217. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether his Department has engaged with the Department of Housing; Local Government and Heritage regarding the future use of modular accommodation developments currently being used to house persons under temporary protection, including the Haywood site in Clonmel, in light of the recent Government decision to wind down commercial accommodation contracts for Ukrainians; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41559/26]

218. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether consideration is being given to the future housing role of modular accommodation units developed for temporary protection purposes, including whether such units could subsequently be repurposed for social or affordable housing needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41560/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 217 and 218 together.

The rapid build modular units, including those in the location referred to by the Deputy, were built to accommodate Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection fleeing the war in Ukraine. In total there are 654 units across 11 locations, accommodating 2,640 people in family units of four with children.

Each of the 11 rapid build sites are currently exempt from planning permission requirements as the units are being used to accommodate families who are fleeing the war in Ukraine. The units can, therefore, only be used for this purpose currently. This exemption will apply for as long as the Temporary Protection Directive (TPD) is in place. The proposed winddown of this accommodation type will be in line with the ending of TPD to avoid pressures on areas where there may be local commercial accommodation in the midst of a winddown phase.

The rapid build homes are durable units with an expected 60-year lifespan and are highly energy efficient, with an A2 rating. All 11 sites were developed in an environmentally sustainable way to ensure long-term use and to enhance the local areas. Future use of these units following the end of TPD has always been an integral element of the rapid build project in order to provide value to the State and local communities.

To determine the long-term strategy for the sites post TPD, a multi-stakeholder process commenced in March 2025, chaired by officials from my department and including representation from the Office of Public Works (OPW) and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH). In tandem with the consideration of the feasibility of potential future uses, this work involves exploring planning regularisation at each site. To date, there has been no final decision made on long term future use, as discussions are ongoing with the need to explore all potential options within the local areas. However, these options include Social Housing and lower cost affordable housing such as Cost Rental.

While the units comply with social housing size requirements for a one-bedroom apartment, modifications are possible to convert two units into one larger three- bedroom unit to accommodate a family of five.

One of the first steps to securing planning regularisation is to ensure that all sites are zoned as residential where this is not currently the case. I understand that the Local Authorities are in the process of completing this phase in their Local Development Plans under a variation process. Work is also underway to determine the appropriate planning application process for each of the sites.