A proposal granting planning exemptions for modular homes of up to 45 sq m in back gardens in Ireland may help ease the current housing crisis. Minister for Housing James Browne and Minister of State John Cummins stipulate that the homes must comply with building regulations and standards.
The homeowner must be living in the primary dwelling. Separate entrances and a certain distance from the main residence will also be required, and the garden must be at least 25 sq.m.
Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris is set to expand the "Rent a Room scheme" to cover these modular units, allowing owners to receive €14,000 in rent tax-free annually. with a caveat that anyone earning above this will pay tax on the full amount.
Harris insisted that Government planners should be freed up to work on critical infrastructure and major housing developments, and that people in this country should have a degree of flexibility over what they choose to do with their own gardens.
"Obviously, they've got to operate within regulations, but I think this is a positive measure in a housing emergency, and a positive planning reform measure. We have to remove bureaucracy, administration, and red tape, and make it as easy as possible for people to have homes, have shelters, and use their own garden space".
Other planning exemptions in the pipeline include extensions of up to 45 sq.m, and a self-contained unit can also be built onto the main home. A new exemption will allow cycle or bin storage at both the front and back of the property, with enough space to hold either 4 adult bicycles or 3 wheelie bins.
Minister for Housing James Browne said that units built in this way will not be counted in government housing output figures.
"There's no target here. I'm not saying a target. This is about really facilitating people in their own homes for a family member, whoever the case may be. So it's about reducing the burden. It's about simplification."
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