Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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604. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he is in favour of tiny homes being built in Ireland; if he plans to update planning policy and planning legislation to enable same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2810/25]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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All development proposals require planning permission unless specifically exempted from this requirement under the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended (the Act) or the supplementary Planning and Development Regulations, 2001, as amended (the Regulations).

There are no exemptions at present in relation to individual residential units and it is necessary to make a planning application under Section 34 of the Planning and Development Act in respect of any new residential unit, including modular or log cabin type accommodation.

When an application is made the relevant planning authority in making its decision is required to comply with the requirements of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) including the need to have regard to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. A range of factors will have to be taken into account, including the land use-zoning objective, requirements for privacy, access, car parking, amenity space and services such as water, drainage and electricity. In addition, the impact on neighbouring properties and on the amenities of the local area will need to be considered in the determination of a planning application. It is a matter for the relevant planning authority to consider each application on a case-by-case basis and to decide to whether to grant the permission, subject to or without conditions, or to refuse permission.

An application for planning permission also provides an opportunity for members of the public to make submissions or observations in respect of proposed development. The planning authority is required to have regard to any submissions or observations received on a planning application during the public participation process in accordance with section 34 of the Act.

Where any party is unhappy with the decision of a planning authority in relation to an application for planning permission, the decision may be appealed to An Bord Pleanála within four weeks of the decision of the planning authority in accordance with section 37 of the Act.

It is of note that under Section 34(13) of the Act, a person shall not be entitled solely by reason of a permission under section 34 of the Act to carry out any development. Where permission is granted for modular type accommodation, the development must also comply with other legislative requirements such as the Building Regulations. In this regard, it is critical to ensure that products, systems, and buildings are certified, as fit for purpose, having regard to their intended end use.

Housing developments are also required to meet residential space standards and densities, with a need for planning authorities to consider the requirements and guidance detailed in the Design Standards for New Apartments - Guidelines for Planning Authorities 2023 and Sustainable Residential Development and Compact Settlement Guidelines 2024. These standards have been carefully developed to provide a balance between the need to ensure a high standard of residential amenity while also facilitating the provision of new housing development.

My Department continues to liaise with local authorities and other key stakeholders on a range of different planning matters including, where appropriate, the promotion of new housing types that reflect the changing demographics of our population and to provide further choice for prospective homeowners.