John Cummins
Waterford · Fine Gael · Ireland
“To ensure a structured and comprehensive examination of the issues, the task force was organised under four work themes: structures, funding, functions and governance and accountability within the local government sector.”
“At the outset, I thank Senator Fitzpatrick for raising this important issue this morning. I am acutely aware of the strong interest that exists within this House in matters relating to local government.”
“Engagement took place with a wide range of organisations and representative bodies, including employer and employee representatives, community and voluntary organisations, academic experts and other key stakeholders.”
“I move: That Dáil Éireann approves the following Regulations in draft: Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) Regulations 2026, Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) (No. 2) Regulations 2026, Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) (No.”
“In that context, I welcome the opportunity to address the House and to provide an update on the progress made today in advancing that recommendation and strengthening local democracy more generally.”
“The task force was charged with delivering its report within the challenging timeframe of six to nine months. However, considerable preparatory work already completed across the sector provided a strong foundation and enabled that timeline to be achieved. The task force, as the Senator rightly pointed out, was chaired by Mr.”
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“The plant needs to be upgraded and Uisce Éireann has confirmed that a strategic assessment, stage 1 of the infrastructure guidelines, commenced in 2024 to identify the best long-term solution. That assessment will be completed by the end of this year. Thereafter, planning and consents will be required before the project can go to tender. However, Uisce Éireann is working on an interim solution and has held a number of workshops on the issue. Further workshops and site visits are planned for the coming weeks. Uisce Éireann is investigating what it can do within the existing system to improve the operation of the treatment plant. This will be an interim solution that may make the plant compliant and may give some additional capacity. The investigation will determine if this is possible.”
“I, as the Minister of State, do not have a function in operational matters. That said, I met representatives of Uisce Éireann last week and will continue to engage with them, going forward, in order to prioritise infrastructure such as this. I have made inquires on the Senator's behalf and have been informed that Uisce Éireann is aware of the difficulties with wastewater in Dunmanway. Uisce Éireann publishes an annual water and wastewater treatment capacity register and Dunmanway currently has a status of red, which means there is no spare capacity available. Uisce Éireann has been assessing the capital needs for Dunmanway wastewater treatment plant and any impact that discharges may have.”
“I thank Senator O'Donovan and congratulate him on his appointment to the House. It gives me a good opportunity to update the House on the wastewater treatment plant in Dunmanway. At the outset, I must advise the Water Services Acts 2007 to 2020 set out the arrangements that are in place for the delivery of water and wastewater services by Uisce Éireann and for the scrutiny and oversight of provisions that apply in respect of these arrangements. Water and wastewater services are matters for Uisce Éireann, which has statutory responsibility for all aspects of water services planning, delivery and operation at national, regional and local levels. The scope, prioritisation and progression of individual projects are matters for Uisce Éireann and approved through its board and internal governance.”
“I note the concerns the Senator has raised but, as stated, the Minister is committed to addressing the issues that are within his remit in accordance with the provisions set out in the Forestry Act 1988. The most important part of the response from Coillte is that the reorganisation will allow a more integrated approach to all nature and biodiversity projects. As stated, Coillte has said there will be no diminution of the focus on that area, which is, of course, very important. I studied geography myself and understand the issues at hand here, but the more integrated approach in the wider division will ensure an holistic view. It is certainly not the intention that there would be any less focus on biodiversity and nature.”
“Therefore, Coillte is confident that its decision to absorb the work of Coillte Nature into its main forest division will not interrupt any of Coillte Nature's ongoing projects and that its reorganisation will not impact negatively on the objectives set out in Coillte's strategic vision and strategy for its forest estate.”
“This seeks to derive multiple benefits from State forests, bring more focus to climate action and set ambitious new targets on biodiversity and recreation while continuing to deliver for the forest and wood product industry. As part of its strategy, Coillte is planning to redesign 30,000 ha of peatland forest for climate and ecological benefits and to enhance and restore biodiversity, by increasing the area of the estate managed primarily for nature from 20% to 30% by the end of 2025 and to 50% in the long term. The objectives set out in Coillte's strategic vision for its forest estate are very much aligned with our shared national vision for trees and forests in Ireland by 2050 and our national forest strategy to 2030.”
