Government TDs back cabin exemption plans

The housing minister is said to have met with officials in recent days to explore planning exemptions for detached cabins or modular-style structures at the back of properties.

Government plans around providing exemptions for cabin or modular-style structures "a positive development", TDs said despite criticism from the opposition benches.

It follows proposals brought forward by planning minister John Cummins to provide exemptions for detached cabin or modular-style structures at the back of properties.

Currently, planning exemptions are in place for a 40sq m extension that is attached to a property.

Fine Gael TD Mr Cummins is seeking to change these exemptions that would remove the requirement for the extension to be attached to the main property.

The plans were discussed at the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party meeting on Wednesday where they reportedly received a broad welcome.

Party sources said that housing would remain a top priority going forward with plans for a dedicated housing meeting in the coming weeks.

Following a turbulent few weeks for the party on the issue of housing, the proposed meeting will give an opportunity to members to engage in a robust discussion about how the party intends to improve the housing crisis.

Disability has also been flagged as a key priority for Fianna Fáil but there are no current plans for an in-depth meeting on the issue.

Tánaiste Micheál Martin also updated his party following an emergency summit with other world leaders on how best to support Ukraine as US president Donald Trump continues to make waves and the country approaches the third anniversary of Russia's invasion.

The remote meeting, organised by French president Emmanuel Macron, included EU leaders and those from Canada, Iceland, and Norway.

Mr Martin told his party that the leaders are aware how precarious the rapidly changing situation is and acknowledge the mounting seriousness but are keeping cool heads.

The issue of defence spending was raised with agreement across the board that not enough is being spent, not just in Ireland, but around the EU, a source said.

There may not have been targeted pressure on Ireland but the Tánaiste noted the need for Ireland to catch up while some party members said that what is in the programme for Government is not enough.

Given Mr Trump's growing involvement in the war in Ukraine and the rising tensions as a result, there will be ongoing updates provided to the party over the coming weeks.