Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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598. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he is aware of the proliferation of log cabin/wooden residential structures for on sites, in back yards and gardens throughout the country arising from the housing crisis demand; if he will introduce whatever legislation is necessary to provide a reprieve for these dwellings and their occupiers from a requirement for planning permission only in situations where the unauthorised developments are not for commercial or rental purposes until such time as it can be reasonably concluded that the housing crisis has been resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2707/25]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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Unless specifically exempted, all development under the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended (the 2000 Act) requires planning permission from the relevant planning authority or the Board as appropriate. Where planning permission is required but not sought, the development may give rise to enforcement proceedings.

When a person submits a planning application for a house (including modular housing or log cabins) under section 34 of the Planning Act, irrespective of whether the proposed development is located in an urban or rural location in any County, the relevant planning authority, in making its decision, shall have regard to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. It is a matter for the relevant planning authority to consider each application on a case-by-case basis and to decide to whether to grant the permission, subject to or without conditions, or to refuse permission.

Furthermore, a range of factors have to be taken into account in the assessment of proposals for housing (including modular housing or log cabins), including requirements for access, car parking, amenity space as well as separate services such as water, drainage and electricity. In addition, such proposals may also have implications for neighbouring properties and the visual amenity and character of the area which must also be taken into consideration in the determination of a planning application.

An application for planning permission also provides an opportunity for members of the public to make submissions or observations in respect of proposed development. The planning authority is required to have regard to any submissions or observations received on a planning application during the public participation process in accordance with section 34 of the Act.

Where any party is unhappy with the decision of a planning authority in relation to an application for planning permission, the decision may be appealed to An Bord Pleanála within four weeks of the decision of the planning authority in accordance with section 37 of the Act.

Where permission is granted for modular/log cabin type accommodation, the development must also comply with other legislative requirements such as the Building Regulations, including fire safety requirements and domestic waste water treatment requirements. In this regard, it is critical to ensure that buildings which are comprised of such products and systems, are designed, constructed, and certified, as fit for purpose, having regard to their intended end use.

It is a matter for the relevant planning authority to consider if enforcement proceedings are required in any individual case and is a matter in which, I in my role as Minister under section 30 of the 2000 Act, shall not exercise any power or control in relation to any particular case with which a planning authority or the Board is or may be concerned.