Written Answers Nos. 148-167
149. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of social and affordable homes delivered in Waterford in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36677/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra173. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of new homes commenced in Waterford in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36678/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 149 and 173 together.
From 2022 to the end of 2025, over 22,000 starter home supports were delivered nationally including 544 in Waterford. In 2025, 164 starter home supports were delivered in Waterford.
Last year, Waterford City and County Council delivered 218 new social homes. Of this figure, 151 were new build homes, 14 were acquisitions and 53 were delivered under leasing programmes. When the Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) (73) and Housing Assistance Payment (HAP)(134) are taken into account, 425 social housing solutions were delivered in Waterford in 2025.
Waterford City and County Council has brought 390 homes back into use under the repair and lease scheme. This accounts for 53% of national delivery. Additionally, there are a further 40 Repair and Lease units in the Department’s pipeline for Waterford City and County Council, across 7 projects.
Waterford City and County Council has delivered 77.5% of its social housing build target for 2022-2025, however, the latest Social Housing Construction Status Report (CSR) shows a strong pipeline in place in Waterford as of the end of 2025, with 590 homes at various stages of design and procurement including 93 homes on site. Details of the social housing construction projects that have completed or are in the pipeline in Waterford are available in the Construction Status Reports on my Department’s website.
My Department also publishes comprehensive programme-level statistics on a quarterly basis on social housing and starter home delivery activity by local authorities and delivery partners for each local authority area. Data is currently available to the end of Q4 2025 and is published on the statistics page of my Department’s website.
Further to this, all local authorities, including Waterford City and County Council, have published their Housing Delivery Action Plans (HDAPs) for the period 2022 to 2026 on their websites. These action plans set out how the local authorities will meet their current housing targets.
Data on residential Commencement Notices, disaggregated by local authority and dwelling type, are published monthly on my Department's website.
In Waterford, some 1,637 commencement notices were lodged across 2024 and 2025, an increase of 33% on the 1,234 commencement notices lodged across 2022 and 2023. Some 659 new homes have been notified as commenced in Q1 2026, 51% more than the whole of 2025 when 437 homes commenced and the highest quarter on record for Waterford since records began in 2014.
Delivering Homes, Building Communities seeks to significantly accelerate delivery of new homes by focusing on activating land and creating the optimal environment to encourage housing activity – including regulatory reform, tax incentives and the largest ever capital investment in the history of the State, with €275 billion invested in infrastructure over ten years through the National Development Plan.
Government remain focused on continuing to bring forward measures that will continue to increase the supply of new homes across all tenures to make sure that everyone has a range of housing options available to them, whether they want to buy a house, rent one, or are in need of social housing.
151. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he plans to introduce planning guidelines for the development of solar farms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37505/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn line with commitments in the Programme for Government 2025, my Department is working with the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment (DCEE), which holds policy responsibility for renewable energy matters, in respect of the introduction of a number of National Planning Statements related to Ireland's Climate Action Plan target to increase the share of electricity generated from renewable sources up to 80% in 2030, including a National Planning Statement for solar energy development.
Further to the commencement of Chapter 3 of Part 3 of the Planning and Development Act 2024 on 2 October 2025, provisions for National Planning Statements have been introduced to replace the provisions for Ministerial guidelines issued under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000. The timing of the issuing of National Planning Statements will be based on Government priorities.
In respect of sectoral national planning statements in particular, there is also an important role for the relevant policy Department in collaborating with my Department on the development of these National Planning Statements. In that context, my Department is working closely with the the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment as the Department with policy responsibility for this area of Government policy.
In the interim it is the case that, as with the vast majority of development types, there are not specific guidelines for the development of solar energy. I am satisfied that the existing and evolving planning system provides a sufficiently robust policy and legislative framework to facilitate the rollout of solar energy development in a sustainable manner and to assist with meeting our renewable electricity requirements while balancing the perspectives of local communities and allowing for public and stakeholder engagement.
There will also be an opportunity for consultation by the public and all stakeholders on the draft National Planning Statement.
153. Deputy David Maxwell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has considered introducing measures to support riding centres in meeting commercial rates liabilities, including the possibility of subsidising such centres or reclassifying them as agricultural rather than commercial; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23516/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraLocal authorities are under a statutory obligation to levy rates on any property used for commercial purposes in accordance with the details entered in the valuation lists prepared by Tailte Éireann under the Valuation Act 2001, as amended and I, as Minister, have no function in this regard.
