By Enda Kelly
If it wasn’t already obvious that the Government has run out of ideas when it comes to housing, the department’s new idea should make it so. ‘Beds in Sheds’ as a solution to the housing crisis seems like a headline from Waterford Whispers, but this is what’s being offered.
Essentially the plan is to weaken the planning regulations to make it easier for people to build and rent out modular homes in their back gardens.
This is the solution to a housing crisis that has led to a record 17,000 in emergency accommodation and an eviction rate that the country hasn’t seen since the famine. The startling statistics show that 61.4% of 18-34-year-olds are currently living with their parents. The median income to be able to buy a house in Ireland is €84,400 according to a CSO report, in contrast to the median income in Ireland of €54,000. The Government’s continued subservice to the for-profit model will continue to lead to further misery; this policy hasn’t worked for 20 years, and this is just the latest so-called ‘solution’.
The new policy will allow the creation of modular residential units of between 32sqm and 45sqm exempt from planning permission. It will also make it so that these arrangements will not fall under the RTB. In essence, the people in these pods will not be given the usual rental agreement, diluting protection further.
Race to the bottom
On the specifics of the proposal itself numerous concerns have been raised by various groups. Threshold has pointed out that in most of these situations with rental properties in people gardens they are generally treated as licenses rather than tenants which in general has less protection.
This has already been showcased on a wider scale. The Journal reported that a former office on Dublin’s Clare Street has been converted into a residential property, with up to 22 bed spaces available to let for up to €890 each per month. Licensees can be kicked out at a moment’s notice.
Beyond this it has been raised that these exemptions will likely lead to a race to the bottom in terms of building regulations. Lorcan Sirra, a member of TU Dublin housing department, has noted that while some of these houses may be fine, there will be no proper follow up of these buildings and proper standards enforced. Likely, this will lead to a shanty town structure.
There has already been an example with the issues of these standards. Oriel Conway, a mature student, pointed out her modular home in Tallaght is filled with mould. This change will likely lead to many more examples of what Oriel has had to go through.
The Government has realised that its current solution to the housing crisis does not work, and this idea is the very bottom of the barrel. A lowering standards for buildings will not solve this, all it will increase is the amount of substandard accommodation and will lead to further insecure accommodation for tenants. What needs to be done is the creation of high-quality social housing created by the state and given to those who need it. Housing is a right, and it should be treated as such. Beds in sheds should be treated as the insult it is.
