‘Greater freedom’ Laois TD welcomes softening of planning rules for homes
It is suddenly a lot easier to build a home in Laois and Ireland, with new changes now into effect
From today, hopeful housebuilders in Laois and Ireland can build detached homes in their gardens, among a range of changes to residential planning laws.
Laois FIne Gael TD Willie Aird has welcomed the relaxation of planning, as “common sense”.
The Portlaoise farmer and former county councillor said that the new planning exemptions will “give homeowners in Laois greater freedom”.
“These new planning exemptions are about bringing common sense back into the planning system. For too long, homeowners have faced unnecessary costs, delays and bureaucracy for straightforward changes to their homes.
“Many people have been frustrated by having to seek planning permission for relatively minor works. These changes remove unnecessary obstacles while maintaining the important planning safeguards that protect our communities,” Dep Aird said.
Among the changes coming into effect from Monday, July 27 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.
Cllr Aird said that “Fine Gael has delivered on these reforms to give families greater freedom to adapt their homes as their needs change, while ensuring planners can focus their time and expertise on larger housing developments and other complex projects that require detailed assessment.”
The new regulations represent the most significant update to residential planning exemptions in almost 25 years and form part of the implementation of the Planning and Development Act 2024.
“I also want to acknowledge the work of Minister of State John Cummins, who has led these reforms. As Planning Minister, he has focused on removing unnecessary barriers from the planning system and making it more practical, efficient and responsive for homeowners and communities alike,” the Laois TD said.
The reforms follow an extensive public consultation in 2025, which attracted almost 1,000 submissions.