“In addition, Coillte provides woodland management services to the Nature Trust. The company has assured the Department it is committed to continuing this work, as well as all other projects that were set up under the Coillte Nature brand. The decision to absorb the work of Coillte Nature into Coillte's main forestry division is an organisational matter and this reorganisation will enable a more integrated approach to all nature and biodiversity projects. Coillte informed the Department of this decision at a meeting in February. It explained that the need for a separate nature unit has been superseded by Coillte's overall strategic vision for the forest estate announced in 2022.”
“He also has expectations regarding Coillte's engagement in climate action, biodiversity and nature rehabilitation, all of which complement the company's contributions to the forest and wood product industry. These expectations are set out in the shareholders' letters of expectation. In this context, the Department supports Coillte's work to develop projects of scale to create, restore, regenerate and rehabilitate biodiverse habitats across Ireland. The Minister acknowledges the work carried out by Coillte as part of its Coillte Nature brand since its establishment in 2019. Its initiatives include contributing to restoring biodiversity at The Raven nature reserve in Wexford, enhancing biodiversity in alluvial woodlands in Sligo and continuing to transform 900 ha of commercial plantations for people and nature in the Wicklow Mountains.”
“I thank Senator Noonan for raising this important matter relating to Coillte's organisational structure, which I will address on behalf of the Minister, Deputy Heydon. I welcome the opportunity to answer the questions the Senator raised and to update the House on recent developments. Coillte was set up as a commercial State body under the Forestry Act 1988 and, therefore, is independent of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in respect of operational matters, as specified under the Act. As one of the shareholders of Coillte, however, the Minister has responsibility for oversight of the company in accordance with the Act.”
“I again thank the Senator for raising this matter. I take on board the points he raised. The programme for Government commits to a number of measures, including additional staffing and resources to ensure there is sufficient capacity in the system, and using private capacity both at home and abroad. The Senator's points are very well made. I understand that behind every number is a family and a child. We are working to ensure that we reduce the list, as I outlined. Progress has been made in recent years. It is important to acknowledge that, but of course it is not enough. We will continue to work with the Senator, the House and everybody to try to drive those numbers down even further. I do not want to see, and neither does the Minister, Deputy Carroll MacNeill, any child waiting for surgery.”
“GPs can now refer patients directly to CHI, ensuring that urgent cases will be prioritised. National outsourcing opportunities are being utilised to maximise capacity for complex spinal surgeries and arrangements are in place with hospitals in New York and London. I understand families are supported in accessing these pathways, if it is the right option. I reiterate that I understand that behind every number is a child and a family. We are doing everything we can to try to assist in reducing those waiting lists further. The investment will assist with that in the time ahead.”
“There was also a 59% reduction in the longest waiting patients, with the number actively waiting for over a year declining from 29 to 12. I am conscious that these figures will offer little comfort to many parents and children awaiting news on when their surgery will be. The dedicated spinal surgery management unit established within CHI last year is responsible for managing the delivery of spinal surgery and driving continuous improvement to the service. This unit is supported by the wider paediatric orthopaedic and multidisciplinary teams, ensuring patients are prioritised correctly for surgery and working to reduce waiting lists and waiting times for spinal surgeries. Extra outpatient clinics are taking place where new spinal outpatients are being seen.”
“Last year, an additional 52 full-time equivalent posts were approved to enhance spinal services, including consultants, nurses and health and social care professionals, 14 of whom are already in post. Additionally, €11.6 million has been allocated for international outsourcing. This builds on the €19 million investment in these services over the past number of years, which has supported the hiring of more staff, an additional theatre and MRI scanner and 24 additional beds. This investment has made an impact. In 2024, 513 paediatric spinal procedures were completed, which is a 10% increase compared with 2023 and a 35% increase compared with 2019. In 2024, the total active spinal waiting list decreased from 127 to 108, which is a reduction of 15%. In 2024, the number of patients actively waiting more than four months decreased by 37%.”
