Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 March 2023
107. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of modular homes constructed for local authorities in 2021 and 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11601/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra108. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage in view of the growing population and the ever-increasing demand for housing, if he continues to monitor the situation with a view to the use of major numbers of modular houses including log-cabins where appropriate in both urban and rural areas with a view to addressing the acute and present shortage which is likely to worsen in the future; if he will set specific targets well in excess of anything projected so far in respect of housing accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11926/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 107 and 108 together.
Housing for All is the Government’s plan to increase the supply of housing to an average of 33,000 per year over the next decade. This includes the delivery of 90,000 social homes, 36,000 affordable purchase homes and 18,000 cost rental homes. Housing for All is supported by an investment package of over €4bn per annum, through an overall combination of €12bn in direct Exchequer funding, €3.5bn in funding through the Land Development Agency and €5bn funding through the Housing Finance Agency.
While my Department does not hold details on the various construction processes used in the delivery of new homes, Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) has been identified as a key measure to address increased housing delivery and methods to support increased use of MMC are set out in Pathway 5 of Housing for All. The development of MMC will improve productivity in construction and increase efficiency in residential construction.
The Housing for All Action Plan Update, which was published on 2 November 2022, includes a new action to develop a roadmap with targets for increased use of MMC in public housing. My Department is now working closely with the local authorities to increase the use of MMC in social and affordable housing.
All new dwellings must comply with building regulations and have a 60 year durability. The minimum performance requirements that a building must achieve are set out in the second schedule to the building regulations. These requirements are set out in 12 parts (classified as Parts A to M). Building regulations are performance based and technology/material neutral.
Part D (Materials and Workmanship) requires that all works should be carried out in a workmanlike manner using “proper materials…which are fit for the use for which they are intended and for the conditions in which they are to be used” to ensure compliance with the Building Regulations.
The primary responsibility for compliance with the Building Regulations rests with the designers, builders and owners of buildings.
For new innovative products or systems, not covered by existing standards, compliance with the Building Regulations can be demonstrated by 3rd party certification by an independent approval body, such as National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) Agrément.
