Martin Daly (Roscommon-Galway, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As we know, housing production is the number one priority for the Government as is reflected in the programme for Government. Ireland's housing need is real and we need to consider all methods of construction to deliver the targets we set out in the programme for Government. We have to increase housing supply, improve sustainability and boost construction productivity. A recent report by the National Economic and Social Council, NESC, published last autumn, which was welcomed by the Government and the industry, was the first critical review of modern methods of construction in the landscape in Ireland. It looked at a template for the forward planning for modern methods of construction, but today, I am specifically asking about modular housing. It is coming at a crucial time because it is clear that the traditional methods of construction will not meet the ambitious targets set out in the programme for Government so we need to involve all aspects and foster all areas of construction in Ireland, not just on-site, but off-site construction.

One of the strengths of the report is that it adopted the UK's definition framework seven categories of modern methods of construction, which will bring much needed clarity to what constitutes modern methods of construction in Ireland. One hundred off-site manufacturing companies operate in this country with 27 providing complete housing solutions. In my constituency, there is a company called Lidan Designs that has recruited 40 people into its manufacturing facility, including master carpenters, plumbers, electricians, architects and engineers. It has taken on 8 apprentices from the local school starting in September. It is a vibrant company with an investment in the region of €10 million, most of which came from its own resources and private equity with very little support from the State. It has built schools for the Department of Education, including St. Flannan's and a school in Birr and it is constructing a national school in Kildare. Its problems are crystalised in what was identified in this report.

As modular housing is a disruption of the traditional methods of construction, it will require a different approach. Institutional leadership - that is us; standards in innovation - that is us; and the building industry are mentioned. Ambitious targets were also mentioned - that is us. Innovative finance must be us because a different financial model is required for modular housing. Much of the finance has to be front-loaded. Supply lines cannot be set up without predictability and consistency. Multi-annual planning is needed. I am talking about the Department of Education in this respect, but also the housing sector. We need to review our relationship with modular construction so we can bring on smaller Irish indigenous companies, especially in this climate, that offer high quality jobs in provincial towns throughout Ireland. I spoke last night at the parliamentary party meeting and another Fianna Fáil TD from another part of the country identified the exact same issues around modular housing and its ability to get a foothold in the provision of housing.

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