“I acknowledge that the waiting lists for spinal surgery services are too long and that some patients are waiting longer than we wish. I also acknowledge the difficulties parents are facing, particularly when watching their children in discomfort and pain and having to explain to a son or daughter that they cannot exactly say when his or her suffering may be ended. However, I also have to acknowledge the progress and investment that have been made in recent years, and will continue to be made under the Minister, Deputy Carroll MacNeill. The additional investment has allocated significant resources to help tackle waiting lists for spinal procedures.”
“I thank the Senator very much. I know the Minister, Deputy Carroll MacNeill, has spoken to him on this matter. I thank him for raising the wider issue. As he will appreciate, I cannot speak to the individual case he referred to. However, I reiterate the Government's commitment to ensuring ongoing improvements in paediatric orthopaedic services to ensure that children with scoliosis and spina bifida are treated as quickly and safely as possible. I acknowledge the Senator's work in this area. He brought forward a Private Members' Bill on the matter last week, which I also acknowledge. Our goal, and I am sure it is one we all share in this House and outside of it, is for every person in Ireland to have access to the care they need when they need it.”
“I take on board the points the Deputy has raised. I will talk to the Minister of State, Deputy Richmond, on the specifics of the issue. It is important to re-emphasise the value of the programme that is in place through the significant and sustained investment the Government has made. I reiterate that the 2025-26 applications under that will be notified in the period ahead.”
“I thank the Deputy for his advocacy in this area. Any time we get a chance to talk about the diaspora in this Chamber is welcome. We can see the value of sustained investment in our communities abroad. I had the opportunity to visit Thailand and the Philippines where I saw at first hand how our diaspora engages in its local communities and the value it adds in those countries, as well as bringing our sporting, cultural and heritage traditions to those areas. The Government will continue to support those endeavours because we see the value in it. The Minister of State, Deputy Richmond, is also committed to reducing the barriers for returning emigrants to Ireland and there is funding in that respect from the Department of foreign affairs. The Returning to Ireland portal on the citizens information website is very useful.”
“As we look to the future, we will ensure that we continue to prioritise projects that support a dynamic and diverse diaspora and address the needs of the most vulnerable.”
“Britain is home to the largest number of victims of institutional abuse, outside Ireland. It is estimated that 30% of all survivors live in Britain. The emigrant support programme provides funding to community organisations in Britain supporting survivors in Britain such as ICAP, the London Irish Centre, the Coventry Irish Society and Fréa in the north of England. We fund eight full-time posts and two part-time posts to ensure dedicated support is provided to the survivor community. We are working with relevant UK Government departments to ensure access to compensation schemes does not negatively affect other welfare supports. The Government is fully committed to delivering sustained investment in all our communities abroad, particularly in Britain.”
“Every year the embassy serves as a community hub, hosting events in collaboration with organisations that might not have the budget, space or networking connections to host alone. This includes supporting Irish artists but also hosting traditionally excluded and marginalised groups such as events for Pride and an annual St. Brigid’s Day event celebrating Irish women in Britain. Applications for the 2025-26 emigrant support programme are now being assessed and details on the grants will be made available over the coming months. Full details of all ESP funding to date in Britain can be found on the www.ireland.ie website. An important part of Ireland’s diaspora strategy is a commitment to heal the relationship with those who left Ireland in crisis and survivors of institutional abuse.”
“The 2021 census documents just over 500,000 people born on the island of Ireland living in England and Wales, with around 200,000 of those born in Northern Ireland. The Government has provided financial support to Irish community organisations in Britain since 1984. Last year, we allocated ESP funding of over €7.8 million to 112 organisations in Britain in respect of 202 projects. This represented just under half of the total ESP budget. We funded a range of projects from large welfare support in cities with traditionally large Irish communities such as London, Manchester, Liverpool and Birmingham to smaller events and cultural and heritage projects in places such as Bristol, Nottingham and York. Our engagement in Britain goes beyond financial support.”
