The government may amend planning rules on cabins and modular homes in back gardens as part of its efforts to tackle the housing crisis.
The measure is being examined by Minister of State, John Cummins, in line with recent changes to planning laws.
As it stands, extensions of up to 40sq/m to a home can be built without planning permission.
However, approval must be sought if structures of the same size are not attached to the home itself.
Now, Mr Cummins is examining if planning exemptions could be introduced for free-standing modular or cabin-style homes.
The backdrop to the decision is the ongoing housing crisis and the mechanism is introducing “intergenerational movement” between the main house and the smaller home.
Under the plans, it is likely that if a structure larger than 40sq/m was envisaged by a homeowner, it would still need planning permission.
Submissions are to be requested from all government departments ahead of a public consultation, so any changes are some way off.
Separately, grant payments designed to boost the refurbishment of vacant homes are to be reviewed by Minister for Housing James Browne.
As it stands, a grant of up to €80,000 to bring derelict properties back into use is only paid out once all works are carried out and paid for.
Minister Browne IS of the view that this presents difficulties for young families on lower incomes.
He is now examining whether the grant scheme, called Croí Cónaithe, could be changed to facilitate staged payments.
