A Dundalk couple who are behind a new company re-purposing shipping containers into modern homes say they have been inundated with inquiries.

The project came about during the lockdown and with property prices and rents soaring, they say orders for the new homes are already coming in.

"I built my own container house around four years ago and I've been living in it since. When I met Berni we started discussing this project," explains James O’Kane, who is behind GTL Containers.

GTL stands for Green Tardis Living. The couple had plans to return to New Zealand where they had spent some time.

"We talked about going back to New Zealand but we decided to stay here when the pandemic hit. And then James decided to start building container homes for other people," explains Berni Moore.

The 40-foot shipping container, which has been transformed into a modern home, is turnkey and fully fitted out with all kitchen appliances.

"You walk in, there’s everything, a fridge freezer, an oven, a sofa bed. We usually say you can walk in with your suitcases and stay that night," Ms Moore said.

A GTL container home costs €59,950 for a one-bed 40ft. There are add-on options and some customers want extra bedrooms. A three-bed container costs under €75,000.

Most of the interest has come through the couple's Instagram page, GTL Containers.

"We’ve had interest from Cork, Kerry, Tipperary, Galway. It’s normally people who are looking to downsize, who have mortgages in the past and are looking for a simpler life. We’ve also had contact from people who have separated and have decided to have somewhere smaller for themselves."

The container home can be delivered anywhere but the couple say buyers need to look into planning permission.

"The planning laws are different all over country so we urge people to contact their local planning office. They are moveable so they’re classed as temporary dwellings but they’re built for long-term living," explains Berni Moore.

The showhouse container opened this weekend for viewings and they continue into next month. Viewings are by appointment only.

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