Tipperary TD Martin Browne says the long term use of 81 modular homes under construction in Clonmel for Ukrainian families due to move in April 2024 is uncertain.
A number of modular home complexes have been installed across the country including 62 in Thurles. In the initial period of planning such accommodation the government indicated that the houses might become part of the national stock of housing and be available for social housing in the longer term. It is also possible that the modular units might also be considered as accommodation for those seeking asylum in Ireland. The current government had initially agreed to end the large-scale direct provision model of accommodation during the lifetime of this Government but subsequently abandoned this goal due to the increasing levels of asylum seekers and the ongoing housing crises.
Deputy Browne attended a drop in information event in Clonmel last evening in respect of the Heywood Road site. The event was jointly hosted by the Department of Integration and the Office of Public Works. Some of those attending raised concerns about water and sewage capacity in the area, the lack of the usual planning process, how community integration would be managed and the impact the development might have on property prices in the vicinity of the modular homes. Deputy Browne says the members of the public that he met were happy to get information directly from the Department officials.
