How a Simple Planning Change Could Unlock Thousands of New Homes – Without Building on a Single New Field

At MyCabin.ie, we’ve always believed in making the very most of the space you already have. That’s why the Government’s current consultation on updating Ireland’s Exempted Development Regulations has caught our full attention—because one proposed change could be a game-changer for homeowners, families, and communities across the country.

The Big News: A Possible Green Light for 45 m² Detached Habitable Units

Under the proposal, homeowners could build a detached habitable accommodation unit up to 45 m² in their back garden without having to apply for planning permission—provided it meets building regulations, size limits, and garden space requirements.

That means:

  • Multi-generational living made easy – Give elderly parents their own comfortable, private space close to family.
  • Support for adult children – Offer young adults independence without the crushing cost of renting or buying.
  • Flexible life solutions – Create a quiet home office, a guest house, or a temporary home while your main dwelling is being renovated.
  • Housing supply without sprawl – Add much-needed living units without paving over green fields.

At MyCabin.ie, our log cabins are designed with exactly these goals in mind—warm, energy-efficient, fully compliant structures that blend naturally into your garden and enhance your property. With this change, families could make these life-improving additions faster, cheaper, and with far less stress.

Have your say before 26 August 2025: The Government is asking the public to share their views on proposed planning changes, including the new 45 m² garden unit exemption. You can submit your feedback here: https://consult.housing.gov.ie/

Why This Matters for Ireland’s Housing Crisis

  • It adds homes in months, not years – No waiting for major housing developments; each garden cabin can be completed quickly.
  • It uses existing serviced land – Gardens already have access to utilities and transport links.
  • It keeps communities stable – Families can adapt in place rather than moving away from schools, neighbours, and support networks.
  • It’s greener – Log cabins are low-impact, sustainable, and energy efficient.

Other Key Benefits in the Proposed Regulations

While the 45 m² rule is huge for homeowners, the consultation also proposes big wins for other sectors:

Domestic

  • Clearer attic conversion rules.
  • Rooflight and dormer window exemptions for more natural light.
  • External insulation wrapping to cut heating bills.
  • Easier installation of heat pumps and solar panels, even on sheds or the ground.

Rural

  • More flexible farm fencing rules.
  • Extra slurry storage capacity to protect water quality.
  • Larger animal housing for better welfare.
  • Solar on farm buildings with battery storage.

Health & Education

  • Larger exempt school extensions and longer use periods for temporary classrooms.
  • Faster hospital temporary space during redevelopments.
  • More renewable energy capacity for schools and hospitals.

Infrastructure

  • More EV charging points, including in apartment blocks and public spaces.
  • Emergency works allowed for severe weather response.
  • Streamlined upgrades to existing airports, ports, and utilities.

Use Classes Easier change-of-use in main streets and town centres to keep them vibrant

Have Your Say Before 26 August 2025

This is a rare chance to shape a policy that could directly benefit you, your family, and your community. The Government is accepting public submissions until 5pm, Tuesday, 26 August 2025.

How to Make Your Submission – Step by Step

  1. Go to the official consultation page on the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage website. https://consult.housing.gov.ie/
  2. Register or log in to the consultation portal.
  3. Select the categories you want to comment on – for most MyCabin.ie customers, “Domestic Exemptions” will be the key section.
  4. Write your support for the 45 m² detached unit rule, explaining the benefits for multi-generational living, housing supply, and sustainability.
  5. Add comments on other categories if relevant to you (e.g., energy upgrades, rural economy, education, infrastructure).
  6. Keep it short and clear – the Department values concise, focused points.
  7. Submit before the deadline and save your confirmation.

Sample Domestic Exemptions Submission Texts

(These are examples only. Please personalise your submission to reflect your own circumstances and views. Identical copy-and-paste responses are less impactful.)

Option 1 – Multi-Generational Living Focus

I strongly support the proposed exemption for a detached habitable accommodation unit up to 45 m² within the curtilage of a dwelling.
This would allow families to provide independent living for elderly relatives, support adult children struggling to access affordable housing, and create flexible space for life changes without moving.

Using existing serviced land is the most sustainable, cost-effective way to increase housing supply. It reduces pressure on the housing market, avoids greenfield development, and strengthens community ties.

With appropriate safeguards—size limits, retained garden space, and building regulation compliance—this change will deliver real homes for real people in months, not years.

Option 2 – Housing Supply & Sustainability Focus

The 45 m² detached habitable unit exemption is a practical, low-impact way to address Ireland’s housing shortage.
Garden accommodation units can be delivered quickly, are more affordable than new builds, and make use of existing infrastructure.

If designed to meet modern building regulations, they can be highly energy-efficient, cutting household energy bills and contributing to climate targets.

This measure also supports more sustainable communities by enabling ageing in place, reducing commuting, and avoiding unnecessary relocation.

Option 3 – Broad Domestic Exemption Support

I support the proposed domestic exemptions, especially:

  • Detached habitable units up to 45 m² for flexible family living.
  • Clearer attic conversion and rooflight rules to improve light and space.
  • External insulation wrapping, heat pumps, and solar panels on sheds/garages to cut energy bills and emissions.
  • Practical front-of-house additions like bike/bin storage and water butts to encourage sustainable habits.

These changes balance flexibility for homeowners with safeguards for residential amenity, reduce pressure on planning authorities, and help deliver climate and housing goals simultaneously.

At MyCabin.ie, we see this as a step towards a smarter, more flexible Ireland—one where families can adapt their living spaces without needless delay, and where housing solutions are sustainable, affordable, and right where they’re needed most.

If you’d like advice on designing a compliant 45 m² log cabin for your property, our team is here to help you plan ahead—so when these changes come in, you’ll be ready to build.