Revised rules would relax requirements around the subdivision of existing dwellings and the creation of habitable accommodation within the boundary of a primary dwelling, as well as attic conversions and heatpump installations.

The government argues that reducing the number of smaller applications would free up local authority resources for larger-scale developments, particularly for housing, and would also allow homeowners to proceed with small-scale projects more quickly.

The draft updated exempted development regulations are available to view online as part of a public consultation running until 5pm on Tuesday 26 August.

Housing, local government and heritage minister James Browne said: “We are committed to exploring all routes to help meet the urgent demand for homes across the country and in our capital city.

“The work being undertaken regarding exempted developments is one strand of our determination to unblock the planning system, and the work of our planners, so they can focus on and support us to delivery housing at the scale required.

“Being able to easily and simply adapt dwellings to meet changing needs could have a significant impact on people’s lives.

“Following already extensive conversations across our government departments, we are now welcoming public submissions, which will be a vital part of our considerations as the new regulations are drafted in the coming months.

“I strongly encourage people to share their insights and concerns by making a submission over the next four weeks.”

John Cummins, the minister of state for planning and local government, said: “There are a number of practical and common sense measures included in these proposals that will simplify the planning system but will also offer housing options for people.

“If we can use this opportunity to reorganise certain aspects of the planning consent process, by providing reasonable exemptions, this will free-up the volume of applications in the planning systems and enable local authorities to focus on larger projects.

“This consultation provides a great opportunity for people to have their say and make submissions on these important proposals to change the Exempted Development Regulations that have not been substantially updated in 24 years.”

Kieran O’Donnell, the minister of state for older people, added: “This review of exempted development regulations is a whole of government endeavour that enables the public to provide input based on real life experience.

“This will provide a valuable input into the drafting of the new exempted planning regulations which can assist in many areas, including the provision of accommodation.

“The proposal to allow for subdivision of dwelling houses would allow for flexible measures to be taken to support continued living in situ by older people, in familiar surroundings while adapting to changing needs.

“Therefore, I would encourage the public to take the time to make a submission to this comprehensive review, identifying where planning exemptions may be suitable and also looking at appropriate ways to simplify planning regulations when planning permission is not required.”