Written Answers Nos. 81-100
81. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the rural housing guidelines; the timeline for publication of the guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53905/25]
View answer89. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on the progress being made to update and publish the rural housing planning guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53881/25]
View answer98. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to urgently amend the national planning framework and the sustainable rural housing guidelines as county development plans are aligned with these national policies which prohibits many applicants building a family home on their own land and buying a site and building a permanent place of residence around the town or village where they live and work. [53909/25]
View answer109. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the consideration which has been given, in view of the review of planning in rural areas, has been given to ensuring that people can build homes on their own land in Carlow and Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53456/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 81, 89, 98 and 109 together.
Rural Housing Guidelines were last issued in 2005 as Ministerial Guidelines under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000. These Guidelines provide that people who are an intrinsic part of the rural community, on the basis of an economic or social need, should be facilitated in all rural areas. In areas under strong urban influence, the policy is to make provision for urban generated housing into cities, towns and villages. In a rural area suffering persistent and substantial population decline, the policy is to accommodate anyone wishing to build a house, subject to normal planning and environmental considerations.
Since the publication of the current Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines in 2005 (which continue to have effect in addition to subsequent clarifications and national policy changes in the National Planning Framework) there have been important changes to our planning system. Most notably, obligations under European Directives and international agreements relating to the management and protection of the environment and adapting to and mitigating climate change have become more central to the operation of the system.
Updated policy direction and guidance in respect of rural housing, initially in the form of a section 28 Guideline which will now be reviewed and prepared as a National Planning Statement, is currently being considered by my Department. The updated policy approach will expand on the high level spatial planning policy of the National Planning Framework (NPF), in particular on National Policy Objective (NPO) 28 which relates to rural housing. This objective makes a clear policy distinction between rural areas under urban influence (i.e. areas within the commuter catchment of cities, large towns and centres of employment) on the one hand, and structurally weaker rural areas where population levels may be low or declining, on the other. NPO 28 is also aligned with the established approach whereby considerations of social or economic need are to be applied by planning authorities in rural areas under urban influence.
The draft National Planning Statement will set out relevant and consistent planning criteria to be applied in local authority development plans for rural housing, based on the high level policy framework set by the NPF.
While planning policy is a national, as opposed to an EU competence, due care is being taken to ensure the updated guidelines will not operate to conflict with fundamental EU freedoms, comply with EU environmental legislative requirements and have due regard to decisions of the European Court of Justice. The draft National Planning Statement will address these complex environmental and legal issues, while also providing a framework for the sustainable management of housing in rural areas.
82. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the measures he will take to tackle vacancy and dereliction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53723/25]
View answerAddressing vacancy and dereliction is a key priority for Government.
The Vacant Homes Action Plan, published in January 2023, set out the various actions being pursued to return vacant properties back into use as homes. In March, I published the 2025 Progress Report which shows the significant progress that is being made and it is available on my Department's website at the following link: gov - Vacant Homes Action Plan 2023-2026 (www.gov.ie) www.gov.ie/en/publication/df86c-vacant-homes-action-plan-2023-2026/.
The new Programme for Government, "Securing Ireland’s Future", includes a range of commitments to continue our work in tackling vacancy and dereliction and supporting town centre living. These measures are currently being considered in the context of the forthcoming National Housing Plan.
I firmly believe that the commitment Government has made to addressing vacancy and dereliction and the actions taken will continue to play a vital role in delivering homes across the country.
85. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to clarify the methodology through which local authorities are funded to support the purchase of land and meet the development costs of providing affordable housing schemes within their administrative area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53177/25]
View answerAffordability and the chance to own a home is at the heart of Government housing policy. Since 2021 over 14,500 affordable housing supports have been delivered by a range of delivery partners under the various affordability measures in place.
The Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) is available to support local authorities to address identified affordability needs in their area by providing a grant subsidy ranging from €50,000 to €150,000 per home, depending on the location and density of the housing scheme concerned, as a direct subvention towards the costs of developing the scheme, which may include land or any other costs directly associated with housing delivery.
