporary protection directive. It looks like it will be extended; it may be extended on terms, but it looks like it is going to be extended beyond March 2027. I do think, and I agree with the Deputy, that there needs to be a plan as to what we are going to use these very valuable and useful units for. Certainly, I believe there should be, and I want to see, consultation with the community before any decisions are made by officials within Government Departments.

I welcome confirmation that these are durable homes with a 60-year lifespan. Indeed, I further welcome the Minister's suggestion around social housing or perhaps cost rental. It would be helpful as well if that Office of Public Works post-project completion report is published, particularly in the interests of transparency. The units in Clonmel were built at an average cost of €436,000 each. Taxpayers have invested many millions of euro. I welcome confirmation from the Minister that the people of Clonmel, together with Tipperary County Council local elected representatives, will have a genuine opportunity to shape the future of the Heywood Road modular unit site. That is key.

They did cost the State a lot of money. They are a valuable resource that we own and we want to see them used effectively. The Deputy talks about Clonmel. There are 82 units in Clonmel accommodating potentially up to 328 people, but there are ten other sites around the country as well, some of which are even bigger than that in Clonmel. We need to have a plan for what we will use this valuable resource for. They have a good lifespan. They are something that will be of great benefit, I would have thought, to local authorities or, indeed, the Department of housing for the purpose of providing accommodation for those who are in need of accommodation because they clearly are very suitable as medium-to-long-term accommodation units. I will certainly keep in close touch with the Deputy in respect of the matter. The Deputy can always come to me and raise the issue. I will certainly insist that there is engagement on it before any decision is made.