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Irish Times
6 hours ago
- Business
- Irish Times
Garden rooms and attics: What are the proposed changes to regulations?
The Government is opening a public consultation on widening planning exemptions to allow people to build garden rooms and extend their homes in a bid to increase the supply of available housing. Haven't we heard something about this before? We have. Minister of State at the Department of Housing John Cummins floated the idea in February. So is it going ahead now? Steady on. That's not quite the pace at which things happen. Proposals have been drawn up and the issue will now go to a public consultation over the summer, with a view to finalising proposals in the autumn. What exactly is proposed? The review currently under way is examining easing planning rules to allow for the following to be exempt from requirements to obtain planning permission: attic conversions (including rooflights); subdivision of existing dwellings; conversions and extensions for the purposes of providing housing options for older people; current design limitations of extensions to existing buildings – pitched roofs, etc; detached modular-type buildings which may be used as habitable space within the boundary of a primary dwelling. READ MORE The last one is what caught most attention when the Minister floated the idea a few months ago. The idea of garden sheds being adapted for living spaces, or mass building of garden rooms is one that has aroused strong opinions. Go on? Supporters of the proposal, including Cummins, say that the measures could mean thousands and thousands of new homes – including for downsizers, student accommodation and those with a need for smaller homes. Taking extensions and garden rooms out of the planning process would also free up under-pressure planning departments and ease the backlog that has delayed the building of new homes. They point to places such as Vancouver and California where there has been widespread use of such measures to increase housing supply. But opponents say that the proposals are fraught with dangers and, even if successful, do not have anything like the potential to make significant inroads into the housing shortage. Others warn that they would actually increase the value of homes, pushing up prices for middle-income buyers. [ The Debate: Could granny flats help tackle the housing crisis? Opens in new window ] 'If you own a house, that's great, but it's not so great for somebody who's trying to buy a house in the second-hand market,' architect Mel Reynolds said previously, pointing to an Australian study entitled We Zoned for Density and Got Higher House Prices: Supply and Price Effects of Upzoning over 20 Years. What is the law relating to cabins in the garden at present? Currently you can build an extension up to 40sq m attached to an existing home without planning permission. If you build a log cabin or garden room in your back garden, you can build up to 25sq m without planning permission. The garden room can be a maximum height of three metres or up to four metres high for a pitched roof – but they can't be used for sleeping accommodation or to be lived in. What does the Government say? 'Housing is a key priority for this Government and we are determined to leave no lever unused. The ability to expand and improve existing planning exemptions to allow for the appropriate adaptation of dwellings to changing needs is a key area for consideration. Furthermore, if we can have more exemptions, this would take many applications out of the system that really don't need to be there – freeing up local authority planners' time and allowing more resources to be focused on larger projects.' Sounds like it's going to happen. Probably. Just not in a hurry.
Irish Times
27-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
Minister insists no ‘free pass' for builders who get planning permission extensions
Builders will not get a 'free pass' and there is a 'use it or lose it' provision in Government proposals to allow for planning permission extensions for delayed housing developments, Minister for Housing James Browne has insisted. Under the proposals for emergency legislation, approved by Cabinet on Tuesday, developers would be able to seek extensions to planning permissions in cases where building work has been delayed by judicial review proceedings or access to finance or infrastructure constraints. The measure is a bid to activate developments such as large-scale apartments that might otherwise go beyond their permission timeline and lapse. Mr Browne said almost 15,800 residential units have gone through judicial review and got the go ahead to proceed but have had the duration of their planning permission eroded as a result. READ MORE He said he believes that while judicial reviews are a legitimate part of Ireland's legal process, they have 'been weaponised by some people' in the hope that if a project is delayed long enough it will fail. Minister of State with responsibility for planning John Cummins said allowing extensions is a 'practical and common sense measure to ensure that sufficient time is given to activate planning permissions for much needed housing across the country'. Social Democrats housing spokesman Rory Hearne responded to the Government's plans by saying he is concerned that the measure will 'incentivise land and property speculation rather than actually getting homes built'. He added: 'We believe there should be a use it or lose it approach to planning permission rather than this extension.' Mr Browne later said there is a 'use it or lose it' element, with a requirement that developments commence within 18 months of the legislation passing. He said: 'This is not a free pass for people who have planning permissions.' Mr Browne said commencement notices are 'a legal step' where developers 'must notify the local authority that they're actually about to start that work' and that 'you actually should be putting shovels in the ground'. He also said: 'once you sign a commencement, it's actually very difficult to withdraw it'. He added: 'I'd expect developers here to act in good faith. If they don't commence, they won't get the extension of time.' He confirmed at a press conference that there will be no penalties for someone that gets the extension but does not develop the land. Mr Browne said bringing in penalties would be 'very challenging' legally given protections relating to land under the Constitution but also said this would be kept under review. The intention is for the legislation to be completed before the Dáil summer recess.
