Michael Healy-Rae defends modular homes: stop calling them sheds
Michael Healy-Rae addressed the Dáil to defend modular homes and to press the Taoiseach on when legislation for exemptions will be enacted. He thanked Ministers John Cummins and James Brown for progress and criticised commentators who dismiss modular units as "bids and sheds."
Michael Healy-Rae thanked government ministers for advancing planing exemptions on modular homes and condemned media and political language that demeans Irish manufacturers. He argued that many modular units are built to high standards and deserve respect from public debate.
He pointed out that many modular homes have BER ratings superior to bungalows built 20 to 30 years ago, making them comfortable short- to medium-term accommodation options. He emphasised these units are not a universal solution but are a legitimate option for many people seeking housing.
He challenged the Taoiseach on the pace of change, asking when necessary legislation would be put in place so local authorities could apply the exemptions. The core demand was for clarity and speed so the initiative can benefit families without further delay.
The Taoiseach responded in support of Healy-Rae’s objection to dismissive language, agreeing the term "sheds" was demeaning. He acknowledged environmental and planning screenings are needed but said ministers would be asked to follow up and that progress should come quickly.
Defending an industry
Michael Healy-Rae thanked government ministers for advancing planing exemptions on modular homes and condemned media and political language that demeans Irish manufacturers. He argued that many modular units are built to high standards and deserve respect from public debate.
Quality and energy performance
He pointed out that many modular homes have BER ratings superior to bungalows built 20 to 30 years ago, making them comfortable short- to medium-term accommodation options. He emphasised these units are not a universal solution but are a legitimate option for many people seeking housing.
Legislative urgency
He challenged the Taoiseach on the pace of change, asking when necessary legislation would be put in place so local authorities could apply the exemptions. The core demand was for clarity and speed so the initiative can benefit families without further delay.
Government response
The Taoiseach responded in support of Healy-Rae’s objection to dismissive language, agreeing the term "sheds" was demeaning. He acknowledged environmental and planning screenings are needed but said ministers would be asked to follow up and that progress should come quickly.
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Transcript
Thank you Ceann Comhairle. Taoiseach, with regard to the plenny exemptions on modular homes, I want to thank government and in particular Minister John Cummins and Minister James Brown for the excellent work that they have done in progressing this matter. I do want to take issue however with some political commentators and people in the media who refer to them as bids and sheds. This is highly insulting to the excellent reputable Irish companies who are producing these modular homes and if they only knew what they're talking about. Many of these modular homes, the BER rating would be far superior to bungalows that were built as recently as 20, 25 and 30 years ago and in other words they're a very comfortable place for people to live for a period of time. I'm not trying to say that it's a housing solution for everybody for all time but at certain times and it will be very positive and I thank again the ministers involved. But could I just say to Taoiseach, it has been dragging on for quite a while, when can people look forward to the necessary legislation being put in place so that local authorities can allow these exemptions to work? Taoiseach please. First of all Deputy, I agree with what you said. I think the use of that language is deliberately demeaning to undermine what is an important initiative. It's not a silver bullet in and of itself but we have many different people looking for different types of accommodation in the country and this provides a further option and we're looking at, as you say, buildings and modular units that are quite modern in terms of their configuration and so on like that. I think people have used sheds and all that to try and for naked political reasons as opposed to any informed assessment of what is happening and what potentially will happen. My understanding is and I'll ask the ministers to talk to you again but I think there has to be a degree of screening in terms of the various environmental aspects to this and so forth or planning but I think we will be moving on this very quickly. Thank you Deputy Rory. Thank you.