People building modular homes in back gardens will be able to rent them on private market

Micheál Martin said he didn't think people 'would build something costing up to €80,000 if it was only to be used for a son or a daughter who might leave after two or three years'

Work in progress on a modular home at Big Man Tiny Homes in Bandon, Co Cork. File picture

Homeowners who build modular cabins at the rear of their properties will be permitted to rent them on the private market, Taoiseach Micheál Martin has confirmed.

The Government is due to introduce planning exemptions to allow modular cabins to be built in people’s back gardens without planning permission.

Asked if these modular structures would be permitted to be rented outside of the rent-a-room scheme, Mr Martin said they would.

“We believe they should be available for rent,” Mr Martin said.

Earlier this month, the Government delayed introducing planning exemptions for modular cabins, amid proposals about allowing them to be included in the existing rent-a-room scheme.

Sources indicated that Fianna Fáil had questioned whether the structures would be able to be rented out on the private rental market, rather than through the rent-a-room scheme, which places a €14,000 cap on rental income.

Speaking on Monday, Mr Martin confirmed the Government had reached an “accommodation” on the matter.

“It is about supply. It’s about alleviating pressures on the housing sector,” Mr Martin said.

He said it “makes sense” to have a variety of housing options for people, adding that Ireland’s population is continuing to grow.

“I don’t think people, or parents for example, would build something costing up to €80,000 if it was only to be used for a son or a daughter, who might leave after two or three years,” Mr Martin said. “I think we have to be practical about that and pragmatic about it.” 

Mr Martin added that the Government would be keeping the proposed change “under review”, saying he accepted it was a “new departure”.

“If we need to change or amend that in two years’ time following a review, I think we will. It’s a balance.” 

Asked about the practicalities of modular cabins and whether they would have key facilities like kitchens and bathrooms, housing minister James Browne said they would.

Two modular homes were installed in Limerick City last year to showcase what the delivery of affordable housing could look like. File pcture: Manon Gilbart

“These will be of a very high standard and abiding by building regulations,” Mr Browne said.

Speaking in Drogheda, Tánaiste Simon Harris said that the use of the modular units is a “secondary issue” and the primary concern is ensuring that the planning exemption is applied.

However, he argued that “balance” is required.

“If all of a sudden people can develop this in their garden, can we put that to good use from a rental point of view in a housing emergency?” he asked.

“I think there's some merit in that, but needing to get that balance correct.

“I expect Government to be updated on this [on Tuesday] and the Government to adopt a final position.” 

Junior housing minister John Cummins, meanwhile, said that the planning exemption for the units is currently “out for screening” and he hoped it would be brought to the housing committee soon.

• Tadgh McNally, Political Reporter
• Louise Burne, Political Correspondent