Completion time for Offaly Ukrainian refugee modular homes confirmed in Dáil

Modular homes for Ukrainian refugees in Tullamore will be ready in a matter of weeks, it has been confirmed in the Dáil this week. 

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth Roderic O'Gorman said that work is well under way on the first phase of seven sites which will see the completion of 700 rapid-build homes on State-owned land. 

A question on the provision of modular homes for Ukrainian refugees had been brought by Deputy Marian Harkin. 

"Five of the sites, accommodating a total of 204 units or over 800 people, are complete and the residents have moved into their new homes. Final work is progressing on the Rathdowney and Tullamore sites, and these sites are due to be handed over by the OPW in mid-November," Minister O'Gorman said.

"A total of 310 units will be delivered in 2023, accommodating just over 1,200 people. The remaining sites will be progressing and occupied in 2024," he added.

The OPW scheme comprises a total of 62 modular homes.

They are being built on land owned by Offaly County Council off the main Portlaoise road close to Clonminch Lane.

The OPW has said it will plant semi-mature trees on the council side of a perimeter wall.

Each unit measures in the region of 45 square metres in area and costs approximately €145,000 to construct.

The homes will include a kitchen-dining-living area combined, a bathroom, a small bedroom and a large bedroom.

The homes will be highly energy efficient, durable units with a 60-year lifespan and the Government says the development of the site will be conducted in an environmentally sustainable way to ensure that, when the work is completed, the scheme will enhance the local area.