“I thank the Deputy for raising this important issue, which I’m answering on behalf of the Minister of State, Deputy Richmond. I am fully committed, as is the Department, to strengthening the bonds with all Irish communities overseas. Central to this work is the emigrant support programme, managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Since its inception in 2004, the programme has provided funding of over €250 million to 900 organisations in 51 countries. Supporting the most vulnerable and marginalised Irish emigrants across the world is at the heart of this programme. In 2025, almost €16,500,000 will be granted in support of strengthening ties with the diaspora and our communities overseas. Britain is our close neighbour and home to the largest Irish-born community outside Ireland.”
“Of course these matters are always kept under review and if further guidance needs to be issued to the local authorities in that regard, that is something we can both take up with the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, together.”
“I thank the Deputy for raising this issue and I will take his points back to the Minister, Deputy O'Brien. It is important to say the Government is committed to further increasing the number of safe crossing locations for pedestrians and vulnerable road users. We need to provide additional options that are not reliant on those connections because of the capacity constraints and the construction time and ongoing operational costs. I hear the Deputy's point about the solar element of this. There are now two options over and above the flashing beacon. I will reiterate that it is not that we will not have any flashing beacon areas into the future. It is important to highlight that.”
“The study stated that this type of crossing could be implemented elsewhere on the national road network in towns and villages subject to certain site and layout parameters and recommendations. I take the Deputy's point about solar power and other matters he raised about further advance warning and I will bring his points to the Minister for Transport, Deputy O'Brien.”
“Therefore, the report recommends that the pilot and trial sites are retained as permanent pedestrian crossings and that additional crossings, where required, are implemented in line with certain criteria such as operational speeds being low and checked prior to site selection, the crossing area and approach being clearly visible to approaching drivers, only single lane two-way traffic, and the necessity for the crossing to be well lit. The visibility of the crossing can be further increased by providing raised tables or platforms to provide maximum visibility to drivers and additional comfort for visually impaired users. In addition, parking must not obstruct the visibility of the footpath on the approaches to the crossing.”
“A sign with a fluorescent yellow border is recommended as the only permitted sign type as it is more visible and recognisable. It is further recommended that this type of crossing should only be used where there is a posted speed limit of 50 km/h or lower, specified low traffic volumes, good pedestrian-driver visibility, and the crossing location to have adequate street lighting. In addition, the crossing should be on a flat-top ramp or raised platform. The second pilot and trial undertaken by TII at four sites in Donegal has demonstrated that zebra crossings without beacons are suitable in rural towns carrying national traffic.”
“Both pilot projects show there is a case for utilising zebra crossings without flashing beacons in certain situations, and subject to certain criteria. This does not eliminate the need for zebra crossings with flashing beacons, but does allow for the wider roll-out of zebra crossings without the need for more expensive electrical connections to the beacons, as outlined by Deputy Moynihan. The utilisation of a sign or no sign for these crossings is shown to be widely used across Europe. The results of the first pilot scheme have demonstrated that zebra crossings without Belisha beacons could be suitable in the Irish context. The report recommends that consideration is given to wider implementation of this type of zebra crossing in certain situations.”
“The proposals contained within the feasibility study were investigated in two pilot studies. The first study involved the NTA's cycle design office, in collaboration with the Department and the active travel teams in Limerick City and County Council and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council. The NTA began a pilot scheme for a new type of zebra crossing. The new layout comprises the installation of eight new crossings, five in Limerick and three in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, without flashing orange beacons. The beacons were replaced by signage and used in low-volume traffic areas. The second study was undertaken by TII. This pilot study focused on a low-cost measure to improve pedestrian safety, using high-visibility uncontrolled crossing, HVC, markings instead of flashing orange beacons on a national road.”
“I apologise as I have a cold, but I will try to get through the reply. I thank Deputy Shane Moynihan for raising this important issue, which I am taking on behalf of the Minister for Transport today. As the Deputy rightly points out, in 2022, the Department of Transport, in conjunction with the National Transport Authority and Transport Infrastructure Ireland sought to investigate the provision of pilot schemes to assess the feasibility of applying to the Irish context the experience of other countries where zebra crossings without flashing orange beacons are in place. The need for the pilot scheme, as the Deputy outlined, arose from the desire to increase the number of safe crossing locations for pedestrians and active travel use in a cost-effective and sustainable manner across the country.”
