'Straight answers’ sought on future of Offaly modular homes built for Ukrainians
Frustration has been expressed by Deputy Carol Nolan at the lack of information on what will happen to modular accommodation units built in Tullamore for Ukrainians fleeing the war.
Deputy Nolan says that Minister for Housing, James Browne, has refused to provide the clarity she has sought regarding the future of the Clonminch modular accommodation units in Tullamore.
The units were originally constructed under the State’s rapid‑build programme for Ukrainian Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs)
Deputy Nolan said the Minister’s reply is deeply inadequate, especially given the scale of the development and the level of public interest locally.
“While we know that modular homes were built specifically for Ukrainian families, the minister now refuses to say what the long‑term plan is. He will only say that the future use of these rapid build units are part of ’an ongoing deliberate process’ and that he is ’not in a position to comment further at this time’. I find that completely unacceptable. Offaly communities deserve straight answers, not evasive language,” said Deputy Nolan.
“The Government was able to deliver these units at speed, but when it comes to explaining what happens next, suddenly everything becomes vague. People in Tullamore are being kept in the dark, and that is disrespectful to the community.”
Deputy Nolan also highlighted the Minister’s reference to the strict standards required for permanent social housing including planning regulations, design requirements, and 60‑year durability: “If these units were built to a high standard under a State programme, then why is the Government refusing to say whether they will be used to meet Offaly’s housing needs once their initial purpose ends? Families across the county are crying out for accommodation, and the minister cannot even confirm whether these publicly funded units will be made available locally.”
Deputy Nolan said the Government’s silence is fuelling frustration and speculation. “People are tired of being treated like they don’t deserve straight answers. The minister’s refusal to provide even basic clarity is not good enough. We deserve honesty about what these units will be used for especially as the taxpayer has footed the bill for their construction.”
Deputy Nolan confirmed she will continue pressing the Minister until a clear, definitive plan for Clonminch is published. “These units were built for a specific emergency purpose. That purpose has now evolved. Offaly deserves to know what comes next. I will not allow this issue to be buried under bureaucratic fog.”
In his reply, Minister Browne said that “the Office of Public Works (OPW), on behalf of the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, was tasked with the roll out of rapid build / modular homes as part of the effort to accommodate Ukrainian Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs).”
“My Department’s role in the rapid build programme was helping to identify sites that may have been suitable for inclusion in the project,” he said.
“The modular accommodation at Clonminch, Tullamore was developed as part of this rapid build programme. The future use of these rapid build units are part of an ongoing deliberate process and I am not in a position to comment further at this time,” he added.
“Permanent social housing funded by my Department is required to comply with Planning Regulations and meet space standards and design requirements as set out in the Department’s 2022 ‘Design Manual for Quality Housing,” he said.