Urgent Call for Modular Homes in Donegal Amid Housing Crisis

UPDATE: Cllr Joy Beard is urgently calling on the Donegal County Council (DCC) to reconsider its stance on modular homes as the housing crisis deepens. During a special council meeting held on 1 November 2025, Beard highlighted the pressing need for immediate action to support social housing tenants facing challenging living conditions.

With many residents currently occupying defective concrete homes, Beard emphasized that other counties are making strides in addressing their housing shortages through modular solutions. “It makes no sense for Donegal to resist this approach, especially as we face the reality of a difficult winter ahead,” she stated at the meeting.

Beard’s plea comes as pressure mounts on the housing system due to the impending remediation scheme for affected social homes. As the winter season approaches, tenants now confront the possibility of living in unsafe conditions, raising urgent concerns for their health and safety.

The council has been criticized for not actively seeking funding for modular homes, despite their successful implementation elsewhere. “We are lagging behind while our neighbors find ways to provide shelter for those most in need,” Beard pointed out. This resistance could exacerbate an already strained housing environment, making it imperative for DCC to take immediate action.

The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated; tenants are counting on the council to respond. With 1,805 social homes at various stages of completion in Donegal, the need for additional options, especially modular housing, is becoming increasingly critical.

Authorities must act swiftly to ensure that no family is left without safe housing this winter. There is a growing sentiment among the community that the council must prioritize the welfare of its residents over bureaucratic hesitations. As Cllr Beard noted, “We have the power to change lives for the better; let’s not waste it.”

As this story develops, all eyes will be on the DCC to see if they will act decisively to support vulnerable tenants. Community members and advocates are encouraged to voice their support for modular housing initiatives as a solution to this pressing issue.