The introduction of new planning exemption regulations which come into effect today will make it easier for homeowners in Cavan to adapt and improve their homes while reducing unnecessary bureaucracy.
That's according to Fine Gael Senator Joe O'Reilly.
Homeowners can now build units 45 square metres or smaller without planning permission in their garden.
The changes also relax rules around insulation on external walls, installing heat pumps and bike or bin sheds.
Senator O'Reilly said the reforms deliver on a commitment in the Programme for Government to cut red tape, remove unnecessary planning requirements and allow planning authorities to focus their resources on larger and more complex developments that will help deliver more homes.
Speaking to Northern Sound, the Co Cavan senator said these new planning exemptions are about bringing common sense back into the planning system.
He believes for too long, homeowners have faced unnecessary costs, delays and bureaucracy for straightforward changes to their homes.
Among the changes coming into effect today are:
- A new exemption allowing a detached auxiliary dwelling of between 32 and 45 square metres within the grounds of an existing home, subject to specified conditions.
- A new exemption allowing the subdivision of an existing home to create one additional self-contained unit within the existing building.
- An increase in the exempted size of home extensions from 40 square metres to 45 square metres.
- An increase in the exempted size of garden structures, such as home offices, sheds or gyms, from 25 square metres to 30 square metres.
- New exemptions for dormer roof boxes and roof lights.
- New exemptions for external wall insulation and greater flexibility for the installation of heat pumps.
- New exemptions for bicycle and bin storage at the front and rear of homes.
The reforms follow an extensive public consultation in 2025, which attracted almost 1,000 submissions.
