Two modular housing prototypes are now available to view at Arthur's Quay Park in County Limerick, as part of the SMART Housing initiative.

These pre-fabricated homes are designed using Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) and demonstrate a scalable approach to delivering high-quality rental housing quickly and efficiently.

The prototypes were constructed offsite and fully fitted within one month, with onsite installation completed over several days. Each unit is built to a 60-year design life, meeting the same durability, safety, and compliance standards as traditional builds. The homes are designed for 1–2 person households, who currently represent over half of Limerick's housing demand, and can be combined to form 3–4 storey apartment buildings.

Two unit types are being showcased: a 23 m² home with an additional 6 m² shared area for communal facilities, and a 32 m² self-contained home. The project demonstrates the potential for modular housing to deliver cost-effective, high-quality rental units in a shorter timeframe than conventional construction.

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The SMART Housing model aims to address unmet demand by prioritising 1–2 person households, offering affordable rents below market rates, and making efficient use of council-owned and zoned sites near employment, education, and transport hubs. The approach also supports economic growth by providing stable housing options close to workplaces, helping employers attract and retain staff.

Mayor of Limerick, John Moran, commented: "We all recognise we're in a terrible housing crisis in Ireland, which is of course particularly acute in Limerick. Simply put, for years, we've been delivering much needed housing at too slow a pace. One of the key solutions to this crisis is building the homes that we need. This means the right housing for each cohort of need, not a one size fits all solution which has not visibly worked."

The Mayor continued: "This solution is targeted to those in need of affordable rental homes. They are willing to pay for themselves. That's why solutions like this are such an important part of the delivery of the More for Limerick Mayoral Programme. This is about actioning delivery on much more flexible and cheaper rental supply."

The prototypes are open for viewing at Arthur’s Quay Park from September 5–13 (closed September 7) and every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from September 8 to October 31. Opening hours are 12pm–6pm on weekdays and 12pm–4pm on Saturdays. Staff on site will also collect feedback from visitors, with an online survey available at www.limerick.ie/smart-housing.