Limerick Mayor Pursues Private Funding for Modular Housing Plan

John Moran, the Mayor of Limerick, is considering a shift to private funding to advance his ambitious initiative to construct 2,000 modular housing units in the city. This decision follows the government’s announcement of support for only 150 homes as part of a pilot scheme and a significant reduction in the staff dedicated to the project, from six to two members. Mayor Moran expressed concerns that this alteration “fundamentally jeopardises the delivery of the programme,” yet he remains determined to see the project through.

Despite the challenges, Moran is moving forward with plans for the first 1,000 homes, targeting five sites throughout Limerick. He voiced frustration over the delays caused by the Department of Housing, which he believes hinders progress at a critical time when innovative solutions are needed to address the housing crisis. “They obviously agree with it, because otherwise they wouldn’t have given us any pilot. If they thought it was a bad idea, they’d say they can’t do anything,” he stated.

The mayor highlighted the contradiction of investing in various projects while stalling a solution that has proven effective. “What is disappointing about it is, at a time of so much money in the country, of so much being invested, here is Limerick doing an innovative solution that they know works, which is why they are willing to fund the pilot,” he added.

In response to the Department’s limited support, Mayor Moran plans to utilize funds from his €7 million annual budget to push the project forward. He aims to engage architects for design work and to secure planning permissions for the identified sites. “In December, we identified five sites we can still drive forward on, about half of our 2,000 units, and I will use the mayoral fund to pay for the planning permissions and the design work on those five sites,” he confirmed.

Recognizing the urgency of the housing crisis in Limerick, Moran is exploring alternative funding options if the government remains unwilling to provide financial support. He emphasized, “For me, the housing crisis is too important in Limerick. The worst that happens here is we find ourselves unable to borrow money from Government to make the units. Then we design the units and get planning permission and in some way do a joint venture with the private sector, so we manage them, but they finance them.”

The upcoming Ryder Cup tournament in Adare has intensified the mayor’s focus on the housing project. He noted the importance of timely execution, stating, “If we had to do the pilot, by the time we had proven to them it was the right thing to do, we are already at the start of 2027 which is the year of the Ryder Cup. We’ve already lost six months, with the backwards and forwards trying to prove a business case.”

As Mayor Moran continues his efforts to secure the future of housing in Limerick, he is open to further discussions with the Department of Housing, hoping for a change in their approach to his modular housing plans. The outcome of these negotiations could significantly impact the city’s ability to address its pressing housing needs and prepare for the anticipated influx of visitors during the prestigious sports event.