Government's order to zone more land for housing may not lead to surge in construction

Cabinet meeting also considered other measures focused on housing including more funds for social homes, and possible planning exemptions for cabins in people’s gardens

The National Planning Framework, published in April, outlines that 5% of development should be targeted at five cities — Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway, and Waterford. Picture: iStock

At the final Cabinet meeting before the Government heads off on its summer break, there was a slew of housing proposals brought forward.

Alongside more funds being provided to build social homes, and consultation beginning on planning exemptions for cabins in people’s back gardens, there was an instruction to local councils to begin zoning more land for housing.