Questions

456. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether he is considering the introduction of exempted development provisions for detached cabins or modular units already constructed within the curtilage of an owner occupied dwelling house for use as student accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48807/26]

457. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether he is examining the introduction of exempted development provisions for detached cabins or modular units within the curtilage of an owner occupied dwelling house for use as student accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48808/26]

498. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when he expects to conclude the ratification of the proposed Exempted Development Regulations for Residential Dwellings by the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49445/26]

128. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the measures his Department is taking to ensure that zoned residential land is brought forward for development in a timely manner; the actions being taken to support and challenge local authorities in identifying and activating undeveloped residentially zoned land within their areas; whether targets, reporting requirements or oth…

160. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide an update on the development of guidelines relating to backyard modular or compact dwellings; when he expects these guidelines to be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47864/26]

203. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage in view of the proposed review of rural housing planning policies, if he will review planning restrictions affecting applicants seeking permission for one-off housing developments along the N56 in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48148/26]

435. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department has ever considered changes to planning laws to make the provision of solar canopies mandatory when planning permission is being granted for large outdoor carparks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47159/26]

468. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the upcoming National Planning Statement on short term lets will be published; if he intends to provide planning exemptions for historic properties that cannot contribute to long-term housing supply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47774/26]

321. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to change the planning laws and guidelines to disallow permeability pedestrian pathways and cycle-lanes from new housing developments through older estates which were constructed in some cases over 30; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46447/26]

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]

324. 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]

325. 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]

326. 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]

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]

601. 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 ma…

1034. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the position regarding a housing exemption (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41780/26]

1066. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the Government intends to introduce legislative or regulatory changes requiring planning permission for the conversion of hotels, apartments or guesthouses into emergency accommodation; the mandatory community consultation, and minimum safety standards for such facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42380/2…

1090. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the steps his Department will take to allow for modular homes under planning exemptions. [42769/26]

1104. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the excavation and report submitted by a company (details supplied) to his Department, funded by the landowner of a property will finalise the financial obligation of the landowner for further investigative work on the remains off-site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42938/26]

1108. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an overview of improvements made in the planning system since 2020; his plans for further improvements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42960/26]

1112. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when he expects the proposed planning exemption for modular homes and ancillary accommodation units to come into effect; the steps remaining before the necessary regulations can be commenced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43041/26]

1113. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the timeline for the introduction of the proposed planning exemptions for modular homes; whether any statutory, environmental or legal processes remain outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43042/26]

1139. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the timeline for the introduction of the proposed amendments to the Planning and Development Act 2024 relating to rural housing policy and the operation of “local need” criteria; to confirm whether the forthcoming legislation will explicitly provide for persons in rural areas who, through no fault of their own, including marital br…

380. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if an assessment has been undertaken regarding the impact of vape and smoke retail outlet proliferation on commercial vacancy patterns, retail diversity or traditional retail activity within town centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40874/26]

381. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on the development of national planning statements for critical infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40392/26]