Have Your Say: Public Consultation on PlanningExemptions Now Open - Deadline August 26th 2025
The Irish Government is currently inviting public feedback on proposed changes to planning legislation that could make life easier for thousands of homeowners, families, and communities across Ireland.
A four-week public consultation on exempted development is now open – and your voice can help shape how planning works in the future.
What’s Being Proposed?
The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is reviewing and expanding the list of developments that may no longer require planning permission.
Key proposals include:
Attic conversions
Detached habitable units (e.g. granny flats or cabins in back gardens, up to 45m²)
Subdivision of existing homes into two units
Energy upgrades like heat pumps and insulation
Temporary accommodation solutions and infrastructure for schools and utilities
These changes aim to reduce unnecessary planning delays, ease pressure on local authorities, and support more flexible living arrangements – especially for growing families, older relatives, and people building one-off homes.
Timeline
Consultation opened: Monday, 29 July 2025
Deadline for submissions: 5:00pm, Tuesday, 26 August 2025
This is an important opportunity to help to shape planning policy in a way that puts people first.
How to Take Part
Making a submission is quick and easy:
Visit the Government’s official consultation portal:
👉 https://consult.housing.gov.ie/enRead the draft exempted development proposals
Submit your feedback online before the deadline
Whether you're a homeowner, a developer, a rural resident, or simply someone who believes in common-sense planning, your input can make a real difference.
Something to Consider
Within iProperty Radio, we welcome the Government’s proposals, however, we believe there is a crucial additional step:
Allow temporary homes on people’s own land while they await planning permission for one-off builds – especially in rural Ireland.
We encourage everyone to speak up in favour of extended planning exemptions that support real families with real housing needs.
Join the conversation on social media
We’re running weekly polls, sharing stories, and listening to your views.
Follow us @iPropertyRadio and have your say.
Remember, planning is all about ensuring the ‘common good’, and this requires a national discussion about what constitutes the common good – please get involved and let’s make planning work better for the people it serves.
@ipropertyradio Should seperate living units be allowed in back gardens without planning permission? #ipropertyradio #ireland #home #planning #ireland #planningpermission #garden #cabin #irish #attic #extension #property #propertytok ♬ LEVEL UP - Bazanji
To have your say, head over to 👉 https://consult.housing.gov.ie/en