Michelle Mulherin (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for coming before the House. I think we can all agree that there is no one solution to fix the housing shortage problem, as everyone knows. We need a multifaceted approach and to think outside the box. Modular builds are part of the solution in the shorter term and, in some cases, the longer term, particularly from the point of view that they can be delivered more quickly than concrete houses - I understand it takes about 18 weeks to build a modular unit - and are substantially cheaper to deliver. As things stand, in terms of Government policy on housing and planning, we are behind the curve compared with our near neighbour, the United Kingdom, and the United States where modular units built to the highest standards form a significant part of the housing offering. I say this with particular knowledge of a company operating in my county, Mayo, Big Red Barn, which is going from strength to strength in manufacturing modular units. It is about to expand its factory in Swinford, in the process doubling its workforce to 65. It is inundated with demands for its product, modular builds and commercial premises, but its market is predominantly exports to the United Kingdom and the United States where it is enjoying great success and going from strength to strength.

When people here inquire about modular builds, they find that they run into issues with Government policy which is really geared towards bricks and mortar, not modular builds. For example - I noted this when I was canvassing with various candidates during the local elections - if one goes out to the countryside one will see substandard housing. It could be an elderly person or a family living in an overcrowded setting who need additional accommodation. The provision of a modular unit built to the highest standards in terms of energy efficiency and fire safety would be a very quick solution for them. When dealing with the local authority, however, it seems that what is obvious and makes common sense in other countries is not acceptable here. I refer to one-off builds in the countryside, but this could also be applied to town in certain circumstances.

Big Red Barn forwarded a proposal to Dublin City Council for a pilot project to deliver social housing. It was presented to Mr. Brendan Kenny.Currently, there are no adequate regulations to incentivise accessory dwelling units. These would allow younger couples who cannot secure loans for the bricks and mortar, cannot get planning permission and are unsure about building regulations to get satisfactory modular builds. There seems to be a large gap that we need to fill. Will Government policy respond? I would like the pilot project to be brought forward as part of the housing solution and as an alternative to family hubs. We have sites but we need action on the issue.