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A motion calling for South Dublin County Council to allow the use of mobile homes in back gardens as temporary accommodation for overcrowded housing situations was approved by councillors.

Although the motion was voted in by councillors, many reluctantly showed their support and said if the housing issues in Ireland were not at such a critical level, they would vote against the proposal.

It was also stressed that the use of mobile homes in back gardens is very much a temporary measure.

The motion was put forward by councillor Ruth Nolan.

She said: “This is specifically aimed at purely temporary situation. I agree with everyone that says it’s not ideal, I wouldn’t be advocating it normally. If we don’t face it today, it’s going to have to be faced down the line.”

It was suggested that an amendment see granny flats and log cabins also included, but after noting that they are permanent structures, the motion went ahead as it was originally proposed.

Councillor Sarah Holland added that a lot of these situations include single parents with children looking for a home.

While councillor Mick Duff said that councillors now have to think differently due to the current housing crisis.

Councillor Mick Murphy said: “There’s already a heap of unofficial developments because that’s the desperation that’s there.”

SDCC CEO Danny McLoughlin said: “There are serious issues around a number of concerns that come up in planning.

“A blanket regulatory intervention is highly unlikely.

“I don’t know of any planning applications that have come through for mobile homes. If there are unauthorised ones, haven’t been brought to our attention.

“We can’t be bloodhounds on this. I advise, as I have to advise, people not to do it without authorisation.”

In response to the motion, the council said: “Mobile home accommodation in back gardens is not exempt development under the Planning and Development Regulations.

“Therefore, under legislation, all such development is subject to the need to make a planning application to the Local Authority.”