A LIMERICK building contractor raised concerns about the quality and presentation of two preview modular housing prototypes at Arthur’s Quay Park.
Described as SMART (Short-term Modular Affordable Rental Transition) homes, they are currently on display at the city park as part of a broader plan to provide a short-term solution to the long-term housing crisis in the Mid West.
The modular units are designed for one to two-person households, which Mayor John Moran says represent over half of Limerick’s housing need.
However, one local contractor has raised concerns around the quality and presentation of the units currently on display in the city.
Speaking to the Limerick Post, the contractor, who did want to be named for fear of losing out on future contracts, said he expected to see innovative and modern methods of construction showcased.
“Instead, the model appeared to be a repurposed shipping container with rainscreen cladding that was poorly installed. There was no visible evidence of external insulation, vapour barriers, or adequate fire sealing around openings and connection joints,” he claimed.
“At first glance, the interior looked clean and efficient, but on closer inspection it became clear that the unit would not meet the requirements of the Irish Building Regulations. Specific issues included no openable window in the bedroom, no passive or mechanical ventilation, no renewable energy heating system, and a lack of a vision panel in the front door.”
The contractor is of the opinion that public display of this pilot should have been an opportunity to highlight the potential of modular housing to the highest standards. He also expressed disappointment that a local company was not engaged to supply these SMART houses.
“Supporting local industry would have been both a practical and symbolic step towards fulfilling that commitment,” he said.
Fine Gael councillor Sarah Kiely welcomed the outside professional opinion, saying that “we need to be honest with people here, they are not the answer to the housing shortage in Limerick or anywhere else”.
“It is very concerning that due diligence wasn’t part of the SMART housing initiative,” Cllr Kiely said.
“This all smacks of the emperor’s new clothes and very few of us are willing to call it out. This must stop we need to be honest about what is achievable here.”
The City East representative is also of the view that the locations currently being considered for modular housing in Ballinacurra Weston, Janesboro, Southill, Mungret, and Moyross are unsuitable.
“I still think there is opportunity, look at University of Limerick where there’s lots of land, lots of infrastructure, and lots of students with a short-term housing need. It is a no-brainer. It would free up rental properties in the area and reduce anti-social behaviour,” Cllr Kiely said.
Social Democrats councillor Elisa O’Donovan said she could not communicate how dire and desperate the housing situation is in Limerick City at the moment.
“As a councillor, it consumes 90 per cent of my time. It is a crisis across all age demographics and all sectors of society. Do I think smart housing is a sustainable and efficient solution? No,” Cllr O’Donovan said.
“But currently they are something, and some type of solution by someone who has the actual power to change things,” she said.
In response to the local contractor’s claims, Limerick City and County Council said that the units currently on display in Arthur’s Quay Park are only demonstrator units to showcase internal space area standards and seek public engagement on the preference of floor area sizes.
“This is in light of recent government changes to the ministerial guidelines in relation to apartments. The units on display were not commissioned as habitable dwelling units. As such, there are some elements of building regulations which naturally cannot be complied with,” the Council said.
“This overall approach of adaptation of existing units that were already existing in the offsite factory was deemed a cost-effective way to achieve the objectives of the programme and get robust and detailed feedback from the public in relation to the internal floor areas to inform the development brief.”
The Coucil said that, following feedback from the public, an integrated design team will be appointed to ensure the modular units, once constructed, will comply with all building regulations and planning standards.
Regarding the appointment of the provider of the modular units, the Council pointed to the requirement under EU and national public procurement legislation to conduct competitive tendering for contracts above the relevant thresholds.
“This includes advertising opportunities openly on platforms such as eTenders, which allows suppliers from across the EU to participate. This approach is designed to demonstrate value for money, encourage competition, and ensure that public funds are spent effectively.”