“It is the statutory responsibility of the NCSE to work with schools to provide sufficient special education provision each year. As already outlined, there is provision for a further 400 new special classes for the coming school year. A total of 336 of these new classes have already been sanctioned. I take on board the point specific points about the reading classes. I will bring them back to the Minister for Education. I hear the passion of the Deputies on the issue.”
“I thank both Deputies for their advocacy in this area. As I stated in my opening remarks, I do understand it. I taught in the education system myself. I have met children who are similar to the children in the examples given by the Deputies. It is important to also put in context that the Department will spend €2.9 billion this year on special education, one quarter of the entire education budget - rightly so, because those students require the supports the Deputies advocate for on the floor of the Dáil. More than 28,000 children are being supported in special schools and classes and the number of special classes has increased by 100% since 2020 through investment by the previous Government, which will continue under this Government.”
“Schools can apply to the NCSE through their local special educational needs organiser, SENO, for such support. The need for any additional provision or resources for schools to support students with dyslexia will be kept under constant review by the NCSE and the Department. I reiterate the point that I made at the outset. I take on board the points that the Deputies raised. I believe that more reading classes for children with dyslexia would be a positive step to support their educational needs.”
“Of course, the importance of building the capacity of teachers in mainstream schools to meet the needs of all students is recognised. To support this, we provide 338 funded places each year to teachers to attend postgraduate special educational needs programmes. The NCSE offers dedicated professional learning opportunities for teachers supporting students with additional needs. NEPS also provides professional learning opportunities that are available to all primary and post-primary school teachers on supporting children and young people with literacy difficulties, including dyslexia. Funding is also made available to schools for the purchase of specialised equipment such as computers or software to assist children with special educational needs, including children with specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia.”
“At present, as Deputy Currie outlined, there are 14 reading classes and four special schools to support students with severe dyslexia and I want to acknowledge the excellent work that they do. I take the Deputies' points that more reading classes for children with dyslexia would be a positive step to support their educational needs. Around 15,000 special education teachers are employed in mainstream schools to support students with additional needs. In practical terms, this means that schools get a substantial additional teaching allocation to support children with special educational needs who are in mainstream classes. The additional resources are intended to support students with the greatest levels of need, including those with dyslexia or severe dyslexia.”
“I want to stress that enabling students with additional educational needs to receive an appropriate education is an absolute priority for this Government. I taught in the education system and taught students with additional needs, so I understand the issue. It is the Government's priority to ensure that all children have an appropriate school placement and that the necessary supports are provided to our schools to allow children with special educational needs to flourish and prosper. It is important to highlight that the majority of children with additional educational needs are supported to attend mainstream classes with their peers. For children with more complex needs, special classes are provided. For children with the most complex needs, special school places are provided.”
“I know they are successful but we also need to continue to support more exits from homelessness through the increased ramp-up in social housing delivery and the likes of the tenant in situ programme to prevent homelessness. It is only when one delivers more social housing than there are people entering homelessness that the numbers will reverse. I am committed to working with the Senators and others in the House to ensure that happens.”
“Homelessness is a complex matter, as the Senator knows. A whole-of-government approach is required. That is the approach of the Government and we will continue in that vein. It is important to say that €303 million has been allocated to homeless services for 2025. An additional €25 million in capital funding for the delivery of high-quality transitional emergency accommodation for individuals experiencing homelessness has also been allocated. This will be kept under review in the context of the national development plan. The likes of the programmes around Housing First have worked exceptionally well. I have seen them work exceptionally well in my county of Waterford.”
“The programme for Government 2025 also commits to fully implementing the national youth homelessness strategy. The strategy, which is in its final year, sets out 27 distinct actions to help young adults who are experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, homelessness. Progress on implementing the actions within the strategy continues to be made, most notably with the establishment of a housing-led intervention Supported Housing for Youth, which is currently being piloted in the Dublin area. The programme for Government commits to ensure a holistic, cross-departmental approach to homelessness prevention. I assure the Senator that the Minister, Deputy Browne, and I will continue to work with all stakeholders in this area to ensure we provide support for those who need it in the interim while also ramping up housing supply in the longer term.”
