COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, January 11, 2016

MOTION NO.4

MOTION: Councillor L. Dunne

This Council expresses its concerns that the proposed use of modular housing as an emergency accommodation may result in families being housed long term in such units.  We also are concerned that the purchase of modular homes may not represent the best value for money.

We call on the Minister of Environment to allow the Council to use the allocation of funds for modular units to purchase houses on the private market where such purchases represent better value for money than the purchase of modular homes and where they provide better quality accommodation to meet the homeless needs of homeless households. 

REPORT:

The Minister for the Environment Community and Local Government has advised that the Government has approved the delivery of 500 units of modular housing for homeless families across Dublin.  Modular housing accommodation is intended to offer a greater level of stability for families while move-on options to long-term independent living are identified and secured.  In addition such arrangements are envisaged to facilitate a more coordinated needs assessment and support planning for access to all required services, including welfare, health and housing services. 

The aim is to have an initial 22 units in place by mid-December in Dublin City Council area with a further 128 units to follow through a fast-tracked procurement.  350 units will then be provided through a national procurement framework overseen by the office for Government procurement.

It is anticipated that SDCC will be required to provide approximately 100 units.

Dublin City Council has started the accelerated restricted procedure through e-tenders for the erection /installation of 22 no. 3 bed - 5 person 2-storey, rapid delivery housing units by Mid December 2015.  The provision of these 22 units by the successful applicant is currently underway.

Those allocated to the modular units as advised by the Minister will not be considered housed and will remain on the Councils Social Housing list continuing to have a housing need. The modular housing proposal is to provide families who are homeless a better environment where their family life will be minimally disrupted.  The homes will be built to all necessary building standards with the sites being selected on the basis of access to community infrastructure and services.

The Council is currently in the process of identifying suitable locations for the provision of the units.

If the motion is passed it will be forwarded to the Minister for the Environment Community and Local Government.