Step in the right direction on modular homes - Mayo TD

A PROPOSAL to relax planning regulations for extensions separate to main dwellings has been welcomed by Mayo Deputy Paul Lawless.

The 'consideration' needs to quickly become law as we are in the midst of a severe housing emergency, he urged.

“This is a long-overdue temporary solution. While it won’t solve the housing crisis, it will provide immediate relief to many families who are struggling.”

Commented Deputy Lawless: “What’s frustrating is that this should have been done years ago - why has it taken a crisis of this magnitude for the government to realise that modular homes are a viable option in the short and medium term?”

Deputy Lawless highlighted the high quality of modern modular homes, with companies like Big Red Barn in Mayo leading the way in innovative, durable, and energy-efficient housing solutions.

“These aren’t glorified sheds - these are high-spec, sustainable homes that can be built in a fraction of the time of traditional houses. The government needs to stop dragging its feet and make this exemption law without further delay.”

He called on the minister to expand the 40 square metre that is currently being considered, stating: “Forty square metres is too small for a young couple, it is too small for grandparents moving into a modular home to allow their children a start in life. I am calling on the minister to expand minimum size restrictions.”

Deputy Lawless also called for the government to immediately fast-track legislation that will make modular home exemptions permanent, and ensure local authorities have the power to support families in need with speedy modular builds that can have much faster turnaround times.

“The housing crisis is now so grave that time itself has become an enemy - brick-and-mortar construction simply can’t keep up with the demand in a timely fashion due to years of government mismanagement of housing. Modular homes offer a common-sense, rapid-response solution, but the government continues to act like we have the luxury of time. We don’t,” he said.

“The government loves a good public statement, but we need action, not another round of ‘consideration’. The housing emergency is real, and it’s happening now.

“Let’s stop talking about solutions and start delivering them because no one can live in a public statement.”