Plan to exempt modular homes from planning permission delayed

Believed potential row has been brewing between Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil about plans to include the structures in rent-a-room scheme

Several Government sources admitted that there has been “back and forth” on the proposals. Picture: iStock

The Government’s plans to exempt modular structures from planning permission did not go to Cabinet on Wednesday following “back and forth” discussions.

While sources stressed that it was never guaranteed that the plans would be signed off by Cabinet this week, the Irish Examiner understands a potential row has been brewing between Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil about proposals to include the structures in the rent-a-room scheme.

It was reported last weekend that the Government was progressing plans to allow householders to rent out the back garden structures under the scheme, which allows people to earn €14,000 a year tax-free.

However, it is believed that some in Fianna Fáil questioned whether the structures could be rented without being included in the scheme that would place an effective €14,000 a year cap on rent.

A spokesperson for Taoiseach Micheál Martin said there was no “disagreement on the overall plans”, but that there were a “few issues raised”.

“The leaders had largely agreed on the general approach on this a while ago,” he added.

Several Government sources admitted that there has been “back and forth” on the proposals.

The plans were discussed by the Government leaders on Wednesday morning, and it is expected the Cabinet may meet next week to discuss the exempted developments.

It is also understood that clarity is being sought regarding observations from the attorney general.

Sources stressed that there will be building regulations applied to ensure the structures are safe and comply with fire regulations.

It is also understood that independent access to the units will be required, and there can be no separate connection to utilities.

On his way into Cabinet, Tánaiste Simon Harris said the measure was aimed at “taking the planner out of your back garden so that we free up planning expertise to work on big projects”.

He said that the scheme can benefit people seeking to either rent a room or rent out a room.

He continued: “If you go further than that, that opens up a wider range of issues around rental protection.

“We’ve just passed tenancy protection laws in relation to a six-year tenancy.

“My sense is that, on balance, the rent a room makes sense.”