The amount of rates liable on a property is determined by multiplying the valuation of the property set by Tailte Éireann by the Annual Rate on Valuation (ARV) set by the local authority. The ARV is decided by the elected members of each local authority in their annual budget and its determination is a reserved function of a local authority.
The Local Government Rates and Other Matters Act 2019 which was commenced in late 2023, adds to the suite of options already available to local authorities to support local businesses and ratepayers. Local authorities are levying and collecting rates under this new legal framework since 1 January 2024.
Section 15 of the Act provides for individual local authorities to make schemes to support local and national policy objectives, by waiving rates in certain circumstances. The elected members have discretion to introduce waiver schemes that support objectives outlined in either county development plans, local area plans, local economic and community plans or indeed the National Planning Framework. Regulations to support the making of rates waiver schemes require a local authority to consult with the public in its administrative area in relation to its consideration of the making of (or change to an existing) rates waiver scheme.
It is open for each local authority to design waiver schemes as they see fit as long as they support any of the above policies. The budgetary impact of any waiver decision will also have to be managed by the elected members when making budget decisions for the following year; any reduction in income coming from rates will need to be factored into the overall budget planning.
154. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department has undertaken any assessment of the legislative changes required to support meaningful enforcement of principal primary residence use in Gaeltacht areas. [37975/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs set out in Delivering Homes, Building Communities, my Department will publish a National Planning Statement to provide planning policy and guidance in respect of housing in Gaeltacht areas.
Government intends to address planning policy regarding Rural and Gaeltacht housing together, given the key interactions between rural housing generally and housing in Gaeltacht areas and is currently considering how that may best be achieved with the express aim to do so before the end of the year.
There is also an important role for the relevant policy Department in collaborating with my Department on the development of National Planning Statements. In this regard, an Interdepartmental Group, comprising my Department, the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht (DRCDG) as the relevant policy Department for this area and Údarás na Gaeltachta is continuing its work in developing specific planning guidance for Gaeltacht areas. There is also a separate Working Group made up of both Departments and Údarás na Gaeltachta and the relevant local authorities with Gaeltacht areas.
Having regard to the need to consider the complex matters involved and further to engagement with the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, a finalised draft National Planning Statement will be assessed for the purposes of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Appropriate Assessment (AA).
Under Section 25 of the 2024 Act, draft National Planning Statements are subject to approval by Government prior to issue by the Minister. The 2024 Act sets out the requirement for development plans to be reviewed for material consistency with the National Planning Policies and Measures included in a National Planning Statement, and regard to any guidance included in such a Statement, with plans updated where required to achieve consistency of approach.
When considering applications for permission for dwellings in rural and Gaeltacht areas, planning authorities must have regard to national policy, including the National Planning Framework, any relevant Ministerial Planning Guidelines or National Planning Statements, and the development plan in place for the relevant local authority area.
Where appropriate and necessary, Sections 39 and 47 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, which currently provides the statutory framework for decision making on applications for permission, enables a planning authority to attach conditions to a grant of permission to regulate the use of a structure, and to enter a legally binding agreement with an applicant to regulate or restrict the first occupancy of a new dwelling to a person or persons of a particular class or description (including as a principal primary residence). This approach will continue to be facilitated under Section 257 of the Planning and Development Act 2024 upon commencement of Part 4 of the new Act and furthermore, Section 257 (3) of the 2024 Act will enable the planning authority to enforce such restrictions in a similar manner to enforcement arrangements under the Act of 2000.
155. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on plans to step up delivery of affordable purchase properties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37519/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraSupporting home ownership is at the centre of Government’s housing policy and our housing plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities.
The new housing plan reinforces and expands the range of existing affordable housing measures being implemented by the Government. In particular, a new Starter Homes Programme, which is a central component of the plan, aims to deliver an average of 15,000 affordable housing supports annually to 2030, including Starter Purchase Homes.
To underpin the delivery of the Starter Homes Programme, the Government is investing an unprecedented level of funding by way of a package of exchequer funded affordability measures, investment through the Land Development Agency and lending by the Housing Finance Agency.
This expanded delivery will build upon the significant progress already made under our previous plan, Housing for All, with over 2,500 local authority affordable purchase Homes delivered from its launch to the end of 2025. Overall, over 6,450 such homes have been approved for support under the Affordable Housing Fund.
Furthermore, measures such as the First Home Scheme, the Help-to-Buy Scheme, and the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant are also available to help make home ownership more affordable.
In addition, under the new plan, local authorities will shortly commence the updating of their Housing Delivery Action Plans (HDAPs), for review by my Department, setting out how the Starter Homes Programme will be implemented within their area. Each local authority HDAP will be informed by identifiable affordable housing need within their area and will include collaboration with their delivery partners, including the Land Development Agency and the Approved Housing Bodies, as applicable. These plans will be completed and published by local authorities by end of Q3 2026.
157. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide a list of all social housing projects that have been completed in Kildare in the past year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37568/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra159. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to outline any proposed new social housing developments for Kildare in the coming year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37569/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 157 and 159 together.
In 2025, Kildare County Council delivered 398 new build social homes across 74 projects.
• These projects are broken down as follows:
• Eight CALF projects delivered a total of 114 homes
• Six SHIP projects delivered a total of 122 homes
• Two CAS projects delivered a total of four homes
• 58 local authority Part V projects delivered a total of 158 homes
Included in these projects is Kildare County Council's first Design and Build development which delivered 65 homes in Maynooth utilising Design and Build Frameworks. The scheme of 26 Houses, 28 Apartments and 11 Duplex Apartments has the capacity to provide 258 people with new homes, addressing social housing needs in the county.
The details for some of these projects can be found in the Q4 Social Housing Construction Status Report (CSR), which is published on my Department’s website. The CSR provides a breakdown of local authority and Approved Housing Body social housing new-build activity including scheme-level details on the completion of social housing new builds as well as information on each construction scheme as it progresses through the design and tender processes.
The CSR does not include data on Part V schemes funded through local authority Part V delivery or the Capital Assistance Scheme, however, Part V delivery data is published on my Department’s website.
From 2022 to 2024, 1,324 new build social homes were delivered in Kildare against a target of 1,179, representing 112% of the target delivered. In 2025, 398 new build social homes were delivered against a target of 440 representing 90.5% of the target for 2025.
These reported delivery figures to date show that Kildare County Council’s social housing build programme is performing very well. The Council has exceeded its social housing targets for the period from 2022 to 2025 and it has a strong pipeline in place with 629 homes at various stages of design and procurement at the end of 2025, including 296 homes on site. Details on the projects in Kildare’s pipeline can also be found in the Construction Status Report on my Department’s website.
In addition to their build delivery, Kildare delivered 35 acquisitions and 15 homes through leasing programmes bringing their total social housing delivery in 2025 to 448 homes.
Under the new Housing Plan, Kildare County Council will prepare a Housing Delivery Action Plan (HDAP) setting out their planned delivery of social and affordable housing to 2030. In preparing their HDAP, Kildare County Council will reflect local need to ensure the right mix of homes to respond to need and priorities. Existing HDAPs run to the end of 2026 and it is expected that new HDAPs, which will run to 2030, will be in place by the end of Q3 2026
158. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on delivery of the north-west quarter regeneration in Cork. [37511/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Cork North-West Quarter Regeneration Masterplan and Implementation Report was published in 2011. The Masterplan and Report outlined proposals for the wholesale demolition of the housing stock in Knocknaheeny which had not previously been refurbished by Cork City Council.
The programme is expected to run until end-2028, with regeneration projects continuing to be implemented until this date. Projects are funded by my Department on a case-by-case basis as submissions are received from Cork City Council. Detailed matters regarding the progress of housing refurbishment and delivery, and other works, under the programme are a generally the responsibility of Cork City Council, and should be addressed directly to Council.
That said, I can confirm, that more than €96m has been allocated to date to projects that are either complete or on-site, while a further €49m has been approved in principle for projects that are making their way through the pre-construction process.
Cork City Council has already completed social housing regeneration projects over five phases for a combined total of 161 social homes. Contractors are also currently on site for a further three phases, which will deliver an additional 124 social homes in 2026 and 2027. My Department has also approved proposals in relation to another 139 social homes. These are currently working their way through the various project design, planning and tendering phases and are expected to be complete by end-2028
My department remains committed to the regeneration of the Cork City Northwest Regeneration Quarter Programme and I will continue to support well-conceived regeneration projects put forward by Cork City Council until programme concludes in 2028.
In the meantime, my Department is developing a revised estate remediation and regeneration programme. I expect the revised programme will be available to all local authorities, including Cork City Council. It will focus primarily on the physical regeneration of local authority estates, including the refurbishment and construction of dwellings and, in some instances, public realm works and community facilities, where appropriate. I hope to announce further details on the new programme later this year.
Question No. 159 answered with Question No. 157.
160. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the engagement he has undertaken in relation to planning exemptions under proposed short-term lets legislation; when he will publish new planning guidance to give greater clarity to the short-term letting sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37217/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Enterprise, Tourism, and Employment (DETE) has drafted the Short-Term Letting and Tourism (STLT) Bill General Scheme in alignment with the EU Short Term Rental Regulation. The STLT Bill will provide a more effective legal and administrative basis to regulate short-term lettings and the statutory basis for the establishment of a register for Short Term Lets in Ireland and for the implementation of the new EU STR Regulation.
Government has approved a threshold-based approach to generally preclude new planning permissions for STLs in larger towns and cities. Further to this, the Cabinet Committee on Housing have proposed that the threshold be set at towns and cities with a population in excess of 20,000, amounting to twenty five towns at the most recent Census. It is intended that accommodation providers in all other locations, i.e. outside the largest towns and cities, will be able to avail of an extended period to meet planning compliance requirements.
Furthermore, in line with existing established rights, where it can be proven that a residential property has been operated by a STL accommodation provider for at least seven years and no enforcement action has been taken by the planning authority, planning permission for retention may be sought to regularise an established but unauthorised use.
To ensure that there is a clear view, both at national level and local authority level, as to the overall policy approach to determining planning applications for STLs, my Department is currently finalising a National Planning Statement (NPS) on STL to supplement and support the introduction of the STLT Bill. The preparation of the draft NPS is largely complete, with the NPS being informed by the work of a Working Group (comprising my Department, DETE and the County and City Management Association) and further engagement with relevant stakeholders.
161. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to outline his engagements with representative countryside, conservation and rural stakeholder organisations, farming organisations, hunting associations and game management groups regarding proposed EU restrictions on lead ammunition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37538/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraRestrictions made under REACH Regulation (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) are intended to protect human health and the environment from exposure to harmful chemicals. Such restrictions may range from outright bans to limits on specific uses. Restriction proposals are brought forward by the European Commission on the basis of scientific opinions prepared by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).
Responsibility for Ireland’s chemicals policy, including engagement on REACH matters at EU level, rests with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE). Ireland is represented at the REACH Committee meetings for matters within the remit of DETE by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), an agency under the aegis of DETE. As set out in answer to several parliamentary questions raised in the past two weeks, my Department has no responsibility for engaging with stakeholders on proposed EU restrictions on ammunition. Those matters fall within the remit of DETE and other relevant authorities.
In order to assist DETE in coordinating the Irish position, officials from my Department have engaged in respect of matters relevant to its own functions, including nature conservation and biodiversity protection considerations.
162. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views on the provision of allocated housing for those that work in frontline public sector jobs including teachers, nurses and members of An Garda Síochána; if this is under review within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37222/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder Delivering Homes, Building Communities, the provision of new homes under the Cost Rental model is a key element of the Government's strategy to improve affordability in the rental sector and to provide secure, long-term homes for moderate-income households, including those who may be categorised as frontline workers. The core principle of Cost Rental is that the rents cover the development, management and maintenance costs of the homes, so that the long-term future of the homes is financially secure and rents are not subject to the pressures of the open private market.
On the specific matter raised by the Deputy, I can advise him that last July I made the Affordable Housing Act 2021 (Cost Rental Allocation Plan) Regulations 2025. These Regulations allow for Cost Rental landlords – mostly Approved Housing bodies and increasingly the Land Development Agency - to propose ‘Allocation Plans’, which may prioritise particular homes for those with a link to an area though residence, employment or education.
These Plans can help people to live and work in their local area.
This approach is fair, and it is what is allowable under the law. There is no provision under current legislation to give priority to specific occupations of workers, such as teachers, nurses or guards, as part of an Allocation Plan. The Deputy must surely appreciate that defining who is and who is not a key worker is not at all straightforward, and indeed varies from sector to sector, both in public service and in the private sector.
As we learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, many people working in public, health and social services, as well as in the broader economy – such as in food supply - are essential workers. It is not for me, as Minister for Housing, to determine who is more deserving of a home based on their occupation.
What I can do however, is continue to work hard to ensure that housing supply is increased and that affordability housing schemes are supported to ensure that more Cost Rental homes are made available where they are needed.
163. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the way in which the new Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund will support towns in Kildare North that were previously outside the URDF thresholds, such as Kilcock, and those that have been approved for URDF previously such as Maynooth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37557/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraWith a focus on supporting policies such as ‘Town Centre First’ and City Task Forces, as well as integrated Urban Regeneration, the new Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund will deliver transformative and impactful projects that will regenerate eligible areas.
While replacing the Urban Regeneration and Investment Fund (URDF), the new Fund will continue to build on its success to date, and will provide a greater focus on disadvantaged areas. As before, it will apply to the five cities and their metropolitan areas, to larger towns with a population of more than 10,000 people and to some smaller towns with fewer than 10,000 people where they generate 2,500 jobs.
