Rapid Build Housing Programme

Brief Project Description:
This project, initiated in June 2022, was part of the Irish government’s rapid build housing programme, a humanitarian response to the Ukrainian crisis. This programme aimed to provide short-term accommodation for 2,000 Ukrainians at multiple sites across Ireland. While initially intended to house families fleeing the war, the rapid build homes also have the potential to address other accommodation challenges, such as social housing and student accommodation. The project was managed by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, with contractors SISK/Castle Modular overseeing the construction and EDC Mechanical & Electrical Consulting Engineers providing engineering oversight. Colin Burke Electrical was selected to handle the electrical installations for a portion of the project.

Brief Description of Work:
Colin Burke Electrical was responsible for the full electrical installation of 164 modular homes. The work included both first and second fixing, which was completed in the factory. After the houses were transported and set up at various sites, Colin Burke Electrical returned to coordinate the connection of the homes to the ESB grid. Final onsite testing, commissioning, and minor snagging were conducted at this stage. The project locations included Tullamore, County Offaly; Thurles, County Tipperary; Backweston, County Dublin; Rathdowney, County Laois; Ballinasloe, County Galway; and Charleville, County Cork. These homes formed part of the larger initiative to rapidly build accommodation for displaced Ukrainian families.