11 hours ago
Tipperary modular home complex for Ukrainians to open in July after attacks
The Department of Justice & Migration have confirmed to Tipperary TD Michael Murphy that work on the Heywood Road complex outside Clonmel is now nearing completion.
The complex will feature a total of 82 modular homes which will be used by families fleeing the war in Ukraine.
It brings to 654 the number of modular homes brought on stream under the Government's rapid-build accommodation programme for refugees.
A total of 2,640 people will be accommodated nationally in such modular homes.
"The completion date is in the coming weeks with the first residents expected to take up occupation in early July," a department spokesperson said.
"Site security is in ongoing contact with local representatives of the Gardaí who have been kept informed of the estimated occupation timelines."
The department said community engagement has also been extensive.
Members of the department's community engagement team (CET) have briefed local representatives throughout the process while a special information leaflet was also prepared for locals in coordination with the Office of Public Works (OPW), the Gardaí and Tipperary Co Council.
A special public meeting was also held on July 24 last to brief residents on precisely what was involved in the project.
In a bid to provide information about the complex, a site visit was organised last January for local politicians.
ADVERTISEMENT
The measures came after a high profile series of attacks on the complex last year.
One security guard had to be hospitalised after the incident at the Heywood Road site in May 2024.
A number of vehicles were damaged in an arson attack while a number of security guards were assaulted.
Gardaí investigating the incident described it as "very serious" - and said people could have been very badly injured.
One worker, a privately contracted security guard, was hospitalised after the incident.
TippFM has reported a number of people are now before the courts in relation to the incidents.
Officials said that the engagement programme had countered much of the misinformation surrounding the project.
Once the complex is operational, the department plans to request a Local Authority Integration Team (LAIT) to support engagement and integration measures with local community stakeholders and agencies.
Delivery of each unit nationally has cost, on average, €436,000.
The department said the Rapid Build Programme has seen costs develop in real time - with cost increases reflecting the project urgency, supply chain price increases and the fact that many sites required significant remedial work.
"It is estimated that the final project cost will be in the region of €285.3m - definitive costs cannot be provided at this time as works are ongoing."
The department stressed that the average cost of €436,000 covers the physical unit including its supply and delivery as well as the provision of key utilities.
Site provision, preparation and associated utility costs alone are estimated at €271,000 per unit.
"Each of the sites has been developed to be compliant with building regulations and the units are of sufficient size to allow for alternative housing uses."
All of the rapid-built sites have been equipped with roads, footpaths, street lighting and community facilities such as playgrounds.
