Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 March 2026
569. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the position regarding the proposed legislation to allow for the use of cabins or modular units in back gardens for residential purposes; the timeline for bringing forward this legislation; the conditions or regulations that will apply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22653/26]
View answer580. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there is an update on the modular homes legislation. [21512/26]
View answer584. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the progress to date in the publishing of planning regulations to exempt detached modular homes and log cabins in back gardens from planning permission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21606/26]
View answer631. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the Government is considering permitting modular homes on privately owned land to be used as rental accommodation. [22233/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 569, 580, 584 and 631 together.
Significant progress on the review of Exempted Development Regulations has been made. A successful public consultation took place last year with over 900 submissions received via the online portal. The details in these submissions have been reviewed and have informed the on-going drafting of the updated Exempted Development Regulations that will be forthcoming across 2026.
The implementation of the update of these regulations is being done on a phased basis, by theme, with priority already having been given to the exemptions relating to domestic dwellings. These domestic dwellings regulations are at advanced draft stage and include exemptions for stand-alone detached housing units in the back gardens of residential properties.
The new draft Exempted Development Regulations are currently subject to the environmental assessment screening process. Once this is completed, they will be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas. This will also necessitate engagement with the Joint Oireachtas Committee for Housing, Local Government and Heritage. An appearance will be sought before the Committee at the earliest opportunity once drafting of updated regulations is complete.
It is intended that updated Exempted Development Regulations for residential development will be signed into law as soon as possible.
