DAYS after councillors unanimously voted against his proposals for modular homes in Janesboro, Mayor John Moran has pointed to strong public support for this “visionary” new type of housing.
A survey conducted following the display of fully furnished prototype units at Arthur’s Quay last year indicates, according to Limerick’s first citizen, that the modular homes concept was widely welcomed by those most likely to benefit from it.
According to the survey, in which 231 respondents engaged, 87 per cent of respondents were positive about the modular ‘SMART’ homes, 82 per cent found the concept “inspiring”, and 72 per cent described it as “visionary”.
However, not all local representatives have been as positive about the plans, with one councillor saying that “more houses are needed, but not at the cost of communities losing parks and recreational facilities” and the Solidarity party asking whether the Mayor is “bullying communities into submission” over modular housing.
“SMART homes offer a faster, complementary response to current housing pressures, which is so badly needed to start to put down-ward pressure on rental cost levels for everyone,” Mayor Moran said this week.
A further advantage of the model, the Mayor insists, is that the units are designed so as to allow them to be relocated if land is required for future developments.
“This potentially frees up additional public land which can now be used temporarily for housing but which might not otherwise be available if needed at some point in the future for a use other than housing.”
Survey responses also highlighted key perceived benefits, including affordability, independence, and improved quality of life. One respondent noted: “It will mean a real difference to an entire generation who are currently unable to move out of their parents’ homes.”
43 per cent of those surveyed preferred larger 32 square-metre units, 26 per cent indicated both unit sizes would be suitable, and 46 per cent expressed a preference for living in Limerick City.
“We need to explore new ideas and solutions. The feedback shows that the public is open to innovation and recognises the need to consider different options,” Mayor Moran added.
When contacted for comment, PrÃomh Chomhairleoir of Limerick City and County Council, Cllr Catherine Slattery told the Limerick Post that she and Cllr Sarah Kiely (FG) listened to the people of Janesboro who did not want modular homes in the Boro Park.
“It was a crazy idea to expect a community to be happy that the only green space was to be removed when there is plenty other green space in Limerick to accommodate modular homes. Yes, more houses are needed, but not at the cost of communities losing parks and recreational facilities. Maybe going forward the Mayor needs to listen to Limerick people instead of ignoring their pleas,” the Fianna Fáil woman commented.
Labour Party councillor Joe Leddin said that had no personal issue with the provision of modular homes as a part solution to our housing emergency.
“I don’t need further proof or research on the sustainability of modular homes as the quality of materials used in their construction has improved significantly in recent years and they undoubtedly have a role to play to a faster response to delivering homes,” Cllr Leddin opined.
“The central issue here is the need to engage in a meaningful manner with communities and elected councillors as is the norm and best practice with any large-scale project.
“There are multiple sites across the city that offer the potential for SMART housing and while showcasing units for a period of time in Arthurs Quay Park is helpful, as a Council we need to actually deliver houses, maybe not at a scale or number as originally envisaged for the Boro Park, with the support of local communities that can showcase the long term potential for further delivery.”
Aontú councillor Sarah Beasley raised concerns about whether modular homes are the ideal solution to our housing shortfall.
“But we’re not living in ideal times. We’re in a housing crisis where working adults can’t afford to move out of their parents’ homes. Modular housing is a pragmatic, temporary solution that gets roofs over heads while we build for the long term. Perfect shouldn’t be the enemy of good enough when people are desperate,” Cllr Beasley insisted.
Limerick Chamber of Commerce’s Chief Economist Seán Golden this past week warned that Limerick Council’s invocation of Section 139 emergency legislation risked setting a dangerous precedent. However, Solidarity hit back saying the concerns were misplaced. It also clarified that opposition to building on Boro Park was never about a rejection of housing, but the preservation of essential green space.
“There should be no cause for worry going forward if the Mayor is willing to respect working-class communities. Will the Mayor finally start listening, or is he intent on bullying communities into submission?” the socialist organisation stated.