As we begin 2025 during our persistent housing crisis, every housing project carries immense weight. As you must know by know, I am a huge advocate for modular homes and modular construction in general. A recent development in Portarlington, Co. Laois, underscores the challenges of traditional construction methods.
A developer is seeking an extension of planning permission for a nearly 100-home project due to delays stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic (Source – Ireland Live). This scenario highlights the pressing need for innovative solutions, such as modular construction, to reduce delays and deliver housing more efficiently.
Buying a House in Ireland: A Step by Step Guide by a Builder/Solicitor
Key Highlights of the Housing Project Delays.
LOCATION & SCOPE – The project involves 97 homes being built on Bishopswood Road, Portarlington.
DEVELOPER – Randalswood Holdings Ltd.
DELAYS CAUSED BY COVID-19
- Initial pandemic restrictions disrupted progress.
- Subsequent waves of restrictions compounded delays.
- Re-establishing the site after lockdowns proved challenging.
POST-COVID CHALLENGES
- Shortage of contractors for large-scale projects.
- Difficult site conditions.
- Supply chain disruptions, especially for construction materials.
PROGRESS TO DATE.
- 50% of construction completed.
- 24 houses fully weathered.
- Six houses roofed with windows installed.
- Various stages of completion for the remaining units.
PROJECTED TIMELINE.
- All houses up to eaves level by March 2025.
- Weatherproofing completed by May 2025.
- Full project completion expected by April 2026.
EXTENSION REQUEST: A one-year extension is sought, moving the planning permission deadline to May 29, 2026.
IMPORTANCE OF THE PROJECT: The 97 homes are deemed essential to addressing the current housing crisis.
How Modular Homes Could Prevent the Portarlington Project Delays.
- FASTER CONSTRUCTION TIMELINES.
- Modular homes are built off-site in controlled environments, unaffected by weather or site-specific delays.
- Components can be manufactured and assembled simultaneously, cutting project timelines by 30 to 50%.
2. RESILIENCE TO SUPPLY CHAIN DISRUPTIONS.
- Prefabricated components require fewer materials on-site, reducing dependency on fluctuating supply chains.
- Factories streamline procurement, ensuring material availability even during crises.
3. EFFICIENT USE OF WORKFORCE .
- Modular construction reduces on-site labor demands by shifting much of the labor from the construction site to the factory, which typically operates with specialised, consistent teams. This also reduces the impact of contractor shortages.
- A smaller, specialised onsite workforce speeds up completion.
4. ADVANTAGES FOR THE ENVIRONMENT.
- Factory-built components reduce waste and improve energy efficiency.
- Modular homes are often designed with sustainability in mind, meeting modern housing standards.
5. CAN MEET HOUSING DEMAND FASTER.
- Modular building systems can be scaled up quickly to meet Ireland’s urgent housing needs without sacrificing quality.
Considerations for Modular Construction in Ireland.
Short-Term
- Rapid Deployment – Modular building techniques methods could allow more homes to be built quicker. This could help reduce shortage and help stabilise prices.
- Cost Stability – Factories often buy materials in bulk at fixed prices, which shields projects from sudden price fluctuations in the market. Also, off-site factory labor is usually less expensive compared to onsite labour – which is usually affected by seasonal and regional shortages.
- Pilot Projects – Introducing modular construction on a small scale can demonstrate its viability and build public and industry trust.
Long-Term
- Policy Support – Government incentives and quicker approval processes for modular projects could boost adoption.
- Increased Production Capacity – Investing in modular construction factories would create a robust supply chain for prefab components.
- Changing Public Perception – Educating the public and stakeholders about the durability and quality of modular homes can drive acceptance.
- Scalable Housing Solutions – Modular construction could become a cornerstone for addressing Ireland’s long-term housing demand efficiently and sustainably.
Conclusion
The delays faced by the Bishopswood Road housing project underscore the vulnerabilities of traditional construction methods, especially during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, this is just an example of many other housing projects out there that are riddled with delays.
Modular construction offers a transformative solution, enabling faster, more reliable housing delivery while addressing challenges such as contractor shortages and supply chain disruptions.
By embracing modular technology, Ireland could turn its housing crisis into an opportunity for innovation, ensuring more families have access to safe, affordable homes without the prolonged wait times associated with traditional builds.
At this point, what have we got to lose?
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