The regulations, introduced by housing minister James Browne and minister of state for local government and planning John Cummins, are intended to reduce the administrative burden on homeowners and allow planning authorities to focus on larger and more complex developments.

The Government said the changes form part of the implementation of the Planning and Development Act 2024 and update exempted development rules that had not been substantially revised for almost 25 years.

The new measures follow a public consultation carried out in 2025, which received almost 1,000 submissions.

The regulations allow greater scope for homeowners to adapt or expand residential space, including through certain enhancements, extensions and adaptations. They also provide options for modular dwelling units in back gardens and the subdivision of homes, subject to conditions.

Mr Browne said: “As minister for housing, I have been laser focused on cutting red tape, reducing bureaucracy and streamlining systems to get Ireland building better and faster.

“Engaging with our planning system has been a bug bearer for so many people, costing time and money for things that shouldn’t be on the desk of planners in reality.

“Sensible and considered planning guidance is absolutely necessary for communities as our villages, towns and cities grow and expand - but not for things like bike storage and velux windows by and large.

“I want to free up our planning expertise for more complex priorities, and in particular, getting on with the delivery of quality homes where people need them.

“Working closely with minister of state John Cummins, we have identified some of the choke holds on our local planning authorities and these regulations will ease some of the pressure.

“When it comes to modular dwelling units in back gardens and indeed the subdivision of homes - these will serve as a a practical option now for many people with differing needs. It is an option for people if it suits their situation and space without the rigmarole of going through extensive planning.”

Mr Cummins, who signed the regulations on July 16, said the changes would give people more control over alterations to their homes.

He said: “As minister of state for planning, my priority has always been to remove things from the planning system that don’t need to be there and simply get in the way of progress. These residential exemptions will give people autonomy over making small changes to their homes without needing planning permission.

“Giving people the opportunity to put a detached dwelling in their back garden albeit with limitations, will provide housing options for people and I know following the positive feedback that many people will welcome the news that the exemptions take effect from today.

“These reforms are about empowering people in terms of their own garden space or space within their own home and allowing families to make decisions in relation to their own living space.

“This is the second set of Exempted Development regulations I have brought forward in recent months with Agriculture and Residential now complete. The next batch will be Infrastructure Exemptions.”