In times filled with planning frustrations and housing shortfalls in Ireland, Meath County Council is quietly becoming a standout example of what proactive and innovative local governance can look like.
A recent report by the Office of the Planning Regulator (OPR) praised Meath’s planning systems as “effective and robust,” pointing to a suite of achievements that demonstrate the county’s ability to deliver under pressure.
According to the report and supporting commentary from Meath’s Director of Planning, Padraig Maguire, the county has:
- Granted planning permission for 3,165 residential completions in 2023/2024
- Approved developments for 9 crèches, 6 medical centres, and 4 school extensions
- Delivered over 48,000 sq.m of warehousing/logistics space and 20,000 sq.m in the retail sector
- Secured over €7.8 million in heritage, biodiversity, and conservation funding
- Deployed a customised compliance-tracking software to meet 8-week statutory planning deadlines
All this in one of the fastest-growing counties in Ireland.
A Modular Opportunity Waiting to Happen?
You already know I cannot write a blog title like this and not mention modular homes. I can’t seem to shut up about it.
For readers of mylittlehome.ie, the implications are crystal clear – Meath’s forward-thinking planning department presents a unique opportunity for modular, timber-frame log cabin, and other non-standard housing formats to gain a foothold.
With Ireland’s traditional planning system often described as slow, opaque, or overly complex, Meath’s ability to manage large-scale and sensitive planning applications efficiently stands out.
And if there was ever a county that could responsibly pilot a wider rollout of modular housing, this is it.
Why Modular Housing Fits Meath’s Vision.
Meath’s County Development Plan (2021-2027) explicitly outlines goals for:
- Sustainable development
- Socio-economic growth
- Community health and vibrancy
Modular and prefab homes align perfectly with these ambitions. Their fast delivery timelines, reduced environmental footprint, and relative affordability offer local authorities like Meath a way to:
- Address housing shortages in growing commuter towns like Ashbourne, Navan, and Drogheda
- Create transitional or cost-rental housing for young families or elderly downsizers
- Trial innovative backyard modular units with proper planning oversight
What Other Counties Can Learn
By embracing digital compliance systems and integrated strategies across residential, commercial, and cultural development, Meath is demonstrating that housing innovation does not need to sacrifice quality or sustainability.
In contrast to the challenges faced by other local authorities—such as Dublin City Council’s modular housing setbacks due to poor oversight and legal complications—Meath’s performance suggests that success comes from having the right systems, skills, and mindset in place.
A Blueprint for the Future
If Ireland is to solve its housing crisis with the speed and flexibility it demands, counties like Meath must become testing grounds for smart housing alternatives. This means:
- Supporting modular pilot schemes across multiple demographics
- Collaborating with local Meath modular housing builders to determine the viability of large modular projects
- Establishing training and certification standards for modular installers and inspectors
As national policies evolve to accommodate detached backyard units and MMC (modern methods of construction), Meath could help shape the future of housing in Ireland—not just by approving homes, but by reimagining how they are built.
SOURCES
- Review of Meath County Council under section 31AS of the Planning and Development Act 2000 – Publications OPR
- Council’s planning systems “effective & robust”- Regulator – Meath Chronicle
- Meath County Council’s Planning Department Provides Update on Meath County Development Plan 2021-2027 – Meath County Council
