Minister Healy-Rae claims he ‘personally championed' new planning exemptions
The review forms part of the Implementation Plan for the Planning and Development Act 2024 with Minister Browne saying the changes create an ability to expand and improve existing planning exemptions to allow for the appropriate adaptation of dwellings to changing needs is a key consideration.
The minister explained the new changes would take many applications out of the system that don't need to be there, freeing up local authority planners' time and allowing more resources to be focused on larger projects.
Minister Browne explained that public submissions will be 'extremely important' as it is recognised, especially in urban areas, that some exempted developments may have unintended impacts on neighbouring properties.
A public consultation process will run for four weeks over the summer period. Following a review of all submissions, updated Exempted Development Regulations will be finalised as quickly as possible.
'Therefore, any proposed exemptions in relation to housing can only be improved by having full public consultation and I would encourage anyone with something to say to engage with the process when it opens up for contributions,' Minister Browne said.
Welcoming the announcement, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Healy-Rae said the proposal is practical and long-overdue and one he 'personally championed' during pre-government policy talks.
'This is something I've been pushing for over many years, in policy discussions before entering government and throughout my time in politics,' Minister Healy-Rae said.
"I've consistently called for more flexibility and clarity around planning exemptions, because these are the real-life issues that come up in every county and every parish. It's great to now see these proposals taking shape,' he added.
Minister Healy-Rae stated that too often people are caught up in red tape trying to do something as simple as converting a roof space or putting in a modular home for a family member.
He feels the review will cut through this and help people to move faster, adding that local authorities, especially in rural areas, will see direct benefits from the move.
'This change will ease a massive administrative burden on councils, particularly in rural counties like Kerry. It's about using common sense to improve housing delivery whether it's for an older parent, an adult child, or a family trying to make their home work better for their needs,' he said.
Minister Healy-Rae urged Minister Browne to 'move quickly' and complete the process. Once the regulations are finalised, he said it would bring clarity that is important for families, for planners, and for the overall efficiency of the housing system.
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