Log cabins could 'alleviate chronic housing crisis' or 'create absolute mayhem'
Despite questionable legality, some Dublin families are constructing modular homes and log cabins in their back gardens in an effort to address the housing crisis.
This topic was brought up by Councillor Vincent Jackson at the South Central Area Committee meeting where he requested clarity from the planning department about this practice. As something that has proliferated across areas like Ballyfermot, Drimnagh, Crumlin , Bluebell and Cherry Orchard, he said it’s important for representatives to know how to consult constituents.
“We are hearing a lot of information and I don’t know which is correct. Constituents are asking us what they can do and I’ve heard nothing from a legal point of view,” Cllr Jackson explained. "This has the potential to alleviate the chronic housing situation and, if not dealt with properly, create absolute mayhem.
“I am very aware of the fact that it’s an issue that needs careful reflection, but it could make a substantial contribution to the current housing crisis." Cllr Jackson added that this is “not something people are thinking about” but in many cases have already done.
Senior Executive Planner Garrett Hughes said that the Dublin City Council’s Development Plan doesn’t have anything directly mentioning modular homes and that they are awaiting legislative guidance from central government . However, he did say that people are permitted to extend their properties it’s “mannerly and subtle” in a way that doesn’t impact their neighbours.
He said the council understands the complexity of the current housing crisis and that when it comes to extensions they are often amenable to people having more space. However, extensions are often not permitted as a "separate living space” and usually constitute things like a playroom or gym which is “ancillary to the main dwelling and not a separate unit.”
The provision of extensions can be “quite sensitive,” Mr Hughes said, as the impact on neighbours must be considered. He also highlighted fire, sewage, and water implications.
Sinn Fein Cllr Daithi Doolan too spoke about the lack of clarity for how they should advise constituents who ask if it's permissible to build a log cabin in their garden with the caveat that their “son, daughter, aunt, uncle, or aging parent” are going to live in it. He said he takes on board that allowances can be made for “subtle” extensions, but wondered who gets to decide if its impacts are subtle.
The manager's response to Cllr Jackson’s motion outlined the council’s official stance for ancillary family accommodation. “All applications for such structures, including log cabins, are assessed on a case-by-case basis with reference to these provisions, zoning, and site context,” they said.
“Log cabins used for residential purposes require planning permission. Proposals must comply with the Development Plan, protect neighbouring amenity, and remain clearly subordinate to the primary dwelling. The Planning Authority will continue to assess all applications for ancillary family accommodation in accordance with Appendix 18 and other relevant provisions of the Development Plan.”
In August 2025, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage carried out a four-week consultation on planning permission exemptions where they received more than 900 submissions from the public. Over half of submissions related to the proposal to exempt modular-style homes up to 45sq/m to the rear of the dwelling.
These submissions will be reviewed before updated regulations are potentially brought before the Joint Oireachtas Committee and the Oireachtas. “Any update to Exempted Development Regulations will require positive resolutions by both Houses of the Oireachtas before it can be signed into law. This is one element of a wide ranging implementation plan for the new Planning and Development Act,” a statement from the Department of Housing said.
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