In a more positive turn from yesterday’s blog post, the buzz around modular housing in Ireland has taken a promising turn. This year’s PTSB Ideal Home Show at the RDS has seen a noticeable rise in exhibitors showcasing modular living solutions, with modular homes becoming a star attraction.
The show runs from Friday, April 11 to Sunday, April 13 2025.
According to RTE News, the number of modular exhibitors has increased from just two last year to five this year, reflecting growing curiosity and consumer confidence in off-site construction methods.
While the government continues to explore easing planning restrictions for smaller modular cabins in back gardens, I believe that this surge in interest at a national level suggests modular housing may be ready to step into a larger role.
Planning Proposals Are Driving Demand
At the heart of this rise in interest is the Irish Government’s proposed planning regulation change that would allow the maximum size of a standalone structure to go up from 25 sq.m to 40 sq.m without needing planning permission.
This change, as previously explored in our blog post here, would remove one of the most significant barriers for homeowners seeking to install modular units in their gardens.
However, while this reform mainly targets back-garden solutions intended for intergenerational living or temporary use during renovations, the attention now seen at the PTSB Ideal Home Show this year suggests that people are thinking bigger and hoping for better.
Companies like Sprout Pod are seeing a dramatic rise in inquiries for full living spaces, not just home offices or temporary units. With one-bedroom units priced around €55,000 and two-bedroom units at approximately €75,000, modular solutions are increasingly viewed as a smart, flexible, and potentially permanent housing solution.
The Shadow of the Sisk Fiasco.
That said, public confidence in modular housing must overcome recent missteps.
The Dublin City Council’s internal report on four rapid-build modular housing projects developed with construction giant Sisk exposed critical issues—including fire safety defects, water damage, and lack of oversight during construction. Read Here.
These projects, which ended up costing the taxpayer nearly €40 million more than initially planned, are a reminder that speed and innovation should never come at the expense of quality or accountability.
The report also revealed inadequate monitoring and insufficient coordination between contractors and the local authority, further underscoring the need for competence and regulatory oversight in modular construction projects.
As Labour councillor Darragh Moriarty aptly put it, “This was the rapid build that wasn’t rapid.”
Moving From Modular Garden Extensions to Large-Scale Community Housing.
Despite the setbacks, I still believe modular housing still holds immense potential in Ireland. The technology and methods behind modular builds offer:
- Quick delivery
- Minimal on-site disruption from weather
- Reduced waste
More importantly, modular homes can be built in controlled factory environments and later transported to site—a major advantage for those with difficult-to-access locations.
If the Irish government expands its support for modular homes beyond back-garden solutions and integrates modular construction into national housing strategies—including social and affordable housing—we could begin to see real progress in tackling Ireland’s housing shortage.
The public curiosity is clearly there now. What’s needed now is a joined-up strategy that ensures proper oversight, regulatory clarity, and investment in modular innovation.
Conclusion – A Step in the Right Direction
While challenges remain—particularly in regaining public trust post-Sisk—the increasing presence of modular housing at the PTSB Ideal Home Show is a hopeful sign.
In my opinion, it shows that there is a market for flexible, affordable, and efficient housing in Ireland. With responsible planning, public-private collaboration, and a lessons-learned approach, modular construction can evolve from a “sticking plaster” into a cornerstone of Ireland’s future housing solution.
