Modular granny flat exemptions expected by summer says Minister
Regulations for domestic rear units to go before Oireachtas committee after Easter
28 February 2026 | đŸ“§Â editor@ipropertyradio.com
Regulations to allow modular units and small domestic structures to the rear of homes are expected to be in place by summer, according to the Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, John Cummins TD.
Speaking during a DĂ¡il Éireann debate on 19 February, Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice raised queries from householders seeking clarity on when proposed changes covering modular granny flats and similar small units would take effect.
Deputy Fitzmaurice said people are making contact in significant numbers to ask when the measures will progress, so they can plan accordingly. He asked when the Government envisages the legislation would pass through the House.
Responding, Minister of State Cummins confirmed that the changes do not require primary legislation. Instead, they will be introduced by way of regulation.
He said the first phase of reforms, relating to agricultural exemptions, was advanced prior to Christmas. The next phase will address domestic exemptions, including modular units to the rear of existing homes.
The Minister of State said the regulations are currently being finalised and must go before the relevant Oireachtas joint committee. He indicated this is expected to take place after Easter.
When pressed on whether the measures would be ready for summer, Deputy Cummins said that is the aim.
The forthcoming domestic exemptions form part of a broader sequence of planning regulation changes. Following the domestic phase, the Department intends to progress infrastructure-related exemptions.
The timing is likely to be closely watched by homeowners considering additional accommodation on existing sites, particularly in the context of housing supply constraints and multi-generational living arrangements.