The subsidy enables the local authority to offer the home to eligible candidates at a discounted affordable purchase price that is at least 15% below market prices or at a cost rent set at least 25% below comparable market rents.
The discounted affordable price paid by purchasers is based on their purchasing power and means. The affordability gap between the market value of the home and the upfront price being paid by the purchaser(s) sets the size of equity stake held by the local authority, generally redeemable at a time of the purchaser's choosing.
Specific funding for site acquisition for social and affordable housing is available to local authorities from the Land Acquisition Fund administered on behalf of my Department by the Housing Agency. Funding availed of and deployed by a local authority for land acquisition for affordable housing represents an advance element of the Affordable Housing Fund subsidy available to deliver upfront affordable prices for those homes.
1,736 affordable purchase and 307 cost rental homes have been delivered with AHF support up to and including Q1 of 2025.
86. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide details on the provision of current and capital funding allocations for Uisce Éireann’s Greater Dublin drainage project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40004/25]
View answerThe Greater Dublin Drainage (GDD) is an essential national infrastructure project to develop a new regional wastewater treatment facility and associated infrastructure at Clonshaugh, Co Dublin to provide for growth in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) and parts of counties Kildare and Meath.
The GDD received planning permission from An Coimisiún Pleanála in July 2025, however, a Judicial Review was subsequently lodged to challenge this decision.
To bring the project through the planning permission process including detailed design options and appraisals, public consultation and other assessments, I and my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, as required under the Water Services Act 2013, have given consent for Uisce Éireann to enter into capital commitments of up to €86.3m on the GDD project.
87. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is satisfied that local authorities, particularly Dublin City Council and Fingal County Council, have adequate staffing and resources within their vacant homes units and asset management teams to meet national targets on tackling vacancy and dereliction; if he will publish up-to-date staffing levels, turnover, and plans for resourcing these teams in Budget 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40203/25]
View answerAddressing vacancy and dereliction is a key priority for Government.
The Vacant Homes Action Plan, published in January 2023, set out the various actions being pursued to return vacant properties back into use as homes. In March, I published the 2025 Progress Report which shows the significant progress that is being made and it is available on my Department's website at the following link: gov - Vacant Homes Action Plan 2023-2026 (www.gov.ie) www.gov.ie/en/publication/df86c-vacant-homes-action-plan-2023-2026/.
A number of structures have been established to support local authorities to tackle vacancy and dereliction. All 31 local authorities, including Dublin City Council and Fingal County Council, have a full-time Vacant Homes Officer in place as a key point of contact in their Vacancy and Dereliction teams, with annual funding of €60,000 provided to each local authority by my Department. The provision of central funding reinforces the capacity of local authorities to ensure a dedicated focus on tackling vacancy and dereliction.
A Vacant Homes Officer Network has been established, with national and regional meetings held, supported by the Vacant Homes Unit in my Department and the Property Optimisation Unit in the Housing Agency. The Network supports the identification and sharing of best practice in addressing vacancy and dereliction.
Tackling vacancy and dereliction requires co-ordination of activity within local authorities, and Vacant Homes Officers are working with Town Regeneration Officers, Derelict Sites Teams and other relevant teams to ensure a planned and proactive approach with measurement of outcomes. This is occurring in local authorities, with reorganisation of staff resources and establishment of structures to support co-ordination.
Vacant Homes Officers are supported in their role by the Vacant Homes Unit in my Department, the Housing Agency and through the Vacant Homes Officer Network.
My Department has also provided €180,000 to each local authority to support processing Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant applications. Technical and legal support is also available to support local authorities in administering the grant through the Housing Agency.
Additional funding for staff resources is available to local authorities as part of Call 3 of the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund, which supports the acquisition of long term vacant and derelict properties by local authorities, including by using their compulsory purchase powers.
While my Department has a role in strategic workforce planning within the local government sector, Section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001 provides that each Chief Executive is responsible for the staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authority for which he or she is responsible.
