3 days ago
Extensions for older relatives could be exempt from planning
Attic conversions and extensions for the purpose of housing elderly relatives could be exempt from planning before the end of the year, Minister for Housing James Browne will tell Cabinet later.
Habitable modular cabins in homeowners' gardens, along with the subdivision of dwellings, could also be permitted without planning permission under proposals that are currently being considered.
Work on the planning exemptions is now well advanced after 11 Government departments, local authorities and planning bodies have given their views on the initiative.
Before the regulations are finalised, there will be a public consultation this month.
Mr Browne will inform the Government that adapting dwellings to meet people's needs is a key priority.
The changes could also see some design restrictions for home extensions abolished, such as the requirement for a pitched roof.
Storage structures at the front of homes for bikes and bins could also be allowed.
The proposals have been described by Minister for State John Cummins as a practical measure that will provide housing options for people.
The changes will be contained in the Planning and Development Act, which is set to be implemented in full before the end of the year.
If this does not happen, it is possible the planning exemptions will be progressed separately.
Defective Concrete Blocks Bill
Minister for Housing James Browne will also seek Cabinet approval today to draft the Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks (Amendment) Bill.
The Bill will include technical amendments to make the scheme fairer.
The increased scheme cap and rates will now apply to all applicants who incurred costs since 29 March 2024.
The construction of a new dwelling adjacent to a defective home will be permitted in very limited circumstances for vulnerable families.
The period allowed to complete the remediation works will increase from 65 weeks to 130 weeks.
Cabinet to hear plans to increase prison spaces
Separately, Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan will update Cabinet on plans to accelerate the construction of 960 prison spaces by the end of the decade.
He will inform the Government that the prison system is currently operating at 115% over capacity with a new record high of 5,394 individuals detained in mid-April.
This is an 11% rise in 12 months and over 1,100 more people are in prison compared to January 2023.
Mr O'Callaghan intends to introduce an electronic tagging pilot programme in the coming months.
Meanwhile, Minister for Enterprise Peter Burke is setting up a new group aiming to reduce the cost of running a business.
The Cost of Business Advisory Forum will hold its first meeting on 11 June.
The forum will meet at least six times and deliver its recommendations to the Government in early 2026.
