Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 May 2023
115. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the average cost per unit delivered through modular builds in 2023; the price comparison per unit of social housing new-builds provided in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23279/23]
View answerHousing for All, is the Government’s plan to increase the supply of housing to an average of 33,000 per year over the next decade. This includes the delivery of 90,000 social homes by 2030. Housing for All is supported by an investment package of over €4bn per annum, through an overall combination of €12bn in direct Exchequer funding, €3.5bn in funding through the Land Development Agency and €5bn funding through the Housing Finance Agency.
While my Department does not hold details on the various construction processes used in the delivery of new homes, the Housing for All Action Plan Update, which was published on 2 November 2022, includes a new action to develop a roadmap with targets for increased use of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) in public housing. MMC encompasses fully factory built modular units in addition to panelised systems, such as those manufactured from light gauge steel frame or timber frame. My Department is now working closely with the local authorities to increase the use of MMC in social and affordable housing. The development of MMC will improve productivity in construction and increase efficiency in residential construction.
Separately, the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth and the OPW are delivering a programme of modular housing to provide accommodation for Ukrainian Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection. My Department does not hold details of the cost of this housing programme.
