Ireland is facing extreme pressure to deliver homes and infrastructure quickly, making modern building methods essential to meet the demand. As featured in the Irish Independent’s Report 2026, “Built differently: Why modular construction must lead Ireland’s housing response”, “There must be a fresh, innovative approach to solving these challenges”; says Matt Onland, Market Development Manager Portakabin IE.   

As the housing shortage grows and national projects move forward, in line with the government’s ‘Housing for All’ strategy, how we build has become just as important as how much we build. Whilst traditional approaches cannot keep up with the scale or speed required, modular construction’s key benefits make it an effective solution.

  1. Modular solutions to the growing crisis


    When it comes to modular construction, a significant part of the building process takes place in controlled factory settings. This both reduces weather-related delays and improves the product quality, meaning modular housing can be delivered in a matter of weeks!  

    This highlights modular solutions as a practical and scalable way to respond to Ireland’s urgent needs, especially as the housing shortage continues to intensify. 

     

    Rapid responses to a rising need for emergency accommodation 


    The pressure on emergency accommodation is only increasing, with The Department of Housing's homeless report recording 17,112 people (including 5,319 children) living in emergency housing in January 2026. This marked the first time the number of people experiencing homelessness surpassed 17,000. Last year, the number of people in emergency accommodation rose to nearly 12%, underlining the strain on Ireland’s housing system. 

    At Portakabin, we are supporting local authorities by providing high‑quality temporary accommodation that can be deployed quickly. These modular spaces offer safe, dignified homes with private entrances, that can be relocated as needs evolve. This type of modular housing gives councils the flexibility to adapt as the housing shortage shifts across regions. 

  2. Supporting Ireland’s major infrastructure workforce 


    Ireland is also entering a period of significant infrastructure expansion. Delivering the 19 kilometer MetroLink to connect Swords to Dublin city centre will require around 8,000 workers alone. This does not include the workforce required across supply chains and supporting industries! Experts have stated that around 80,000 additional construction and infrastructure workers will be required in total.  

    During the delivery of the project, workers will need access to suitable living spaces near project sites. Modular accommodation offers comfortable, efficient living spaces that reduce pressure on already strained local rental markets.  

    Once a project reaches completion, the temporary accommodation can be moved and reused elsewhere. This adaptability is a major advantage of modular construction.  

    Matt Onland states: “The flexible hire offering from Portakabin means buildings are not simply temporary structures but adaptable assets that can be redesigned, renovated and repurposed as demand changes. By combining speed of delivery with long-term quality, modular accommodation can support both social housing responses and infrastructure delivery across Ireland.” 

     

    Transitional Housing


    At Portakabin we want to support Ireland as it continues to invest in its future, with modular housing that can be delivered at the speed the country requires.

    Discover more about our Transitional Housing solution.