The Government’s plan to make it easier to build new modular homes has been described as the “worst kind of tinkering” by Jonathan Healy. 

Today, Cabinet will discuss a Department of Housing proposal that will allow detached modular homes of up to 45 square metres in size to be built without planning permission in gardens. 

The idea behind the proposal is that they will be quick to build and boost the delivery of much needed new homes. 

On Newstalk Breakfast, presenter Jonathan Healy said people need homes that are built to last, not quick to build. 

“We are telling young people in particular - and maybe some older people as well - that you know what, you can’t afford the house you want?” he said. 

“So, here’s a shed in the back garden and you don’t have to apply for planning permission. 

“It is the worst kind of tinkering that we have seen in recent times to cover up for the fact that we cannot get to grips properly with our housing crisis. 

“We’re saying you can build a modular home, it won’t be where you want it but look, isn’t it better than nothing?” 

Modular Spacebox student housing at Utrecht University in Netherlands. Picture by: Iain Masterton / Alamy. 18 March 2010

Jonathan predicted that far from being a temporary fix to the current crisis, Irish society could soon come to rely on low quality modular homes. 

“I was instantly brought back to my generation being put into prefabs at the back of schools being told, ‘That’s a temporary measure, don’t worry. It’s only for a short while,’” he said.  

“And they were there 30 years later until they fell apart. 

“Nothing depreciates faster than a modular home because it doesn’t have the same value as bricks and mortar." 

Fellow presenter Shane Coleman said the housing crisis needs “lots of different solutions”. 

“I’m not sure this is a great solution and I always think poor planning is a problem,” he said. 

“But I can see in certain gardens, I can see the merit of having them. 

“I don’t think anyone is saying it’s a long-term solution.” 

Main image: A split of a modular home and Jonathan Healy. Pictures by: Alamy and Newstalk.