Joe Flaherty (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I will be quick, as I am conscious that the Minister needs to go. We have discussed modular builds a number of times. Could the Department set targets for local authorities to build modular builds, be they timber-framed, steel or other builds? There are great examples with the Ukrainian crisis. I have been in two-bedroom modular builds that were built for €80,000, excluding site costs. Their life expectancy is 100 years and we can put any rendering or finishing we want on them. Could we incentivise local authorities to build modular builds? There is a crisis in construction, with the industry unable to get staff. Modular manufacturers say it is easier for them to get staff because staff are guaranteed to be working indoors.

They are not out in the cold and they are not out in the rain. I suppose we are lucky in Longford that we have a number of these manufacturers and I am seeing the advantages. Maybe it is something to take back to the Department to see whether local authorities could be targeted in the new year for modular housing.