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complements the broader economic and social needs of local communities. The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is currently finalising the national planning statement on the Planning and Development Act for short-term lets. That will establish a clear and coherent policy framework at national and local

lead-in period if they wish to register with Fáilte Ireland. The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is finalising a national planning statement under the Planning and Development Act 2024. This will be brought to Government shortly and will provide a clear overall policy approach both

welcome the statements from the Minister, Deputy James Browne, the Minister of State, Deputy John Cummins, and the Tánaiste on overhauling rural planning. This is an issue the Taoiseach feels very strongly about himself. Kerry has been severely impacted. Places like Kilcummin and Beaufort are effectively sterilised … have to give clear direction to the local authorities as to what the Government's policy actually is. When will the national planning statement for rural planning be announced? What can we expect to see in that to help people to build houses for themselves

form of a national planning statement will set out relevant planning criteria to be applied in the local authority development plans for rural housing on a consistent basis based on the high-level policy framework set out by the national planning framework and recognising that obligations under European

conscious that this growth is inconsistent and that many areas are still losing population. That is why the new draft national planning statement will be important not just for Gaeltacht areas, but for rural areas to bring people back into areas with families and to support schools, post … delighted to be in one of our more remote communities recently on Inishturk, where we launched the fibre roll-out of the national broadband plan. Through the town and village renewal scheme, I allocated €1.5 million to six projects. However, I am aware, as the Deputy

published the draft planning statement. We did not pull it out of the sky. I hate using the word "quota". The figures relating to the clause were taken from the census plus 10% in each language planning area. They were based on the number of active Irish speakers … live in their home area and to move to another Gaeltacht. This is the first time there has ever been a draft national planning statement on the Gaeltacht. I am not precious. It is not perfect and I am happy to work with people to improve it over

provided the new legislative basis for the national planning framework and regional and spatial economic strategies, as well as introducing the national planning statements that will be used to set up policy and provide guidance in relation to planning matters. As things stand, 133 sections … corresponding repeal of the 2000 planning Act is a complex task and one that must continue to be responsive to Government policy and to stakeholder needs. Subsequent to this is a revision of the national planning framework in April this year. Housing growth requirement guidelines were issued

system. It will build on and enhance the existing plan-led approach to development whereby the national planning framework and the new national planning statements will set a very clear policy direction to reflect the Government's priorities for the future development of the country. This will … planning application may be forthcoming. Under the Act, An Bord Pleanála will be renamed an coimisiún pleanála and its organisational structure is being changed to better meet its challenges and workload. In addition, a new advisory board will be introduced to the Office of the Planning Regulator

will be commenced over the remainder of this year, particularly Part 3 relating to the national planning framework, NPF, national planning statements and development plans. Behind the scenes, my Department is preparing new regulations to accompany the 2024 Act and working closely with local authorities and other … commencement. While reforming our planning legislation is key, we must also look at resourcing across the planning system. That has been raised by many Deputies over the past number of weeks. This is being addressed in parallel and a ministerial action plan is being implemented, with five

draft sustainable rural and Gaeltacht housing national planning statement, which we spoke about earlier, still leaves many young people locked out of building on family land. While we expect movement in the document, there is no mention of affordable housing. If the new document does not include

closely with the Minister, Deputy Browne, and the Department of housing. The intention from the Department of housing is to issue the national planning statement specifically on this, akin to guidance, and that work is under way. I do not have a direct timeline for the Deputy

give the Deputy the work we are doing. First, with regard to the draft national planning statement, and I will follow up and email the Deputy with a full answer, that is exactly about restoring population to these areas. Second, the investments I have just discussed with Deputy

doing a lot of work on this. I will incorporate some of the ideas. Many of the ideas are captured in the national planning statement such as getting people back, investing in sporting facilities and remote working to give people a chance to return to their home areas

Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the role his Department will play in amending and finalising the recently published draft national planning statement for rural and Gaeltacht housing. [53184/26

sásta leis sin. It is about the role the Minister’s Department will play in amending and finalising the recently published draft national planning statement for rural and Gaeltacht housing. I know this has been discussed several times here this evening and the Minister and I have discussed

failed to undertake an environmental impact assessment, and then had to basically pull the guidelines. It is now coming back with this national planning statement on the revised apartment guidelines, which will result in smaller, darker apartments without dual aspect, studio apartments that are just

from one place versus another above and beyond normal norms that local authorities may wish to have. The purpose of moving to national planning statements is to move away from those inconsistencies. I accept, and it would be wrong and disingenuous to suggest anything to the contrary, that

