#706 Don’t Worry Paddy Can Live In A Shed

On today’s episode of The Niall Boylan Podcast, Niall is joined by callers and housing charity Threshold to discuss a controversial new proposal from the Government aimed at tackling the housing crisis.

Plans are being brought forward to change planning laws so homeowners can rent out modular cabins, pods, or converted sheds in their back gardens. These units would qualify under the Rent a Room Relief Scheme, allowing homeowners to earn up to €14,000 tax free.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has defended the move, saying it is about “practical solutions” to a housing emergency where supply simply isn’t keeping up with demand. Meanwhile, senior ministers including Simon Harris have stressed the need for “innovative and flexible approaches” to get more people housed quickly.

Supporters argue this could provide fast, affordable accommodation, particularly for students and single renters, while also giving homeowners a chance to earn extra income.

But critics say it highlights just how bad the housing crisis has become.

Some have questioned whether Ireland is now effectively asking people to live in back garden cabins while others are housed in hotels, with one online comment summing up the anger:

“Asylum seekers stay in hotels and Paddy can live in a shed.”

So Niall is asking:

Is this a smart, practical solution to a housing emergency?

Or is it a sign of a system in crisis, lowering standards rather than fixing the problem?

📞 Callers share their views, while Threshold offers insight into tenant rights, standards, and whether these types of arrangements could create new risks for renters.

Do you think renting out garden cabins is a good idea?

Would you live in one… or rent one out?

Or should the Government be focusing on bigger, long term solutions instead?

A lively debate on housing, standards, and just how far Ireland should go to solve the crisis