Limerick Mayor Unveils Modular Housing Prototypes in Public Exhibition

John Moran, the Mayor of Limerick, officially launched a public exhibition showcasing two modular housing prototypes at Arthur’s Quay Park on September 4, 2023. This initiative aims to address the pressing housing crisis in the region, with plans to provide accommodation for over 2,500 people through what he refers to as “SMART” (Short-term Modular Affordable Rental Transition) homes.

The modular units are specifically designed for one to two-person households, which constitute more than half of Limerick’s housing demand. Each pre-fabricated 3D home is intended to be grouped with others to create three to four-storey apartment blocks. Thus far, ten potential sites have been identified across the city, including areas such as Janesboro, Hyde Road, Southill, Ballinacurra Weston, Mungret, and Moyross.

Plans for Modular Homes and Community Engagement

At the exhibition, Mayor Moran responded to questions regarding the criteria for selecting these sites. He emphasized that the focus is on State land that has already been zoned for residential use and possesses necessary services. This approach aims to expedite the deployment of these units without delays caused by infrastructure issues.

“These ten sites are about 2,000 units, and I’ve been describing this as ‘phase one’. If this pilot project successfully helps reduce rents in Limerick, we will continue to expand the initiative,” he stated.

The exhibition is designed to gather public feedback and demonstrate the Council’s capacity to scale modular housing solutions effectively. Despite the optimism surrounding the project, Mayor Moran has faced criticism from local councillors and residents. Some have accused him of neglecting community concerns, particularly regarding a preliminary proposal for modular housing in Boro Park.

Local Fine Gael councillor Sarah Kiely previously characterized the proposal as a “fluffy initiative” that would introduce unsuitable housing into green spaces and amenities.

In response to these concerns, Mayor Moran encouraged residents to visit the prototypes over the next eight weeks. He believes that firsthand experience will dispel negative perceptions, stating, “I think when some people think about modular homes, they recall past pre-fabs, which were cold. These are not those; they are essentially going to be apartment blocks.”

Design Features and Future Prospects

The modular homes are constructed using modern methods of construction, allowing for rapid assembly and fitting. Installed in Arthur’s Quay over the week of the exhibition, these units boast a design life of 60 years, matching traditional constructions in durability and safety. Mayor Moran anticipates that the first wave of 2,000 modular units could be ready for occupancy by the summer of 2027, coinciding with the Ryder Cup at Adare.

Members of the public are invited to provide their opinions on the housing options, which include less expensive 23 square-metre units with a common area and more spacious 32 square-metre self-contained units. The prototypes will be open for viewing from 12:00 to 18:00 on weekdays and from 12:00 to 16:00 on Saturdays from September 5 to 13. An online survey is also available at limerick.ie/smarthousing for those unable to attend in person. Staff on site will conduct in-person interviews to gather further feedback throughout the exhibition period.

This initiative marks a significant step in Limerick’s ongoing efforts to tackle its housing crisis, aiming to provide viable solutions that meet the needs of its residents while fostering community engagement and support.