Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 May 2026
392. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the details of the proposed planning exemptions relating to attic conversions; whether standardised provisions will apply in respect of dormer size, roof alterations such as hip-to-gable conversions, and the inclusion of side or front dormers; and when full technical guidance will be published. [36432/26]
View answer393. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether the proposed planning exemptions for residential development will include attic conversions; if national standards will apply uniformly across all local authorities; and the extent to which individual councils will retain discretion in applying such regulations. [36433/26]
View answer394. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the expected timeline for the introduction of new planning exemptions currently under consideration; when draft regulations will be published; and whether stakeholders, including industry practitioners, will be consulted in advance of implementation. [36434/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 392, 393 and 394 together.
Significant progress on the review of Exempted Development Regulations has been made. A successful public consultation took place last year with over 900 submissions received via the online portal. The details in these submissions have been reviewed and have informed the on-going drafting of the updated Exempted Development Regulations that will be forthcoming across 2026.
The implementation of the update of these regulations is being done on a phased basis, by theme, with priority already having been given to the exemptions relating to domestic dwellings. These domestic dwellings regulations are at advanced draft stage and include exemptions for Attic Conversions. The final decisions on the specifics of these regulations will be communicated and brought forward for implementation as soon as possible. Conditions and limitations contained within exempted development regulations will apply uniformly on the use of the related Class of exempted development.
It is intended that updated Exempted Development Regulations for residential development will be signed into law as soon as possible.
The new draft Exempted Development Regulations are subject to formal environmental consideration, before being laid in draft form before the Houses of the Oireachtas. This process will also necessitate formal engagement with the Joint Oireachtas Committee for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and an appearance will be sought before the Committee at the earliest opportunity, once the environmental assessment process is complete.
Once these Regulations are in place, where an individual is unsure whether they can avail of any exemption, they may seek a declaration under section 5 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended on whether the proposed works is or is not classed as development and if classed as development, whether it is or is not exempted development.