I firmly believe that the commitment Government has made to addressing vacancy and dereliction and the actions taken will continue to play a vital role in delivering homes and across the country.
90. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will commit to ensuring that tours of Glenveagh Castle in County Donegal return to being available every day; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53674/25]
View answerI am pleased to confirm that Glenveagh National Park remains open to visitors seven days a week all year around and, as with all National Parks managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), entry is free. In addition to amenities such as walks, trails, viewing points and toilets, the Visitor/Exhibition Centre, Castle Gardens and shuttle bus remain available to the public almost every day of the year with an on-site café also available. A charge is levied for the optional use of the shuttle bus and to tour Glenveagh Castle itself.
While the information desk in Glenveagh Castle itself remains open seven days a week, the tours of the Castle are currently operating on a 5 day-a-week schedule, with tours currently not scheduled for Mondays and Fridays. This arrangement was introduced to ensure health and safety requirements are met and to ensure available staffing resources are maximised across the Park while reflecting patterns of visitor demand and minimising impacts on the public.
Staffing levels across my Department, including the NPWS, are kept under regular review in line with emerging business needs and Government policy on public sector pay and staffing, as advised by the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation. As part of its ongoing workforce planning processes my Department keeps these matters under constant review in order to ensure all priority vacancies are filled in a timely manner and that resource allocations are balanced across the Department to meet key priorities as necessary.
My Department's latest round of formal workforce planning is currently underway and the outcome of this process will determine the estimated number of vacancies in the Department including in Glenveagh National Park and the wider NPWS. The workforce planning process seeks to strategically assess gaps in service delivery that can be addressed on a priority basis in light of the available resources.
The NPWS continues to promote and ensure safe access to the amenities at Glenveagh National Park, delivering a high quality visitor experience whilst undertaking important conservation work, safeguarding the historic property of Glenveagh Castle and protecting the natural assets and biodiversity located throughout the Park.
91. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on the work of the Strategic Housing Activation Office; when the permanent head of the office will be announced; the powers of the office; if he intends to underpin the office with legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53939/25]
View answerI have made significant progress in establishing the Housing Activation Office.
Senior specialists from Uisce Éireann, ESB Networks, the National Transport Authority, Transport Infrastructure Ireland and the local government sector are now in place.
In addition, senior staff from my Department are assigned to the Office, with expertise in Planning, Project and Programme Management. The appointment of a Head of Office with the appropriate knowledge and expertise is also being progressed as a matter of priority.
The Office is actively engaged in identifying barriers to housing delivery and is coordinating with local authorities and infrastructure agencies to address these barriers. The Office is also developing a new Housing Infrastructure Investment Fund under the National Development Plan to support direct investment in infrastructure needed at a local level to unblock housing development.
I intend to convene the Housing Activation Delivery Group in the coming weeks, bringing together senior representatives from Government Departments and infrastructure agencies to support the work of the Office. I will also convene a Housing Activation Industry Group that will provide for regular engagement with industry. I will personally chair both of these groups.
In relation to the matter of powers, the Office will coordinate across the areas of multiple Government departments and agencies that already have legislative powers. A decision was made to establish the Office without powers in the first instance and to focus on driving change through coordination, dedicated funding and with the backing of Government to unlock barriers. This will be kept in review as the Office evolves.
92. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to improve the fairness in local government funding to individual local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52990/25]
View answerLocal authorities are entirely independent corporate entities having full responsibility under law for the performance of their functions and the discharge of their governance and other responsibilities. They provide in excess of 1,000 services on behalf of over 30 public bodies. Accordingly, the funding system for local authorities is a complex one, as authorities derive their income from a variety of sources including commercial rates, charges for goods and services, Local Property Tax (LPT) as well as funding from Government Departments and other bodies. Central Government funding of local authorities similarly presents a complex picture, with transfers, both current and capital, coming from a wide range of Departments and Offices for a variety of purposes. It is a matter for each local authority as to how it can maximise local income sources and manage its own spending, in the context of the annual budgetary process.
