Cabinet to Debate Controversial Apartment Size Reduction Proposal
Dublin: Housing Minister James Brown’s proposed changes to apartment design standards—aimed at reducing construction costs and accelerating housing supply—will be presented to the Cabinet next week. The proposal, however, has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties, who argue it could negatively impact living standards and housing affordability.
Under the proposed reforms, the minimum size of a one-bedroom apartment would be reduced from 37 square metres to 32 square metres, while three-bedroom units would shrink from 90 square metres to 76 square metres. Minister Brown asserts that these changes could lower construction costs by between €50,000 and €100,000 per unit. He has also emphasised that there will be no compromise on fire safety, accessibility, or environmental standards.
The revised guidelines would remove the requirement for a fixed percentage of one- and three-bedroom units in each development. Additionally, the proportion of apartments required to be dual aspect—those with windows offering views in more than one direction—would be reduced from 33% in urban areas and 60% in suburban areas to a uniform 25% across the board.
Minister Brown has defended the proposal as a pragmatic step toward addressing Ireland’s ongoing housing crisis. “The only sustainable solution is to increase the supply of housing. These changes will make apartments more affordable for buyers and more feasible for developers to build,” he said.
However, the proposed changes have met with strong resistance from opposition leaders.
Sinn Féin’s housing spokesperson, Eoin Ó Broin, dismissed the proposal as “complete nonsense”, arguing it would do little to boost supply and would likely increase land prices and developer profits, while worsening affordability and lowering living standards.
Social Democrats housing spokesperson Rory Hearne also voiced opposition, warning that the changes would fuel the proliferation of “build-to-rent box units” that are unaffordable and unsuitable for long-term living.
Labour Party housing spokesperson Conor Sheehan added that altering apartment design standards could result in greater planning and construction delays. He said the proposal would only add to the current uncertainty in the housing sector, particularly in the wake of recent controversial changes to Rent Pressure Zones (RPZs).
Despite mounting criticism, Minister Brown remains firm in his belief that the reforms will have a positive impact. “This is about unlocking development and delivering more homes to meet demand. It’s a step toward affordability, practicality, and increased housing supply,” he stated.
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