Ireland housing planning reforms

In July 2026 Ireland’s Minister for Housing, James Browne, announced the passage of the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2026. The law tightened judicial‑review procedures for planning decisions, limited appeals to the Court of Appeal, and clarified long‑term development plans, aiming to cut delays and legal costs and speed up delivery of housing and infrastructure.

A week later the government rolled out detailed exemptions to reduce red‑tape for homeowners. Under the new rules, owners can add a modular auxiliary dwelling of 32‑45 sqm without planning permission and earn up to €14,000 tax‑free from rentals. Extensions to the main house may reach 45 sqm, and garden structures such as sheds, offices or gyms are allowed up to 30 sqm. Additional relaxations cover dormer roof boxes, bicycle and bin storage, heat‑pump placement, and align external‑wall insulation with SEAI grants. Browne emphasised the measures are meant to “cut red tape, reduce bureaucracy and streamline systems” to accelerate building in Ireland.