Twenty modular units to be built for homeless families in south Dublin by next year
South Dublin City Council (SDCC) will deliver around 20 modular units by next year as part of a pilot scheme to reduce the reliance on emergency homeless accommodation.
At a housing meeting last week, councillors were told the modular homes will be used to house families for a short period of time until they are relocated to a permanent home.
“As opposed to the kind of emergency accommodation we have now, this is a way for people to have their own front door and their own house,” SDCC County Architect Cian Harte said.
“Around 16 to 20 homes will be introduced next year, currently we’re looking at the most suitable sites for them to be built.
“It can only be built in areas where the council already has planning permission for housing.”
Mr Harte said the units will be in the shape of self-contained pods, including amenities like a bathroom and kitchen for a single family.
Two of the units can be put together to make a “spacious” two-bed house for a larger family.
“Our focus will be on creating high-quality, short-term accommodation. This is a pathway to a permanent home,” Mr Harte said.
“The plans have been made with a focus on respecting the people who live there who are at risk of homelessness.
“The pods can be assembled on site. The plans were inspired by similar accommodation models in Germany and the UK.”
Mr Harte emphasised that the modular homes are not always cheaper than building permanent social housing.
“It is not always the case, that modular housing is cheaper. What it is saving is in terms of time and uncertainty – they are faster to make,” he said.
“The plan is not to just generate more capacity; it’s an in-between solution until something more long term is worked out.”
He also added that the houses are not just being built to meet capacity, but that work is going in to ensure they will be durable over time.
“Nothing is temporary. Everything will have an effect on the environment they’re built in. These are families living in them, so we have focused on ensuring a moderate level of quality,” Mr Harte said.
The council is currently working on assessments for suitable sites and identifying local retailers for the building materials, but were not able to confirm a timeline on when the work will be finished.
Sinn Féin councillor William Carey commended the plan, before warning that it should not be an alternative to permanent housing.
“I have no doubt about the standards of these homes, but it shouldn’t, over time, become a permanent solution,” he said.
“We shouldn’t see families live in these homes for years and years.
“It’s important that these modular houses are built, but it shouldn’t meant these people never have a proper home.”