Planning rules on cabins and modular homes in back gardens could be relaxed as part of Government efforts to tackle the housing crisis.
The measure is being examined by Minister of State John Cummins in line with recent changes to planning laws.
As it stands, extensions of up to 40sq/m to a home can be built without planning permission.
However, approval must be sought if structures of the same size are not attached to the home itself.
Now, Mr Cummins is examining if planning exemptions could be introduced for free-standing modular or cabin-style homes.
The backdrop to the decision is the ongoing housing crisis and the mechanism is introducing "intergenerational movement" between the main house and the smaller home.
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Under the plans, it is likely that if a structure larger than 40sq/m was envisaged by a homeowner, it would still need planning permission.
Submissions are to be requested from all Government departments ahead of a public consultation, so any changes are some way off.
Separately, grant payments designed to boost the refurbishment of vacant homes are to be reviewed by Minister for Housing James Browne.
As it stands, a grant of up to to €80,000 to bring derelict properties back into use is only paid out once all works are carried out and paid for.
Minister Browne is of the view that this presents difficulties for young families on lower incomes.
He is now examining whether the grant scheme, called Croí Cónaithe, could be changed to facilitate staged payments.
The minister said: "The scheme is a really positive one - to bring life back into our towns and cities by bringing existing properties back into use. It's also good environmentally for urban renewal."
He added however: "It can be difficult for young families on lower incomes to avail of it as it requires everything to be paid upfront."
It is hoped staged pay outs would enable more first-time buyers to transform vacant buildings into family homes, rather than rental properties.
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Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Housing Eoin Ó Broin said the planning reviews announced by the two ministers are not a solution to the housing crisis but rather admissions of failure by the Government.
However, he said that Sinn Féin had been calling for greater flexibility in planning regulations to allow extended family members avail of cabins and modular homes in back gardens.
But he warned that any changes must not provide an opportunity for unscrupulous landlords to put people into unsuitable expensive accomodation.
Deputy Ó Broin said such exempted developments did not require legislation, but he called on the minister to work with opposition parties when proposals are brought before the Oireachtas Committee on Housing.
On Croí Cónaithe grants, he said Sinn Féin had long called for the introduction of staggered payments to make the scheme more open to first-time buyers.
He said it had been clear since the scheme was established back in 2022 that a grant paid out at the end of the process would not work.
Read more: Government criticised for 'sheds out the back' plan
Social Democrats Spokesperson on Housing Rory Hearne said the Government should be building "genuinely affordable homes" rather than easing planning rules for free-standing modular or cabin-style homes.
He said: "Along with tax breaks for developers and potentially removing rent caps, the Coalition is now saying to a generation stuck at home: try a cabin in the back."
Deputy Hearne added: "We need proper homes that are built for our young people - not hiding them out in the back garden."
He expressed concern that creating planning exemptions could be used by bad landlords to "squeeze more renters into unsuitable conditions."
Plan not 'a panacea', would allow young people to live 'independently' - Minister
Allowing people to build modular homes in their back gardens would not solve the housing crisis but would allow younger people to live "independently", according to Mr Cummins.
The Minister of State said that while he does not see the move as a "rental measure", he believes it could be a suitable option for some people.
"I see it as the ability of people to be able to have that intergenerational movement within their own community and for younger people to live independently," he said.
Speaking on RTÉ's Today with Claire Byrne, Mr Cummins claimed that the plan was still in its infancy, adding that a public consultation will have to be carried out.
"This allows for a 40 square metre extension to no longer be attached, but to be detached from the dwelling.
"I'm not saying that this is a panacea, that it's the solution to the housing crisis. I'm saying that this is a potential option that will suit certain circumstances," he said.
Mr Cummins said that it would be down to local authorities to look after regulations for the dwellings - despite not being subject to planning.
"It's a matter for the local authorities, in the context of ensuring that things are compliant with planning and building standards.
"In the same way as if it...was attached to the main dwelling house," he said.
Watch: Move to ease planning laws for back garden modular homes
