Exemptions are being considered which would exempt free-standing modular or cabin-style homes from planning permission.

In an opening statement given to members of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), on Tuesday, OPW officials argued that the cost was higher than forecast because of the emergency nature of the pilot programme.

The price rose from an originally estimated €200,000 per residential unit

There were a number of schemes in the pipeline, but it takes years for a home to get through the process from a site being identified to completion, The chief executive of the Irish Council for Social Housing said.

In a presentation by the OPW they said further completions are “dependent on the availability and quality of sites on offer”.

An overhaul of the planning system has been announced by the Government to deal with the housing crisis.

Against the backdrop of an accommodation crisis, the Government this week signed off on a raft of new measures as part of a renewed focus to find and provide accommodation.