Following a review of the latest Census 2022 data, I widened the scope of eligibility under the new Fund to include towns with a population of over 9,000. Kilcock does not meet the eligibility criteria for support on that basis.
However, Kildare does still have seven eligible areas:
Celbridge
Leixlip
Maynooth
Naas
Newbridge
Athy
Kildare Town
My Department will continue to work closely with local authorities in respect of applications submitted under the Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund. However, responsibility for the location and composition of applications for funding, and their advancement through the various stages of planning, development and completion remains, in the first instance, a matter for the relevant local authority (Kildare County Council in this case).
In that context, Kildare County Council has submitted six projects for consideration under Round 1 of funding applications for the new Fund. These applications include a project to redesign Harbour Field Park, Maynooth. It, along with all the others received, are currently being assessed against the criteria set out through the application process.
I hope to be in a position to announce the successful applications later this summer.
165. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on the work of the Local Democracy Taskforce; when the report will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37503/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra199. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the local government task force report will to be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37309/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra232. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if as part of his plans for local government reform, he intends to increase the number of councillors and their powers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37478/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 165, 199 and 232 together.
The Local Democracy Taskforce, a key commitment in the Programme for Government, was established in July 2025 with the purpose of bringing forward a suite of reforms across the Local Government Sector. The Taskforce built on the considerable body of work previously undertaken by the Association of Irish Local Government (AILG), CLARE (Congress of Local and Regional Authorities) and Seanad Éireann.
The Terms of Reference for the Taskforce set out an ambitious and detailed work programme, expected to give rise to a series of reforms in the local government sector. The Taskforce considered the Structures, Functions, Funding and Governance arrangements within the sector. The Taskforce was supported in its work by four Pillar Groups who provided technical and subject matter advice to the Taskforce throughout. The Pillar Groups met on close to 40 occasions. The Taskforce, in the course of its work, considered submissions developed by stakeholders from across the sector.
In relation to the point made regarding councillor numbers, the Taskforce as part of its work programme was to “examine how the current number of councillors is determined and explore proposals for a framework for amendments including taking into consideration population growth since the 2014 reforms and the consequent need for an increase in the numbers of councillors to ensure appropriate representation of citizens”.
Taking an evidence informed approach, the Taskforce was tasked with finalising a programme of recommendations for the reform and strengthening of local government in Ireland, which will include recommendations in relation to the framework for determining councillor numbers.
The Taskforce submitted its final report to me recently. An implementation plan is currently being drafted for consideration by Government. Following this, the report and implementation plan will be published and the process of implementing the reform policy ultimately agreed by Government will commence.
166. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when updated rural housing guidelines will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37216/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra176. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when will revised rural planning guidelines be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37501/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra181. Deputy Edward Timmins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage will he expedite revised Rural Planning Guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37564/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra210. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when he will publish a planning statement setting out relevant planning criteria to be applied in local authority development plans for rural housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37218/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra219. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on proposed new rural housing guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37514/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 166, 176, 181, 210 and 219 together.
As set out in Delivering Homes, Building Communities, I intend to publish a National Planning Statement in of the second half of 2026 that will set out relevant planning criteria to be applied in local authority development plans for rural housing, based on the high level policy framework set in the National Planning Framework (NPF).
My Department is currently preparing a draft Statement for Government approval, to be issued under Section 25 of the Planning and Development Act of 2024 in order to provide consistency in the approach to rural housing across the country.
The NPS will expand on the high level spatial planning policy of the National Planning Framework, in particular on National Policy Objective (NPO) 28 which relates to rural housing. This objective makes a clear distinction between rural areas under urban influence (i.e. areas within the commuter catchment of cities, large towns and centres of employment), where the policy approach is to facilitate new rural housing for those with a local rural housing need, and wider rural areas where there is greater flexibility to build single rural housing. NPO 28 is also aligned with the established approach whereby considerations of social or economic need are to be applied by planning authorities in the assessment of development proposals for new one-off housing in rural areas under urban influence.
Since the publication of the current Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines in 2005 under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (which continue to have effect in addition to subsequent clarifications and national policy changes in the NPF) there have been important changes to our planning system and our obligations under European Directives and international agreements. Due care is being taken to ensure the draft Statement will not conflict with fundamental EU freedoms, will comply with EU environmental requirements and will have due regard to decisions of the European Court of Justice.
Under Section 25 of the 2024 Act, draft National Planning Statements are subject to approval by Government prior to issue by the Minister.
