Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 June 2026
600. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the costs associated with planning permission for rural one-off homes is being considered as part of examining rural planning and ahead of the publication of the Rural Planning Guidelines, if the Minister will look at this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45862/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra601. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the length of time it takes to apply for planning permission for rural one-off homes is being considered as part of examining rural planning and ahead of the publication of the Rural Planning Guidelines, as well as the process up to decision; if he will examine reducing this timeframe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45863/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 600 and 601 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.
The Planning and Development Act 2024 (Act of 2024) is a major reform to streamline the planning process and provide clearer pathways and timeframes for planning consent.
Part 4 of the Act, which is scheduled for commencement in 2026, outlines clearly the processes and procedures relating to planning decisions and introduces statutory time periods for decision making for all consent processes, including, for the first time, An Coimisiún Pleanála. The 8- week timeline for a planning authority to make a decision on an application for a rural dwelling is retained, except where environmental assessment is involved and 12 weeks is provided for. The 2024 Act includes a new statutory 18 week time period for An Coimisiún Pleanála decisions for appeals of planning authority decisions on smaller-scale development proposals such as a single rural house.
The Planning and Development Regulations 2001 to 2024, prepared under the Planning and Development Act of 2000, set out standard planning fees, including those relating to rural housing. The statutory €65 planning application fee for a single rural house in Ireland remains in place currently under these Regulations.
