Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
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1412. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he will consider the emergency provision of pre-fabricated buildings as an interim measure to facilitate some of the most urgent cases of persons who are currently accommodated in hotels, beds and breakfasts, hostels and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31002/15]

Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Renua Ireland)
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1512. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if the proposed modular housing to address the homelessness crisis in Dublin will be subject to the normal planning permission process, or if new legislation will be introduced to fast track the planning process and enable the housing to be constructed as soon as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32117/15]

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1412 and 1512 together.

Against the backdrop of ongoing increases in the number of homeless households in the Dublin Region, the Dublin local authorities are exploring the potential for modular housing as an option for addressing emergency accommodation needs. Dublin City Council is overseeing a modular housing demonstration project, which includes units from six different contractors, each displaying a fully fitted housing unit. I have asked the City Council to develop the proposal further, as regards unit numbers, costs, timescales, etc.

As with any form of housing development all statutory obligations must be complied with, including planning, building control, fire safety, etc. As regards the planning process, in accordance with section 179 of the Planning and Development Act, and Part 8 of the Planning and Development Regulations, 2001, a local authority may carry out development in its functional area which does not contravene materially the development plan following a process of consultation.