capacity to provide further housing and opportunities, but certainly not at the expense of rural villages and towns. Members mentioned the rural national planning statement, which I published on Tuesday following Cabinet approval, and I thank people for their support in that respect. Affordable housing was referenced

introducing an enhanced corporation tax deduction for apartment construction costs. My Department is also progressing the preparation of a draft national planning statement for the Government’s consideration to replace the current apartment guidelines. The overall purpose is to strike an effective regulatory balance, ensuring that apartment development

parliamentary question which stated that a review of the 2006 wind energy development guidelines had been undertaken as part of a national planning statement on wind energy under the Planning and Development Act 2024. Included in this was noise, setback distance, shadow flicker, community obligations, community dividend

activity was set out today at Cabinet by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Deputy James Browne, in a national planning statement. The statement provides a balanced framework that supports sustainable tourism, protects communities, maintains housing supply and enables clear, consistent decision-making for both property

right place on this matter, which is the reason I am asking him the questions. What communications has he had on the national planning statement? Will the statement be made available for consultation with stakeholders before implementation? What would the Minister like

There are a couple of aspects to that question. In respect of balanced regional development, the new national planning statement in relation to the ability to build a one-off home in rural Ireland will be a help. That is because there are many people finding themselves having

being mild about it, a worry to the people involved in that business. Will the Department of housing commit to publishing a national planning statement, NPs, for short-term letting as soon as possible to be helpful to the sector? Will the Minister ensure that planning exemptions will

housing market, which may include longer-term rentals. The approach to be taken in the STLT Bill, as well as in the national planning statement, will balance greater housing supply with the need to protect rural and regional tourism jobs. I again thank the Deputy for raising this

Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on the National Planning Statement on Solar Energy; the stage it is currently at; when it is expected to be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7359/26

provided for existing hosts to comply with new planning requirements once published, given that no compliance steps can be taken until the National Planning Statement is issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6629/26

asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on the ongoing work in his Department to update the national planning statement on wind energy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3730/26

respect of rural housing, initially in the form of a section 28 guideline which is being reviewed and prepared as a national planning statement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4931/26

Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the updated guidelines will be incorporated into the forthcoming National Planning Statement; if he will specify when that statement is expected to be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73124/25

Natasha Newsome Drennan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the Wind Energy Guidelines will form part of the National Planning Statement; if it will be published Spring 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72814/25

Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the National Planning Statement will issue in 2026; if it will make childcare provision a binding requirement, including fit-out and operational phasing, and introduce a presumption against the change of use of crèche

Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the National Planning Statement for planning for rural housing will be published (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67543/25

Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans for a draft National Planning Statement to replace the 2025 apartment guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65674/25

Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when he will publish a national planning statement on short-term letting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35619/25

Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when he will publish a national planning statement on short-term letting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24644/25

Energy and the Environment to outline the Government’s policy approach to sustainable seaweed harvesting as it arises under the Marine Planning Policy Statement and the National Marine Planning Framework; the way in which this policy approach is intended to guide decision-making across relevant departments and agencies

assessments in relation to water, waste water and so on, that were carried out on the Sustainable Rural and Gaeltacht Housing Draft National Planning Policy Statement; when the strategic environmental assessment and appropriate assessments were commissioned; who has been commissioned to undertake them; and if he will make

Housing, Local Government and Heritage to set out the procedures for updating city and county development plans following the adoption of a national planning policy statement by Government, including statutory timelines for public consultation or adoption of the content of the policy statements into existing development plans. [50730/26

matter to the European Court of Justice on the use of the NEE standards; and an update on when the National Planning Policy Statement on apartment design standards will be published. [3001/26

Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide a list of all national planning policy statements currently being prepared by his Department, in tabular form. [73476/25

Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport to outline the proposed timeline for preparation of the planned new National Policy Statement on Shared Mobility; how he plans to consult with commercial shared mobility providers as part of this process; and if he will make a statement

Education and Youth the breakdown of the €4 million youth capital allocation for youth services as part of the National Development Plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54156/26

Ireland’s wave energy potential, particularly along the Atlantic coast; the way in which this is being incorporated into national energy planning; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46207/26

remain without access to high-speed broadband; the areas affected; the anticipated rollout timeline for those locations under the National Broadband Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44245/26

under the RED III Directive will be integrated into the regional renewable energy strategies to be adopted under the National Planning Framework; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42094/26

Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the most recent update on the rollout of the National Development Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40912/26

Plan, which went out for Public Consultation between December 2025 and January 2026; when he plans to publish the National Implementation Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39967/26

Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Defence the improvements planned for Stephens Barracks under the €1.7 billion Defence National Development Plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33259/26

whether the project is being considered for inclusion in the next tranche of prioritised school building projects under the National Development Plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25630/26