New Legislation to Permit 45 sqm Modular Units Without Planning by Dáil Recess

New legislation, set to be enacted before the Dáil summer recess, will permit homeowners to construct modular units up to 45 square meters in their back gardens without requiring planning permission.

Minister of State in the Department of Housing, John Cummins, announced at Government Buildings on Tuesday that Friday marks the deadline for environmental submissions. He intends for the bill to be presented to the Oireachtas Housing Committee during the first week of July, with the legislation to be signed into law shortly thereafter.

Currently, planning exemptions allow for a 40 square meter extension to the rear of a property, provided it is attached to the main house. The new regulations will expand this to permit detached structures of up to 45 square meters located at the bottom of a garden without the need for planning approval. Furthermore, the legislation addresses other planning matters, including exemptions for dormer windows, attic conversions, and the subdivision of houses into two separate dwellings.

Cummins described the measure as «very significant» and an integral part of the government’s housing plan, aimed at providing more options for citizens. He emphasized the goal of reducing bureaucratic hurdles to facilitate housing solutions, noting that the public has responded positively to the proposal. «There’s a lot of anticipation for it, and we look forward to getting it done before summer recess,» Cummins stated.