| KEY TAKEAWAYS |
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| A retired couple in Roscommon face €800/day fines for living in a converted shipping container on their own land without planning permission. |
| Ireland’s planning system treats small off-grid homes the same as standard houses; making self-build independence hard. |
| Other countries have found ways to fully legalise tiny houses and modular cabins while keeping safety standards. |
| Modernising Irish rules could reduce pressure on social housing, help older people age in place, and encourage low-impact living. |
The Farrells’ Story.
Over the last few days, an article by Extra.ie has been making headlines among Irish non-standard living online groups.
Michelle (57) and Malcolm Farrell (78) have spent nearly a decade living off-grid on two acres near Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon. Their green-painted shipping container is insulated, powered by solar panels and uses harvested rainwater.
However, after several complaints to the council by locals, Roscommon County Council has ordered them to remove it by March 2026 or face daily fines of €400 each €800 a day for lacking planning permission.
Mr Farrell says he believed he didn’t need permission because the land had previously held a house. They now fear homelessness despite having invested their savings and labour into the home.
His frustration echoes a wider general sentiment by many Irish residents – “You work hard all your life and live independently of the State and you get a kick up your arse.”
Why is This Happening? – The Planning Framework.
Ireland’s planning laws were originally written for standard houses and traditional housing estates, not for tiny houses or shipping-container homes.
As a result, local authorities must enforce:
- Building safety and Fire Standards
- Waste and Water Management
- Visual impact and “fit” with the area
I completely understand that these are legitimate concerns, but they are still applied through a one-size-fits-all process. This means that even low-impact homes on private land can be forced through the same expensive, discretionary planning route as a full-scale development.
When I first read the article, I was initially really annoyed at those who complained (I still am) because the container did not fit the area. The Farrells mentioned that the closest person lives half a mile away, and the green container , though unconventional to some, blends in well with the greenery around them.
But despite that, I DO understand the role of government to make sure that public goods like fair land use, water quality, road access, fire safety and waste disposal are properly distributed/used. There would be public disorder if everyone was simply allowed to do what they wanted.
Regardless, I cannot help but feel slightly conflicted.
To me, the Farrell case highlights a deep tension between:
- Individual Freedom – the right to use your land to build a modest home.
and
- Collective Responsibility – making sure homes are safe and don’t harm neighbours or the environment.
I don’t believe the Irish government is explicitly trying to punish independence, but such outdated rules truly make it feel that way.
What Other Countries Have Done Differently.
While writing this, I wondered how other countries had chosen to deal with this ‘issue’ of non-traditional homes.
Though I understand that cultural and regional factors can play a part in how other countries handle tiny homes, I simply thought it would be worth adding them here – even if for the sake of conversation.
- Colorado & Maine (US) – Legal frameworks for tiny houses on private land have been passed. These laws still require safety codes (plumbing, fire) but strip away unnecessary planning delays. See more HERE
- New Zealand – “Minor dwellings” up to a certain size can bypass full consent if built to code. This has increased the number of small eco-houses, backyard cottages and off-grid cabins HERE
- Portugal – Simplified licensing for small off-grid simple houses in rural areas. HERE
- Canada (Vancouver, Toronto) – Standardised rules for laneway and garden suites.
- Ireland (Emerging) – Exemptions for garden cabins under 40 m² show the government’s appetite for change, but full off-grid homes on private plots will still face major issues. It’s not full freedom to build anywhere, but it’s a step towards recognising alternative housing.
These systems rely on size limits and published standards rather than case-by-case discretion. They protect health and safety but also make self-reliance almost realistic.
How Modernised Rules for Tiny Homes Could Help Ireland.
- Reduce Pressure on Social Housing – Older people or low-income families could legally downsize into small units on their own or relatives’ land. This could make social housing much more available to those who truly need it.
- Encourage Sustainable living – Solar, rainwater harvesting and small footprints all align with Ireland’s climate goals.
- Encourage Rural Revitalisation – Easier pathways to legal small homes could bring life back to underused plots around the island as well as villages.
Instead of assuming bad faith, complaint lodgers and policymakers can:
- Push for a national “tiny home” or “simple dwelling” standard with clear safety and environmental guidelines.
- Provide technical guidance and small-grants for retrofitting shipping containers and modular units to meet minimum health and safety thresholds.
- Promote public dialogue so neighbours understand what a well-built small home actually looks like. This could help reduce enformcement driven by complaints.
Conclusion
The Farrells’ case is not an isolated issue. It is a symptom of a well-intentioned, but outdated system that was built for yesterday’s housing model.
Other countries have shown that it’s possible to protect public interests and respect the right to modest, independent living. Ireland’s ongoing housing crisis and climate commitments provide a glaring opportunity to update the rules.
