34. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration further to the recent Government decision to wind down the use of commercial accommodation contracts for persons fleeing the war in Ukraine, the future plans for State-funded modular accommodation developments (details supplied); whether occupancy levels at such sites are expected to reduce; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41557/26]

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.

Future use of these units following the end of the Temporary has always been an integral element of the rapid build project in order to provide value to the State and local communities.

As well as having a long lifespan of 60 years, the sites were built with future use in mind with all necessary infrastructure to support long term residency and a finished to enhance the local area.

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.

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.

While current rapid build residents will not be required to vacate this accommodation until March 2027, they are free to apply for the new Temporary Protection Transitional Scheme in August. To meet the conditions of the scheme, they must surrender their unit and leave their state provided accommodation in line with those in commercial accommodation. To date, full occupancy has been maintained with over 90 units re-allocated since the sites have been occupied. We will continue to do so with eligible families to avoid having vacant units as developments and plans for their long-term future use have been finalised.