Site for Modular Homes Thurles as of April 29th – Image Catherine Fogarty
The Office of Public works says as many as half of the 700 modular houses approved by the Government to house Ukrainian refugees might not be completed by the end of 2023 due to difficulties assessing suitable sites
204 modular homes on five sites will begin to be handed over for occupation from next month including 62 homes in Thurles. The bases for the homes in Thurles are nearly complete at the Gortataggart site – the work is being undertaken by SISK contractors.
A further 106 homes at sites in Tullamore and Rathdowney will be completed by August 2023. The government had hoped to accommodate 2,800 people in the 700 houses.
The Government approved the provision of 500 modular houses last summer and later increased the overall target to 700 units. The overall cost projection for the project is estimated to be €140 million. The OPW has struggled to find suitable sites for the quick build homes. The number of Ukrainian refugees in the country is now close to 80,000. More than 63,000 have been accommodated in hotels, emergency rest centres or homes offered by members of the public.
