First 20 modular homes to be ready in two weeks

The first 20 of the 50 modular homes being installed at Columb Barracks to house families fleeing Ukraine will be completed within the next two weeks, the Department of Equality says.

In a statement to the Westmeath Examiner, the department said that 48 people who recently arrived in Ireland from Ukraine are currently being housed in tented accommodation at the barracks.

"As you will be aware, there is an ongoing significant shortfall in accommodation for those arriving from Ukraine.

"Due to this shortfall, tented accommodation is being utilised and 48 people who arrived recently from Ukraine are currently being accommodated in tented accommodation in Columb Barracks.

"The 48 people are expected to be relocated over the next number of weeks and will not form part of the group being assigned to the modular units within Column Barracks.

"Assembly and installation of the units is ongoing and the first 20 units will be completed over the next two weeks, with the remaining units being delivered by end October/early November.

"All of the units will be used for Ukrainian families."