A a call for 'amnesty' for people living in modular homes

Nenagh councillor Seamus Morris has called for an amnesty on those living in modular housing.

At this week’s special sitting of Tipperary County Council, Cllr Morris said even if people are erecting the structures on private land, the council can order them dismantled.

“People are putting them up for kids and families and are living in their back gardens. If they were to go to the council, they would be asked to leave and dismantle them. Therefore, I think we need an amnesty,” said Cllr Morris.

Several councillors supported his call including, Peggy Ryan, Michéal Lowry and Mairin McGrath.

Cllr Mairin McGrath said while she appreciated the concerns but in the short-term she couldn't see an issue.

“The way we act on them. It increases stress and then putting them on the housing list. You make them homeless. It breaks my heart,” said Cllr McGrath.

Cllr Morris said the council needed to look at new ways to build and suggested inviting providers of modular houses and shipping containers in as part of the solution.

He said shipping containers can be converted to one-bedroom flats for younger single people who are heavily affected by the crisis.

However, Director of Services Sinead Carr said modular housing was not appropriate.

“I will also tell you when something is not appropriate, and agreeing to give an amnesty or otherwise to people in modular or mobile homes is not an appropriate solution. It is a short-term sticking plaster that will cause those living in them significant difficulties down the line,” said Ms Carr. 

She said they are not safe and would require national legislation, which nobody will agree to.

Regarding shipping containers, Ms Carr said there is enough social housing, including one bedroom units coming in the next two years.

She said it was not necessary to convert shipping containers.