Seanad Refers New Planning Exemptions for Auxiliary Dwellings and Extensions to Housing Committee

On 9 July 2026, the 27th Seanad referred six motions regarding the Planning and Development (Exempted Development) Regulations 2026 to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing. Senator Anne Rabbitte proposed the referral of the regulations, numbered 1 through 7 (excluding number 5 in the sequential motions), to the joint committee without debate.

The proposed regulations seek to update existing planning exemptions under the Planning and Development Act 2000. Key measures in the draft regulations include a new planning exemption for auxiliary habitable dwellings measuring between 32 square metres and 45 square metres. Additionally, a new exemption is proposed to allow the sub-division of a principal dwelling to create up to one additional self-contained unit of at least 32 square metres.

The proposed rules also increase the size limit for principal dwelling extensions from 40 square metres to 45 square metres, and increase the size limit for exempted back garden structures from 25 square metres to 30 square metres. New provisions are also introduced for dormer roof box extensions.

These regulations are undergoing environmental assessment before they proceed to formal ratification by both Houses of the Oireachtas. A formal review of the exemptions is scheduled to take place 18 months after the regulations come into operation.