Concerns raised at ‘free-for-all’ of modular units in back gardens

By Gráinne Ní Aodha, Press Association

Concerns have been raised about a mooted government proposal that could see modular units at the back of people’s homes being rented out.

The Government said last February it was considering whether to exempt modular-style homes up to 45 square metres to the rear of a main house from requiring planning permission.

The Sunday Independent has reported that homeowners could earn 14,000 euro tax free by renting out modular units at the back of their homes.

Threshold, a charity aimed at preventing homelessness, had raised concerns about “substandard” garden units being rented out without appropriate inspections, and said that such “garden homes” should only be used by carers or family members.

Sinn Fein TD Eoin Ó Broin said the party was not against “some flexibility” for families, rather than a “free-for-all” of modular units available to everyone.

“If they get this wrong, and we have a proliferation of poor quality, low grade and very expensive modular units for renters in back gardens, that’s a situation that’s going to be very difficult to unwind at some point in the future,” he told Newstalk on Monday.

“We know the consequences of short-term planning policies and housing policies during the Celtic Tiger era, let’s not make those kinds of mistakes again. Let’s do it right.”

He added: “My worry is if there is simply a free-for-all – and that seems to be what the government is proposing – and on top of that you’re giving people a 14,000 euro tax relief incentive, we’re not just going to see the type of solution that you’re rightly outlining will work for some people, we will see proliferation of low standard and in some cases unsafe accommodation and people will be charged huge amounts for it.”

Labour TD Conor Sheehan said he also accepted that “more flexibility” on modular units was needed, but said the proposal to allow private landlords to rent out the units was “deeply concerning”.

“It seems now, despite their earlier protestations, that Fine Gael and Fianna Fail now think it is acceptable for renters and students to sleep in a shed beside the lawnmower,” he said.

“This latest proposal is completely at odds with what the Minister of State previously said, and will result in neighbourhood tensions and conflict, and create serious problems in the private rental sector.”