Plan suggested in March would see builders carry out some work on a pro-bono basis, with costs of conversion recoupableThe Government has yet to act on a proposal to convert vacant buildings into accommodation for Ukrainian refugees on a non-profit basis, which was made months ago by the Housing Commission and some of the largest builders in the State.
While the department says the proposal is still under consideration, there is frustration among those who made it at the delayed response. Hundreds of people are sleeping at a purpose-built reception centre in CityWest. An emergency accommodation centre at Millstreet in Co Cork is at capacity. and a tented village at Gormanstown Army camp, Co Meath, is only being partially used due to resource constraints.
The department said all proposals it received “remain under consideration” and many had been factored into plans to address the growing crisis in accommodation, and “helped to shape the options being progressed by Government”.