O’Shea Welcomes Progress on Modular Homes and Targeted Exemptions to Boost Housing Supply

Cork North West Fine Gael TD John Paul O’Shea has welcomed the Government’s decision to advance new housing regulations to formal approval by both Houses of the Oireachtas, describing the inclusion of exemptions—particularly for modular homes—as a “practical step towards accelerating housing delivery.”

The regulations will now be referred to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing for detailed scrutiny, before returning to both Houses for formal ratification.

Deputy O’Shea said a key feature of the proposed measures is the introduction of exemptions aimed at removing barriers to faster housing delivery, including provisions expected to support the rollout of modular and rapid-build homes.

“The inclusion of a modular homes exemption has the potential to significantly speed up delivery timelines,” Deputy O’Shea said. “Modern methods of construction can play a major role in addressing urgent housing need, particularly where traditional builds are delayed by cost, labour shortages or planning complexity.”

While full details of the exemptions will be published as part of the draft regulations, Deputy O’Shea said they are expected to focus on targeted, time-bound measures designed to unlock supply while maintaining appropriate planning and environmental safeguards.

“These exemptions are likely to apply in clearly defined circumstances—for example, where there is an urgent housing requirement, where infrastructure is already in place, or where developments meet strict criteria around size, use, and duration,” he said.

“It is important that exemptions are carefully balanced. They must reduce red tape where appropriate, but also ensure that standards are upheld and that developments are properly integrated into communities.”

Deputy O’Shea also emphasised the importance of the environmental assessment currently underway, noting that it will play a critical role in determining the final shape and timing of the regulations.

“The environmental assessment is a necessary step, and it’s important that it is completed thoroughly. However, once concluded, there must be no delay in bringing these regulations into effect.”

Welcoming the Government’s commitment to publish the full draft regulations, Deputy O’Shea said transparency would be essential to building confidence among stakeholders and the public.

“We need absolute clarity on how these exemptions will operate in practice—who they apply to, under what conditions, and for how long. That detail will be crucial.”

The Deputy also highlighted the built-in review mechanism, confirming that all exemptions will be reassessed 18 months after coming into force.

“That review clause is critically important. It ensures that if exemptions are not working as intended—or if unintended consequences arise—they can be addressed quickly.”

Deputy O’Shea reiterated his support for measures that increase housing supply across urban and rural Ireland.

“We need to use every appropriate tool available to deliver homes. Modular construction and sensible, targeted exemptions can help us do that—but they must be implemented carefully and reviewed rigorously.”

“I will continue to engage through the Oireachtas process to ensure these measures deliver real results for communities, including towns and villages across Cork North West that urgently need more housing supply.”