Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 May 2026
335. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the research that was carried out by his Department prior to the recent changes to planning regulations for modular homes, specifically in relation to the potential for increased traffic congestion in areas with significant uptake in modular builds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33615/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra336. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the research that was carried out by his Department prior to the recent changes to planning regulations for modular homes, specifically in relation to the minimum garden size where they will be permitted; if there is any restriction in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33616/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra337. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the research that was carried out by his Department prior to the recent changes to planning regulations for modular homes, specifically in relation to concerns of overlooking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33617/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra338. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the research that was carried out by his Department prior to the recent changes to planning regulations for modular homes, specifically in relation to disputes from neighbours whereby a new modular build in a garden negatively impacts on the liveability of their home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33618/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to answer Question Nos 335,336,337 and 338 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. This provided an opportunity for private individuals and organisations to make submissions on exempted development, including matters relating to residential development.
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.
As is usual after such a process, my Department has been engaging with colleagues from State bodies including other Departments, the Office of the Attorney General, the planning authorities and agencies, where relevant, to understand the impact of any changes being considered and manage any unintended consequences.
Work has been on-going since last year on the review of Exempted Development Regulations which are being updated on a phased basis, by theme, with priority given to the exemptions relating to domestic dwellings.
On 21 April 2026, Cabinet approved changes to Exempted Development Regulations for Residential Dwellings which includes a new exemption for a detached habitable accommodation (modular or other) between 32 sqm and 45 sqm to the rear of the dwelling.
These Regulations are currently undergoing the relevant environmental assessment. Full details of all the conditions attaching to each of the measures will be published in due course, when the environmental assessment has been completed.
At that point, the Regulations will then proceed for formal ratification by resolution of both Houses of the Oireachtas, following referral to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing. This process will facilitate the appropriate Oireachtas scrutiny of the measures and conditions before they are formally signed into law.
