Heywood Lodge modular homes could be used as social housing, but not until at least 2028
The 82 modular homes in Clonmel, Tipperary, were originally built to accommodate Ukrainian people who had to flee their homes when Russia invaded in February 2022
The Government has confirmed that the 83 modular homes built at Heywood in Clonmel could be used as social housing, or an affordable housing scheme such as cost-rental. However, this will not be until at least 2028.
The Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan gave the update to Deputy Michael Murphy earlier this week.
The homes were built under the Rapid Build Programme; in total, 654 homes were built nationally across 11 locations including Clonmel, accommodating 2,640 people in family units of four, with children.
The Temporary Protection Directive (TPD) has recently been extended to March 2028 which means the homes cannot be used for any other purpose other than temporary accommodation for the Ukraine response.
As it stands, there has been no final decision made on long term future use, “as discussions are ongoing with the need to explore all potential options within the local areas.
“However, these options include Social Housing and lower cost affordable housing such as Cost Rental.”
At the moment, the units comply with social housing size requirements for a one-bedroom apartment,but modifications are possible to convert two units into one larger three-bedroom unit to accommodate a family of five.
The homes are “highly energy efficient”, said the Minister, with a minimum 60-year lifespan.
“The development of the sites has been conducted in an environmentally sustainable way to support long term residency and to ensure that, post development, local areas are enhanced.”
In the meantime, the Minister said that affected Local Authorities were in the process of making sure that the lands are zoned residential for the future, as it may not necessarily be the case at all sites.