Defending the cost of modular homes in front of the accounts committee

Officials from the Office of Public Works (OPW) will be justifying the cost of modular homes before the Public Accounts Committee, stating that these homes are deemed as valuable “State assets”. Despite the high unit cost of €436,000, which exceeded the initial budget of €200,000, the OPW argues that the long-term benefits outweigh the initial expenses. The Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG) report compared the cost to accommodating Ukrainian refugees in a hotel for five years, highlighting the discrepancy.

OPW officials defend the higher costs by attributing them to the emergency nature of the pilot, site complications, access issues, and utility connections. They emphasize that the procurement process for the modular homes was compliant, with 90% of the pilot scheme completed and serving 2,300 Ukrainians across 10 sites.

Moreover, the OPW acknowledges concerns over other projects such as the bike shelter at Leinster House and security pavilion at Government Buildings, attributing the expenses to security threats. They also highlight the completion of 55 flood relief schemes nationwide, with climate change adaptation integrated into new projects since 2019.