Minister Canney welcomes new planning exemptions to make it easier for homeowners to extend, adapt and improve their homes
Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has welcomed a series of new planning regulations that will make it easier for homeowners to extend, adapt and improve their homes without the need for planning permission in many cases.
The new exempted development regulations will come into effect on Monday, 27 July 2026.
The changes are designed to reduce unnecessary planning applications for straightforward residential works while allowing planning authorities to focus on more complex developments. They also aim to help homeowners make better use of existing housing by making it easier to extend or adapt homes as family circumstances change.
Welcoming the changes, Minister Canney said: “These are practical, common-sense reforms that will make life easier for homeowners while cutting unnecessary red tape. Many families want to adapt their existing home rather than move, and these changes will give them greater flexibility to do that.”
“Making better use of the homes we already have is an important part of addressing housing needs. Whether it’s creating more living space, providing additional accommodation, improving energy efficiency or adding practical storage, these new exemptions will help people make those improvements more easily.”
Among the key changes are:
- The existing exemption for extension of the principal dwelling will be increased from 40 square metres to 45 square metres.
- A new exemption will provide for extension via the addition of dormer roof boxes and roof lights on the principal dwelling.
- A new exemption for sub-division of the principal dwelling will allow for the creation of up to 1 additional self-contained unit within the existing building envelope, with a minimum floor area for each subdivided unit of 32 square metres.
- A new exemption for an auxiliary habitable dwelling will allow for the addition of a detached auxiliary dwelling to the rear of the principal house, linked to the services of the principal house, which may be between 32 square metres and 45 square metres.
- A new exemption will allow for the provision of insulation on external walls of a dwelling, in line with existing SEAI grant provision.
- The exemption for a heat pump will be expanded so that it is not restricted to the rear of the property.
- A new exemption will provide for cycle or bin storage at both the front and back of the property, with enough space to hold either 3-4 adult size bicycles, 2 cargo bikes or 3 wheelie bins.
- The existing exemption for a structure in the back garden (such as a shed, store, home office or gym) will be increased from 25 square metres to 30 square metres.
The new exemptions for the subdivision of existing homes and detached auxiliary dwellings will require homeowners to notify their local planning authority at least 14 days before works begin. These particular exemptions will operate on a trial basis and are due to remain in place until 31 December 2030, when they will be reviewed.
The Department has confirmed that all relevant Building Regulations and Fire Safety Regulations will continue to apply where required, despite the planning exemptions.