Massive security bill for the protection of modular homes being built for people fleeing the war in Ukraine

The protection of modular homes being built for refugees from Ukraine in Clonmel ran up a security bill of over €4 million in less than a year.

The cost of providing security at the 82-unit modular homes complex was revealed following the tabling of a parliamentary question by Tipperary South TD Michael Murphy.

While building was taking place, protests were staged at the entrance to the site which was also vandalised on a regular basis.

Deputy Murphy said he was shocked at the scale of the security costs, which amounted to almost €50,000 per unit built.

The Department of Justice told Deputy Murphy that a total of €4.12 million was spent on security for the complex between the autumn of 2024 and July 2025.

This included the €3.7 million on the provision of security guards,€210,000 on security management,€50,000 on accommodation for security personnel and €110,000 for security equipment, such as CCTV and lighting.

Department officials stated that enhanced security was put in place around the clock at the site following consultations with gardaí, community representatives and the provider.

“The Government has now confirmed that more than €4.12 million of taxpayers’ money was spent on security at the Heywood rapid-build modular accommodation development. That is a very significant sum and one that naturally raises important questions about value for money and accountability. The Department itself acknowledges that enhanced 24-hour security was required because of anti-social behaviour, criminal damage and threats to the site during its development and initial occupation,” said Deputy Murphy.

Deputy Murphy said that public safety must always come first.

“Where An Garda Síochána and the relevant authorities advise that enhanced security is necessary, it is entirely appropriate that those measures are put in place.

However, when security costs alone exceed €4 million, taxpayers are entitled to understand why costs reached that level, how they compare with other rapid-build developments around the country, and what lessons have been learned,” said the Fine Gael TD.

Deputy Murphy said that he would now be seeking a comprehensive breakdown of all expenditure associated with the development, including construction, infrastructure, professional fees, utilities and security, so that the public can see the complete picture.

“A further question also arises. Given that maintaining public order and protecting property is fundamentally a matter for An Garda Síochána, why was there a requirement for such extensive private security over such a prolonged period? Was the level of risk so exceptional that additional security was unavoidable, or does this point to wider issues around policing resources and the ability of the State to provide security through existing public services? These are fair questions that deserve clear answers,” said Deputy Murphy.