The Journal
27-05-2025
- Business
- The Journal
Emergency legislation to extend planning permissions that are due to lapse to go to Cabinet
EMERGENCY LEGISLATION TO extend planning permissions that are due to lapse is set to go to Cabinet this morning. Minister James Browne will seek approval for measures to allow housing developers apply for a three-year extension on existing planning permission, in certain cases. The legislation, which has been worked on alongside Minister of State for Planning John Cummins, seeks to ensure developments held up by factors such as judicial reviews, finance, and infrastructure constraints can still go ahead before permission lapses. The move comes just six weeks after The Journal reported that Cairns boss Michael Stanley had called for an emergency law to be introduced to stop thousands of planning permissions lapsing. Advertisement Stanley, who is the CEO of one of the country's largest property developers, said that 10 to 15,000 planning approvals that have gone through the system are now at risk of lapsing. He said last month that such legislation was needed and could be brought in 'overnight' if there was political will to do so. Planning permissions, which are not implemented within a certain time period, generally five years, are at risk of lapsing if an extension isn't granted. It is understood Browne and Cummins have carried out extensive work on the legislation in a bid to activate developments such as large scale apartments which might otherwise time out of planning permission. The legislation, which was discussed by party leaders last night, involves two provisions to deal with expiring permission to encourage their activation. Firstly, it is proposed a provision in the new Planning and Development Act 2024 will be brought forward, so that that holders of all permissions that have been through a judicial review can apply to the planning authority for a retrospective suspension of the period of time their permission was held up. Related Reads Cairn Homes chief says emergency law needed to stop thousands of planning permissions lapsing At the moment, the clock does not stop on a duration when the permission is subject to a judicial review which in some cases can take years. The second provision will allow developers with just two years left on their permission to apply for an extension for up to three years. However, in order to activate the development, the application for an extension must be made within six months of the legislation commencing and development must commence within 18 months of the commencement of the legislation. The legislation to underpin the changes will be completed prior to the Dáil summer recess, with thousands of units are expected to be covered by this activation measure. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Irish Times
27-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
Extensions to planning permissions for developments delayed by judicial reviews to be considered
Developers would be able to seek extensions to planning permissions in cases where building work has been delayed by judicial review proceedings under plans for emergency legislation set to be considered by Cabinet. The intention is for the legislation to be completed prior to the Dáil summer recess and there is a hope within Government that it could help to get thousands of units built. The measure is a bid to activate developments such as large-scale apartments which might otherwise go beyond their permission timeline after being held up as a result of judicial reviews sought by opponents of the planned developments. The proposals are being put forward by Minister for Housing James Browne and Minister of State with responsibility for planning John Cummins. READ MORE The plan is for a provision in the new Planning and Development Act 2024 to be brought forward, so that holders of all permissions that have been through a judicial review can apply to the planning authority for a retrospective suspension of the period of time their permission was held up. At present, the clock does not stop when the permission is subject to a judicial review, which in some cases can take years. A second provision is to allow developers with just two years left on their permission to apply for an extension for up to three years. The Irish Times understands this is being proposed in recognition of challenging circumstances impacting some developments in recent years, including high inflation and issues with access to finance. In these circumstances, in order to activate the development, the application for an extension must be made within six months of the legislation commencing and development must commence within 18 months of the commencement of the legislation. The Government has been under pressure to bring forward new initiatives aimed at easing the housing crisis. On Monday, left-wing Opposition parties announced plans for a major 'Raise the Roof' housing protest outside Leinster House to coincide with the tabling of a joint motion on the housing crisis next month. People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy called for 'a massive show of people power' saying: 'We need to declare a housing emergency'. Separately, Tánaiste Simon Harris will seek Cabinet approval to draft legislation prohibiting the importation of goods from illegal settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. He is expected to outline that there is growing support for Irish positions at an EU level when it comes to economic ties with Israel, and that the Government intends to build support at a European level while advancing domestic legislation as well. Mr Harris will also bring an update to Cabinet on the latest trade developments – warning Ministers there is 'no time to lose' to achieve a new trade deal with the United States that safeguards European and US interests. Now halfway through the original 90-day pause on US tariffs that the White House has said it will impose, Mr Harris will ask for approval to draft legislation approving a trade deal with Canada, telling Cabinet it is an important part of Ireland's strategy to find new markets. He will also seek approval to extend the Defence Forces ' UN mission in Lebanon for another year, in which 345 personnel are now serving. Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill will update Cabinet on actions she has taken relating to Children's Health Ireland (CHI), as the provider of paediatric hospital services is rocked by multiple controversies. Minister of State for Mental Health Mary Butler will update colleagues on plans to extend the period during which a person can be involuntarily detained without a court order from 21 days, as was originally envisaged in legislation published last year, to 41 days if they are a risk to themselves or others, or need treatment. This is part of more than 200 amendments to the forthcoming Mental Health Bill. Minister for Children and Disability Norma Foley is to bring a memo on the implementation of the European Accessibility Act from June 28th, 2025 onwards. The Act is designed to ensure that designated products and services - including computers, bank ATMs, and e-ticketing - are accessible for people with disabilities. Compliance will be enforced here by a range of existing State regulators who will be responsible for dealing with any complaints from people who feel their rights to accessible products and services have been breached. Cabinet will be updated on the Department of Agriculture 's plans to treat 'exotic diseases' in animals, such as foot-and-mouth and bluetongue. Minister for Higher and Further Education Patrick O'Donovan will also bring a memo on the formation of a new advisory committee on commemorations. There is also to be an update on the Safe Routes to School Programme. Cabinet will hear that evaluations of the scheme show an increase in walking, cycling and park-and-ride and there has been a particular focus on reducing speed and improving driver behaviour around rural schools in the scheme. Minister for Higher Education James Lawless will also bring plans for the launch of Springboard+ 2025, the latest iteration of the free training scheme for the unemployed which has subsidised courses for people in work who want to reskill.