I acknowledge the current financial environment in which all local authorities, are operating, and the pressures facing them in respect of general inflation and higher costs. Every effort has been made to provide support to the sector in the delivery of its functions.
In 2024, funding from central government to local authorities totalled around €8.6 billion, of which my Department provided just over €5 billion across all schemes and funding sources. Central government funding to local authorities has more than doubled since 2019. Local authorities vary considerably from one another in terms of size, population levels, population distribution, public service demands, infrastructure and other income sources, all of which must be taken into account when comparing levels of funding in different local authority areas. The criteria for the distribution of central government funding varies by the scheme in question and is determined by a range of factors.
Central Government has traditionally provided non-programme funding to local authorities; in the form of an annual contribution towards meeting the cost of providing a reasonable level of service in their area. Up until 2014, this was in the form of a General Purpose Grant (GPG), and in 2015, it was replaced by Local Property Tax allocations, which were linked, to the most part to the GPGs.
It is important to note that while LPT is an important source of own-use funding, it was just 6% of the overall current income of the sector in 2023. Annual funding allocations from LPT are decided in accordance with Government approved distribution policies, and are based on estimates of the yield and the baselines in individual local authority areas. Under the LPT allocation model, every local authority has a minimum level of funding available to it, known as the baseline. A review of baselines was completed by a working group in 2023, and it identified that the baseline funding of some authorities needed adjustment according to the criteria of population, area, local income, deprivation and achievement of National Policy Priorities. The Government agreed that these adjustments be applied, and furthermore that every local authority would receive a minimum increase of at least €1.5m. The intention is to carry out a similar review every 5 years.
Building on the baseline increases of 2024, there will be a further increase of €42m in 2026, which will ensure that any benefit from the revaluation of LPT will go directly to the sector where it is needed. In addition, the allocation model for 2026 is changed to allow those authorities with an LPT income above their baseline to retain a greater portion of the surplus for their own use, increasing from 22.5% to 31% of overall yield.
Both changes together will lead to an increase in own use funding in the overall sum of €85.4m; a substantial increase in recognition of the challenges facing local authorities in respect of increasing demands and higher prices.
In line with commitments in the Programme for Government, a Local Democracy Taskforce has been established to reform and strengthen local government. The work of the Taskforce is focused across four themes. One such theme is the funding of local authorities. The Taskforce will bring forward proposals for Government consideration, including in the area of enhancing local authorities’ fiscal autonomy. I look forward to engaging across Government on these matters of importance to local democracy in advance of any proposals being finalised.
93. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the actions he is taking to incentivise apartment building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53819/25]
View answer245. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the measures his Department has taken or plans to take to further incentivise the development of 1-bed units; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54080/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 93 and 245 together.
Apartments are of critical importance to the National Planning Framework objective of increasing residential density in our towns and cities. Government is acutely aware of the gap which has emerged between the cost of delivering apartment developments and the market price of apartments and has taken a range of measures to reduce this gap and incentivise their development.
The Croí Cónaithe Cities scheme, launched in 2022, supports the building of apartments for owner-occupiers in our cities by providing funding to bridge the gap between the delivery cost and the market price. A next call for expressions of interest under the scheme has been issued which will help to activate the thousands of planning permissions for apartments in our cities.
The new Planning Design Standards for Apartments updated in July will allow greater flexibility vis-à-vis the size and mix of apartment types to help increase apartment viability, facilitate increased supply, and address affordability challenges.
The rental sector reforms announced in June will also serve to boost investment in the supply of new apartments for rent while extending protections for renters. This will provide greater predictability around future rents to those considering investing to deliver much needed new apartments for rent.
Last week, my Department released the Standardised Design Approaches report which aims to promote the adoption of standardised design which can reduce delivery costs and promote the use of more efficient Modern Methods of Construction.
Budget 2026 included a suite of taxation measures aimed at stimulating the supply of new apartments including a reduced VAT rate on the sale of new apartments and an enhanced Corporation Tax deduction for apartment construction costs.
