Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 June 2026
323. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to comments reported in the media that the Government intends to relax planning rules around rural one-off housing, if he will clarify the specific changes being proposed; and when these measures are expected to be introduced. [46517/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra324. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage in view of statements noted in the media regarding a move towards a more flexible approach to rural housing, whether the local needs criteria are to be revised or relaxed; and the way in which this will impact individuals and families seeking to build homes in rural areas. [46518/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra325. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans for a more unified national approach to rural housing planning, as referenced in recent media reports; and the way in which consistency will be ensured across local authorities in the application of such policies. [46519/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra326. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the measures being considered to provide greater flexibility to planners in assessing rural one-off housing applications, as indicated in public commentary; and when updated guidance will issue to planning authorities. [46520/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 323, 324, 325 and 326 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.
The new Statement will replace, refine and update existing 2005 Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines to reflect the Planning and Development Act of 2024 and the established policy in the Revised National Planning Framework (NPF), which supports new housing in rural areas and rural development generally.
In particular the new Statement will expand on National Policy Objective (NPO) 28 of the Revised National Planning Framework (NPF), which makes a clear policy distinction between rural areas under urban influence (i.e. areas within the commuter catchment of cities, towns and centres of employment) on the one hand, and wider rural areas where there is greater flexibility to build new single rural housing outside of the commuter catchments. NPO 28 is also aligned with the established approach whereby considerations of local social (intrinsic part of the community) or economic (persons working full or part time) need to live in a rural area are to be applied by planning authorities in rural areas under urban development pressure.
The new Statement will seek to provide more clarity and consistency in the planning system, by setting out the relevant planning criteria, including in relation to local needs criteria, to be considered by the various planning authorities in respect of applications for new single rural housing. The new Statement will continue to allow local development plans to provide for housing in the countryside based on the considerations detailed in NPO 28 of the NPF, and will also highlight the need to manage development in certain areas, such as the areas around cities and larger towns and environmentally sensitive areas, in order to avoid over-development, while sustaining vibrant rural communities.
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.
