Tipperary TD calls on Government to extend log cabin public consultation

Tipperary South TD Mattie McGrath has issued a statement on the matter

Tipperary South TD Mattie McGrath has called on the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne and the Minister of State for Planning, John Cummins, to extend a public consultation on the Exempted Development provisions that is due to end on August 26.

The exempted developments provisions would include relaxing conditions on the use of log cabin/modular homes that the Tipperary TD has long championed as an option that should be available to those who wish to construct or acquire one for personal accommodation purposes: “While there was never an actual legislative ban on the use of log cabins, they were in fact subject to a bewilderingly complex, costly, and overly prescriptive planning process that effectively amounted to a ban in real terms. So, while I welcome the fact that Government has finally seen the light on this planning absurdity and has indicated support for a change in policy, it remains the case that the public consultation period needs to be extended by a month to ensure that everyone who wants to make a submission can do so,” said Deputy McGrath.

“The end of July to the end of August is a time when many people are away on holidays or when rural communities in particular are preparing for harvest. I want to ensure that we have maximum participation on this issue and that following this we then press Government to move immediately on implementing the proposed exemptions on log cabins and the kind of detached habitable accommodation within the boundary of a primary dwelling that can also facilitate flexible housing for relatives or carers,” concluded Deputy McGrath.