Further supports to continue enabling supply are under consideration as part of the upcoming National Housing Plan.
94. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will commit to the recommended delivery of a new fire station in Rathdowney, County Laois in the new Fire Services Capital Programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53589/25]
View answerThe provision of a fire service in its functional area, including the establishment and maintenance of a fire brigade, the assessment of fire cover needs and the provision of fire station premises, is a statutory function of individual fire authorities under the Fire Services Acts, 1981 and 2003. My Department supports the fire authorities through setting general policy, providing a central training programme, issuing guidance on operational and other related matters and providing capital funding for equipment and priority infrastructural projects.
Project consideration stages from a Department perspective include submission of preliminary and detailed appraisals; submission of design brief; selection of a site; application for approval in principle; appointment of design consultants; submission of a preliminary design; planning application; submission of a preliminary cost plan, detailed design and cost plans; and tender process and construction stages - each step subject to approval from my Department.
In December 2020, Minister Darragh O'Brien announced the Fire Services Capital Programme for the period 2021-2025, with a funding allocation of €61m. Following extensive engagement with fire authorities, a number of proposals for station works etc. were received. The proposals were evaluated and prioritised on the basis of the:
• Area Risk Categorisation of the fire station (population, fire risks, etc.);
• established Health and Safety needs;
• state of development of the project;
• value for money offered by the proposal; and
• the totality of requests from all authorities.
At that time Laois County Council had indicated that a new fire station at Stradbally to be their number one priority with the replacement of Rathdowney Fire Station as their second priority going forward. While the Stradbally fire station project was not initially included in my Department's Fire Services Capital Programme 2021 - 2025, all projects in the capital programme may be reassessed on an annual basis to maximise available capital programme funding and priority may be adjusted to bring forward projects offering best value-for-money and to take account of the state of readiness of the projects, based on ongoing engagement with local authorities in respect of prioritisation.
Subsequently following reappraisal, approval in principle for a new fire station at Stradbally was conveyed to the Council in November 2022. The Council has now been approved to tender for the construction phase of the Stradbally Fire Station project.
In December 2024 Laois County Council submitted an updated preliminary appraisal for a proposed new fire station at Rathdowney, noting several issues with the existing station including,
• accessibility of the site for responding firefighters due to its central location on a narrow street within Rathdowney;
• the stations limited size, poor layout; and
• limited welfare facilities, particularly in the context of the increased optimal crewing numbers of fire stations to 12 following the August 2023 WRC agreement with Retained firefighters.
Laois County Council has indicated a new fire station for Rathdowney to be their number one priority project for the Fire Services Capital Programme 2026 – 2030. The Council has secured a new site they regard as ideally situated with regard to the road network and traffic flow while retaining a central location close to the retained crews living and work environments.
My Department will be identifying new priority fire service infrastructural projects for the period 2026 – 2030 in the coming months. My Department will work closely with Laois County Council to progress their identified priority infrastructural projects, within the context of the totality of requests from fire authorities countrywide for capital funding.
95. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is satisfied with the level of funding provided for local authorities in Budget 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53816/25]
View answerThe funding system for local authorities is a complex one, as authorities derive their income from a variety of sources including commercial rates, charges for goods and services, Local Property Tax (LPT) as well as funding from Government Departments and other bodies. Central Government funding of local authorities similarly presents a complex picture, with transfers, both current and capital, coming from a wide range of Departments and Offices for a variety of purposes. Funding for local authority functions that may come within the area of responsibility of other Departments is a matter for the relevant Minister. It is also a matter for each local authority as to how it can maximise local income sources and manage its own spending, in the context of the annual budgetary process.
That said, I acknowledge the current financial environment in which all local authorities, are operating, and the pressures facing them in respect of general inflation and higher costs. Every effort has been made to provide support to the sector in the delivery of its functions.