Irish Independent
22-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Waterford Airport ‘left out once again' as nearly €8m in regional airport funding announced
Transport Minister Darragh O'Brien, announced the allocation of almost €8m in exchequer funding to regional airports under the Regional Airports Programme 2021-2025, on Tuesday, May 20. The announcement sees a total of €7.823m going to Ireland West, Kerry, and Donegal airports, but none for Waterford Airport, which has seen its runway extension project stalled in recent years. William Bolster, director and board member of Waterford Airport, told the Irish Independent that they welcome all investment to infrastructural projects to the regions and in particular aviation, but 'unfortunately Waterford falls outside the criteria on the Regional Airports Programme due to the absence of a commercial carrier in place. 'Waterford Airport and the board are working very closely with Minister O'Brien and the Department to achieve the goal to have capital funding committed to allow a Jet Runway for the southeast region, we hope to have speedy conclusion to our discussion in the near future,' said Mr Bolster. SF Waterford TD Conor McGuinness sharply criticised the Government's latest decision to exclude Waterford Airport from regional airport funding allocations, describing it as a 'calculated and ongoing neglect of Waterford and the south east', and has called on Government Ministers John Cummins and Mary Butler to 'stop covering for this blatant disregard' and 'stand up for their county'. 'This announcement saw nearly €8 million allocated to regional airports in the west and south west, while Waterford was left out once again, despite having planning permission, private investment, and local authority co-funding in place for the long-awaited €12 million runway extension,' said Deputy McGuinness. 'Let's call this what it is - calculated neglect. Waterford Airport is ready to go. The project is costed, planned, and regionally backed. The missing piece is Government commitment. 'Instead, we see millions flowing to other airports while Waterford is passed over again. The runway extension would restore scheduled services and unlock real economic growth across the south east but, the Government continues to block it.' Deputy McGuinness said the silence from Waterford's Government TDs is no longer tenable. 'Minister Mary Butler and Minister John Cummins need to stop providing political cover for this ongoing snub. It's not enough to issue soft statements after the fact - they're part of the Government making these decisions. If they won't fight for Waterford, who will?' 'David Cullinane and I have been campaigning relentlessly to secure this funding. Last week we jointly raised the issue again in the Dáil. The Minister's excuses have run out. This is not a case of due process – it's a failure of political will, and it's costing Waterford jobs, investment and connectivity.' ADVERTISEMENT Learn more Deputy McGuiness added, 'Government inaction is holding Waterford back. Cummins and Butler must now call a halt to this calculated neglect, and demand that Waterford gets its fair share.' Speaking before the announcement, former independent TD for Waterford and now social advocate, Matt Shanahan, said the 'bludgeoned' aspirations of 2011 and 2017 Government programme promises to develop Waterford Airport can be 'clearly seen'. The Government 'has no desire to fund aviation activity in the South East region,' said Mr Shanahan. 'Opposition TDs will grandstand in press, social media and in the Dáil, but no way will their party leadership allow them bring a motion to the floor of the house on the issue to actually force serious debate. 'When people in Waterford ask why are we continuously denied any meaningful investment to create regional economic advantage, the answer has been the same for two decades - whichever party reps you follow, government or opposition, their party political interests always come before your economic needs. And their political reps' loyalty is always to the party, not you the people. 'Vested interests elsewhere have no interest in promoting Waterford or south east economies simply because they fear negative impact to their own - their political strength and the blind allegiance of their party reps means nothing changes in our favour. 'Fairness for Waterford was mentioned endlessly in every electoral campaign soundbite and leaflet in 2024 - once the election was done, just like before, both went in the bin. 'The phrase 'fool me once shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me' has been around since 1651 - it's obvious Waterford needs to pay more attention to history rather than listening to repeated empty political rhetoric. Mr Shanahan added, 'For the next four plus years while people in Waterford continue to decry our 'Oliver Twist' existence, the political parties will continue to smile in joined understanding of the old maxim - you broke it, you own it.'
