Still no figure for modular house build

Six months on from when they were first fully occupied, the Office of Public Works is still unable to provide a final cost for the 28 modular homes build in Cavan Town to house Ukrainian families.

The only confirmation available regarding price, according to the a spokesperson for the State’s property portfolio manager, is that cost worked out “at around €145,000 per unit”, bringing the visible price tag to €4.6 million.

The OPW says that as the modular build programme is “still ongoing” and it’s not in a position to “fully specify” a final overall figure.

The €145,000 per unit (45m² / 484sqft) figure is inclusive of supply, delivery and provision of loose electrical and household items. However, this is “separate to the site development and utility connection costs, etc relating to the overall development,” the spokesperson confirmed.

At end of 2023 the first phase of seven sites was completed, totalling 310 units and accommodating 1,240 residents.

Cavan has welcomed the ninth highest number of Ukrainian refugees and international protection applicants per capita in Ireland since the Russian invasion of their country began in February 2022.

Cavan currently has 1,253 Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs), accounting for almost 1.50% of the current population in the county.

To date, over 106,000 BOTPs have arrived in Ireland and approximately 84,000 of those have been referred to the Department seeking accommodation from the State.