Tipperary TD Mattie McGrath is confirming that the Government intends to construct 82 modular homes to provide accommodation for refugees from Ukraine on HSE owned land in Ballingarrane Clonmel. The Department of Integration informed elected representatives of the decision to provide the accommodation at the site in an email on Friday evening April 12th. A full briefing for public Representatives is to be given on Thursday afternoon at 2pm according to Deputy McGrath.
The TD says a farmer leasing the land is unsure how soon the builders will be on site. The modular units typically accommodate up to four persons so the development will see an increase in Clonmel’s population of approximately 328 persons. The Department is moving to providing it’s own accommodation for refugees and asylum seekers as part of a more planned response to the migrant flow into Ireland.
Deputy McGrath is also concerned that the Irish Government has failed to draw down any funds from the EU Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) for the period 2021 – 2027. Ireland did claim €4.2B under the previous 2014-2020 AMIF programme.
The rollout of modular homes for homeless people in Ireland should also be a Government priority according to Deputy McGrath.
