VIDEO: Dublin City Councillors to inspect 'posh pre-fabs' aimed at tackling homelessness crisis

Dublin City Councillors will view factory built houses today, which could be used to accommodate hundreds of homeless families currently living in hotels.

The mayors of the four Dublin local authorities will also view six samples of "cellular modular housing", from six providers on East Wall Road.

The so-called "posh prefabs" could create extra accommodation which would be available within months.

Dublin Region Homeless Executive wants to erect up to 200 units of such housing on sites across Dublin.

Currently there are about 600 families in emergency accommodation in the city.

Environment Minister Alan Kelly said that the modular option is much quicker than conventional housing.

"Obviously we have to go through tendering and placement," he said.

"But obviously with tendering out of the way, they can be turned around very quickly.

"If a contractor, whoever that is, or contractors, whoever they are, are appointed, well then once sites are provided for and planning is in place, they can actually be turned around in weeks."

Cathal Morgan, Director of Dublin Region Homeless Executive, speaking on behalf of the four local authorities said: "We feel that modular housing is capable of responding to the housing needs of homeless households who are currently accommodated in commercial hotels throughout the Dublin Region.

"If the proposed use of modular homes is agreed and supported, the Dublin local authorities will engage with all relevant stakeholders and with Central Government to consider procurement and provision at a scale required to effectively address family homelessness in Dublin."