Local Authorities are key stakeholders and partners for delivery across a wide range of areas under the remit of my Department. In terms of programme funding for housing, the combination of capital funding secured under the NDP and current funding under this Budget will enable continued delivery of services across the board to the citizens reliant on local authorities for housing and housing related services.
My Department, through the Local Government Fund, will be making a contribution of over €670m million to support the local government sector in its vital work during 2026. This represents a year-on-year increase of €80m million in funding from the Fund.
Of this, €110m is towards fund LPT equalisation; to ensure that all local authorities, including those with weaker property tax bases, have a minimum level of funding available to them that is separate to programme funding. Building on the baseline increases of 2024, there will be a further increase of €42m in 2026, which will ensure that any benefit from the revaluation of LPT will go directly to the sector where it is needed. In addition, the allocation model for 2026 is changed to allow those authorities with an LPT income above their baseline to retain a greater portion of the surplus for their own use, increasing from 22.5% to 31% of overall yield. Both changes together will lead to an increase in own use funding in the overall sum of €85.4m; a substantial increase in recognition of the challenges facing local authorities in respect of increasing demands and higher prices.
Also included is a sizeable contribution of over €527m to cover the cumulative impact of National Pay Agreements on the sector in 2026. This allocation will ensure that local authorities will have the necessary resources in terms of people, to support their functions.
In line with commitments in the Programme for Government, a Local Democracy Taskforce has been established to reform and strengthen local government. The work of the Taskforce is focused across four themes. One such theme is the funding of local authorities. The Taskforce will bring forward proposals for Government consideration, including in the area of enhancing local authorities’ fiscal autonomy. I look forward to engaging across Government on these matters of importance to local democracy in advance of any proposals being finalised.
96. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage cad é stádas na dtreoirlínte pleanála don Ghaeltacht; cén uair a fhoilseofar na treoirlínte; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [53905/25]
View answer97. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will implement protections for students from excessive rent increases that may occur following on from the new rent rules; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39573/25]
View answerOn 10 June 2025, the Government approved stronger tenancy protections and greater certainty for the rental sector, including the introduction of a national rent control, as part of a suite of measures to boost the supply of new homes and secure and grow the availability of rental accommodation.
The Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2025 was signed into law on 19 June 2025. The Act came into operation on 20 June 2025 to immediately extend and expand the operation of Rent Pressure Zones (RPZs) to cover the entire country until 28 February 2026. Further legislation is being developed to provide stronger tenancy protections and allow rent resetting to market value for new tenancies created (i.e. first time tenancies between parties) from 1 March 2026. With the exception of new build apartments, annual rent increases in all tenancies will be capped at the level of inflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), up to a maximum of 2%. For new build apartments, annual rent increases will be capped at the level of inflation (CPI).
I have also consulted with the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, in relation to specific arrangements to apply to student specific accommodation. I propose to bring the General Scheme of the Bill of the Bill to Government later this month.
Increasing the availability of suitable, financially accessible student accommodation is a key policy priority for Government and will be addressed in the new Student Accommodation Strategy, being developed by the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science for publication later this year. Affordability and equity will be at core of the Strategy.
99. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the solar farm guidelines will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53896/25]
View answer126. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on the work of his Department to progress the Programme for Government commitment to introduce planning guidelines for solar energy developments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53325/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 99 and 126 together.
My Department notes the commitment in the Programme for Government 2025 – Securing Ireland’s Future to introduce planning guidelines for solar energy developments.
In light of this commitment, my Department has begun an initial scoping process to identify the component factors relevant to the preparation of planning guidelines for solar energy development, including any appropriate environmental reporting and public consultation requirements, and the possible timeframe for publication of said guidelines.
Given this scoping process remains at an early stage, such guidelines, once completed, will issue as a National Planning Statement, following the commencement of the relevant provisions of the Planning and Development Act 2024.
In the interim, there are currently no specific planning guidelines in place in respect of solar energy development. Proposals for individual solar energy developments are subject to the statutory requirements of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, in the same manner as other proposed developments, with planning applications made to the relevant local planning authority, or An Coimisiún Pleanála on appeal.
