Affordable Modular Houses Proposed to Tackle Housing Crisis in Offaly
In a bid to address the housing crisis, Councillor Tony McCormack has put forward a proposal to provide fully fitted modular houses for individuals on the social housing list at a cost of €150,000 each. While this price excludes site costs, McCormack believes that this solution could offer a practical and efficient approach to alleviate the housing shortage.
McCormack’s Motion for Modular Houses
Councillor McCormack’s motion to Offaly County Council aims to combat the housing crisis by advocating for the construction of modular houses without the need for planning permission. He suggests that local councils should select suitable sites for these projects, which would then be managed by the respective authorities. McCormack highlighted the success of a previous modular housing scheme in Clonminch for Ukrainian refugees and referenced a similar project in Cork, which received positive feedback from residents on the social housing list.
Benefits of Modular Housing:
The proposal put forward by McCormack emphasises the cost-effectiveness and efficiency of modular housing. He outlined a specific case of a 1,500 square feet modular house costing €150,000, noting that newer building techniques could provide even better value. Additionally, McCormack highlighted the speedy completion of a modular housing project in Tullamore for Ukrainian refugees, which took only 30 weeks to finish.
Responses from Other Councillors:
While some councillors supported McCormack’s motion, others expressed reservations. Councillor Sandra Feehan Smollen acknowledged the success of the Clonminch modular housing scheme but questioned the sudden recognition of the housing crisis by some councillors, hinting at political motives. Independent Councillor Sean O’Brien welcomed the motion but raised concerns about the quality and cost of the proposed modular houses. Councillor John Leahy voiced apprehension about constructing houses without planning permission, emphasising the importance of adhering to planning laws.
Despite differing opinions, there seems to be a general consensus among councillors regarding the need to explore alternative housing solutions to tackle the ongoing housing crisis. While concerns about planning permission and quality remain, the potential of modular housing to provide rapid and affordable housing solutions cannot be overlooked. Councillor McCormack reiterated his commitment to modular homes as part of the broader solution to address the dire housing situation in Offaly.
In conclusion, the discussion around affordable modular housing in Offaly sheds light on the ongoing challenges faced by individuals on the social housing list and the innovative approaches being considered to address these issues. By exploring new building techniques and streamlining the construction process, there is hope for providing sustainable housing solutions for those in need.
