Understanding Ireland’s Proposed Exemptions for Garden Rooms

As Ireland continues to face a growing housing demand, the Government is once again turning to garden rooms, attic conversions, and modular spaces as part of the solution. This summer, a public consultation has been launched to explore changes to planning regulations, and if implemented, they could make it much easier for homeowners to expand their living spaces.

What’s Changing?

The Department of Housing is reviewing a proposal that would widen existing planning exemptions. If passed, the following projects may no longer require full planning permission:

• Attic conversions (including rooflights)
• Subdivision of existing homes (like ‘granny flats’)
• Conversions for downsizing or elder living
• Changes to design limitations (like roof styles)
• Detached modular buildings, such as garden rooms (used as habitable space)

This last point is especially relevant to Irish homeowners looking to create purpose-built spaces like a home office, gym, art studio, or guest suite, right in their own back garden.

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Why Now?

Supporters argue that streamlining the rules would unlock thousands of new housing units across the country. By removing lower-risk projects like garden rooms from the already overwhelmed planning system, local councils could redirect resources toward larger, more complex developments.

Other countries like Canada and the U.S. have seen success by making similar regulatory shifts, and Minister John Cummins believes Ireland could benefit too, especially for homeowners looking to adapt to remote work, multigenerational living, or rising property costs.

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So Can I Sleep in My Garden Room Now?

Not quite yet.

As it stands in mid-2025, you can still build a garden room of up to 25sqm without planning permission, provided it meets conditions around height, location, and use. However, under current laws, it cannot be used as sleeping accommodation or a full-time residence.

The proposed changes would review that limitation, meaning we may soon see fully habitable garden rooms that qualify as proper living spaces without requiring planning.

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What Should Homeowners Do Now?

For now, the best course of action is to:

• Stay within the current planning exemption limits: 25sqm maximum, no sleeping use, 3–4m height max.
• Design with future flexibility in mind: even if you can’t sleep there today, you might soon.
• Follow the consultation process this summer - and talk to us if you’re unsure what applies to your site.

At Concept Modular Homes, we’re closely following these developments and will always design within compliant guidelines. If and when these new rules take effect, you can be sure we’ll be ready to help you take full advantage of what’s possible.

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