The modular home estate being built for a Laois town, will be handed back for potential social housing in three years.

The open evening at Rathdowney library displayed images of the type of basic houses going into the field beside the town’s golf club. The long narrow 2 bedroom prefab flat roof homes, measure under 500 sq ft each.

They will come with fitted furniture, and have an open kitchen, dining, living area, a bathroom with shower and a single and a double bedroom.

The Government says that priority will be given to women and children who are already staying in Laois in emergency accommodation.

They are already on order with specialist manufacturers, confirms the Director of the Irish Refugee Protection Programme Eibhlin Byrne who was giving answers on the day.

She said that the houses are expected to be on site by April or May. Ukrainian refugees are expected to move in by July.

“They are here on emergency planning status. After three years, this land goes back to the local authority. We can’t stay after three years with the Ukrainian refugees.

Below: Eibhlin Byrne meeting Rathdowney residents at an information day on the Ukraine housing estate going into the town.

“The council have to decide whether to remove them or keep them as social housing. That will have to go out on public consultation,” Ms Byrne told the gathering.

“There is a big body of work to be done with schools and getting lots of different groups involved.

“But simply saying hello when meeting someone at a school, a warm hand of friendship, there is nothing more important.

“I think there is a positive welcome atmosphere here in Rathdowney, people are very open to welcoming people,” she said.

The houses have a lifespan of 60 years, according to a Goverment information leaflet. The homes are “well built, energy efficient and will enhance the local area on completion”. They say occupants will be mainly women and children.

Source: leinster express

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