Rural Independent TDs are demanding a relaxation of planning laws to unlock the potential of sustainable log cabins to help reduce the Housing crisis
The Dáil Group, led by Tipperary TD Mattie McGrath, are demanding immediate action from the Housing Minister Darragh O Brien.
The Group considers the log cabin type house, with a fast low build footprint, to be part of the solution to the housing crisis. Deputy McGrath is also critical of Tipperary County Council for refusing planning permission or taking enforcement proceedings against people going ahead with a log cabin.
The Group notes that various experts predict that Ireland needs up to 62,000 homes built per year until 2050 to meet the current and forecast demand and proposes that the provision of log cabins should be supported, not inhibited, by planning regulations. As the houses can be built rapidly the group wants the Housing Minister to sign new regulations to amend the need for planning permission.
Tipperary County Council’s Director of Services for Housing Sinead Carr rejected the idea when proposed at last week’s Council meeting. Ms Carr says it is the wrong request and says a simple solution is never the right choice as Ms Carr fears the use of Log Cabins or similar structures will only create future problems in the accommodation sector.
