The Daily Star Ireland
The Irish Government’s latest proposal to increase the allowable size for backyard cabins to 45 square meters has sparked sharp criticism, with the Social Democrats condemning it as a superficial response to the housing crisis. The plan, now open for public consultation, would allow homeowners to build larger standalone units—beyond the current exemption limit of 40 sq.m for rear extensions attached to a house—without formal planning permission.
Concerns Over Infrastructure, Fire Safety, and Housing Standards
Housing spokesperson Rory Hearne from the Social Democrats dismissed the proposal as “haphazard” and “exploitative,” warning it could result in a wave of unregulated structures lacking proper fire access, water capacity, and sewage systems. While modular construction itself isn’t the issue, Hearne stressed that placing such units in back gardens with minimal oversight raises serious concerns.
“Moving young people from their childhood bedrooms into glorified sheds offers no real independence,” Hearne said during an appearance on RTÉ’s Drivetime. He added that for many residents in terraced houses, access to these cabins would require walking through the main home, potentially complicating safety measures in emergencies.
Hearne argued that real homes, not quick-fix backyard solutions, are needed to support young adults and individuals seeking to live independently.
Government’s Defense: A Practical Step for Short-Term Housing Needs
Minister of State for Planning John Cummins, who introduced the plan alongside Housing Minister James Browne, described the initiative as a practical solution. He emphasized its potential benefits for families accommodating young adults or people with disabilities, as well as for aging parents looking to downsize while remaining near relatives.
Cummins also confirmed that while planning exemptions would apply, homeowners must notify local authorities and meet all building regulations. “These garden units are not separate properties,” he clarified. “They will share utilities with the main house and be treated as extensions.”
He drew parallels to processes already in place, such as converting old pubs into residences under exemption schemes. A public consultation on the measure will remain open for four weeks.
However, the Social Democrats noted that under proposed planning guidelines, the government is allowing garden units larger than the new minimum apartment size of 32 sq.m—raising further questions about policy consistency.
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald echoed the concerns, stating that while some may welcome the change, the idea that sheds in gardens could solve the housing crisis is fundamentally flawed.
€700 Million Boost for Housing, Zoning Targets Raised
In parallel with the cabin proposal, the Cabinet approved a significant injection of funds for housing. Nearly €700 million in additional funding has been allocated to support social and affordable housing, second-hand acquisitions, vacancy reduction, and tenant-in-situ schemes. This brings the Department of Housing’s extra funding for 2025 to over €1.4 billion, apart from the €40 billion outlined in the National Development Plan.
Minister James Browne announced the new funds will support construction of 4,000 new homes, plus 600 more through reactivation of derelict or vacant sites. A full breakdown of allocations by local authority is expected next week.
The Cabinet also increased the national zoning target to 83,000 units annually through 2034—a 50% rise from the current goal. Browne encouraged local authorities to expedite rezoning processes within 12–14 weeks to accelerate housing availability.
Still, McDonald argued that the government’s actions lacked ambition, pointing out its failure to implement recommendations from the Housing Commission for systemic reform. “They’re offering nothing beyond minimal gestures,” she said.
Storm Éowyn Spurs New Electricity Grid Resilience Legislation
In a separate move, the Cabinet reviewed draft legislation aimed at preventing future power outages caused by storms. The Electricity Supply Amendment Bill, introduced by Energy Minister Darragh O’Brien, addresses the vulnerability of power lines near unmanaged or commercial forestry.
The proposed law will give ESB Networks enhanced powers to manage vegetation around infrastructure. It also outlines obligations for landowners regarding maintenance, backed by a compensation framework.
Storm Éowyn earlier this year caused widespread damage, highlighting critical gaps in forestry and grid resilience planning.
Report Highlights Delays in Infrastructure Development
A report presented by Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers detailed the challenges stalling Ireland’s infrastructure delivery. Among the key issues: regulatory delays, legal uncertainty, and a surge in judicial reviews that can add three to five years to planning processes.
The findings underscore the urgent need for streamlined regulations and public education around the long-term costs of underdeveloped infrastructure.
This comprehensive set of proposals and funding moves underscores the Government’s attempt to address multiple layers of Ireland’s housing and infrastructure crises. However, critics remain unconvinced that measures such as garden cabins represent anything more than a stopgap, rather than a solution capable of meeting the scale of demand.
