Modular smart homes launched in Limerick to combat 'acute' crisis

Limerick mayor John Moran said the display shows the potential to deliver modular housing as a scalable and cost-effective solution

Built using modern methods of construction, the prototypes were assembled and fitted out in one month. They were then installed in a matter of days. Picture: Manon Gilbart

The mayor of Limerick has launched modular housing prototypes in the city, which he says offers a “cost-effective solution” to the "acute" housing crisis, and is aiming to have 2,000 units built before the end of his term in 2019.

The smart homes are intended to accelerate the delivery of affordable and high-quality rental homes for those who are “finding difficulty accessing the private rental market”.

The smart housing initiative has been a key part of John Moran’s mayoral programme, and is already used as a conventional approach to housing delivery across Europe and Britain. Mr Moran intends for Limerick to lead the way in Ireland.

Each pre-fabricated 3D modular home is intended to be combined with a number of others to provide 3-4 storey apartment buildings.

Built using modern methods of construction, the prototypes were assembled and fitted out in one month. They were then installed in a matter of days.

Limerick citizens have been invited to view the prototypes in person, which are on display at Arthur’s Quay Park for eight weeks.

Speaking to the Irish Examiner, Mr Moran said: “Over the last seven years or so, rents have gone up in Limerick by 61% — clearly we don't have enough supply, particularly in the private sector. 

"So we're trying to do a State-led intervention into what people would normally rent, and that will hopefully bring about another 2,000 units.” 

According to Mr Moran, the one-bedroom homes and studios would be of interest to people who are still living at home, have graduated from college, moved in with three friends, and are now looking for their own place.

Mr Moran said the display shows the potential to deliver modular housing as a scalable and cost-effective solution.

According to Mr Moran, the one-bedroom homes and studios would be of interest to people who are still living at home and are now looking for their own place. Picture: Manon Gilbart

As the housing crisis is “particularly acute in Limerick”, and the average monthly rent is approximately €2,000 in the city, Mr Moran is aiming for the rents to be “significantly below current market rates”.

“ We're not going to look for profit, we're basically gonna be covering our costs, and we're hoping that the studio will be less than a €1,000," he said.

The pricing will depend on the unit and what they individually have to offer. For example, a unit with a nicer view would cost a bit more.

“We'll charge differently because the value people are getting is a bit more, and that helps to reduce the prices on others,” he said.

One of the key solutions to this crisis is building the homes that we need. This means the right housing for each cohort of need, not a one-size-fits all solution which has not visibly worked

According to Mr Moran, this solution is targeted to those in need of affordable rental homes who are “willing to pay for themselves”.

The smart housing model aims to target unmet demand and prioritise one- to two-person households, offer rents significantly below current market rates, maximise land use, and support economic growth.

Mr Moran has identified a number of publicly owned lands where the homes could be built.

Some of the earmarked sites include the Guinness Site, Caledonian Park, Clarina Park in Ballinacurra Weston, as well as the Boro Park in Janesboro — with the latest option facing backlash from residents.

“I know some concerns have been raised by the residents on some of the sites. The sites that we’ve picked are all State-owned, that’s important because it helps us keep the costs down. They’re all already zoned for residential by the previous council so, in the development plan, we don't have to look for a change of zoning.” 

“The best thing is for the next eight weeks, to come down and just take a look at this. I think they'll understand that these would be really nice houses to have in their neighbourhood."