“The programme for Government has pledged the largest social housing programme in the history of the State, building on average 12,000 new social homes per annum. The programme for Government 2025 includes distinct actions targeted at reducing and preventing homelessness. These include measures to engage and support rough sleepers with the continued expansion of the Housing First programme, a cross-departmental approach to homelessness prevention, the leasing of one-bedroom units to address the immediate needs of single households, a focus on social housing allocations to families who are in long-term homeless accommodation, the continuation of the social housing tenant in situ programme to prevent homelessness and the reform the Housing Act 1988.”
“Increasing supply of all types of housing, be it social, affordable or private housing, remains the ultimate solution to addressing the homelessness challenge in the longer term. Looking after the most vulnerable in our society remains a top priority for this Government. We will continue to support vulnerable households while we increase the levels of new housing stock required. The Department is working closely with local authorities and their NGO service delivery partners to support households to emergency accommodation to tenancies in local authorities, approved housing bodies, or in the private rental market supported by the housing assistance payment. The Government is committed to a housing-led approach as the primary response to all forms of homelessness.”
“As a Government, we are committed to preventing as many people as possible entering emergency accommodation as possible and speeding up the exit for those who do avail of services. In 2024 there was a 30% increase in the numbers of adults supported to exit, and prevented from entering, homeless accommodation. In fact, local authorities achieved nearly 9,000 preventions and exits using measures such as the increased social housing delivery to increase allocations to homeless households and the tenant in situ scheme to prevent new entries to homelessness. Of course, we need to do more as a Government. Housing for All is our housing plan which contains a suite of actions that have increased, and continue to increase, the provision of housing through accelerating supply, and increasing the affordability of homes for our citizens.”
“I would like to thank Senator McCarthy for raising this important issue. If anyone understands this issue it is him, given his work with Tiglin and dealing first-hand with people who find themselves in difficult circumstances. I commend him on his work in that regard. Supporting individuals and families facing homelessness is a key Government priority, I can assure Senators of that. Increasing the availability of emergency accommodation and permanent accommodation is a huge priority. The December 2024 homeless report shows there were 14,864 people in emergency accommodation. That figure is far too high and I am always acutely conscious that there is a person and family behind each figure.”
“Even at the point of publishing and updating guidelines, it will still not be done. There is still significant work to be done in terms of engagement and stakeholders. I look forward to working with Senator Fitzpatrick and other Senators on that.”
“I thank Senator Fitzpatrick. Nationally, rural housing continues to be an important component of overall housing delivery. It is a vital element in the fabric of our society. I look forward to working with the Minster, Deputy Browne, to finalise the completion of the updated rural housing guidelines and to deliver on the programme for Government, which continues to support one-off rural housing. It is important to say that there is no cap or ban on rural housing as it currently stands. As I articulated in my opening statement, rural housing continues to be supported each year. As Minister of State at the Department with responsibility for planning and local government, it is something I wish to continue. We also need to find and strike that balance. That is why it is such a complex piece and is why significant work has gone into it.”
“I know how important this is in my own area of Waterford and across the country. When they are finalised, the guidelines will be open for comment from the public and the House.”
“One of the issues identified in the analysis of various county development plans is that eligibility criteria for rural housing, based on economic considerations such as farming or social ties to an area, are usually based on distance and duration of connection. These can vary significantly from one local authority to another. The updated rural housing guidelines will aim to set out relevant planning criteria to be applied in local authority development plans for rural housing on a consistent basis, based on a high-level policy framework set by the national planning framework, which is currently being finalised. It is important to assure the House that current and future planning guidelines will continue to enable county development plans to provide for rural housing.”
“The NPO is also aligned with the established approach whereby considerations of social or economic need are applied by planning authorities in rural areas under urban influence. The updated guidelines are intended to replace the current rural housing guidelines, which date from 2005. These will continue to enable county development plans to continue to provide for housing in the countryside, based on the considerations detailed in the NPF, while balancing this with the need to manage development in certain areas, such as around cities, larger towns and environmentally sensitive areas, in order to avoid overdevelopment.”
“The level of development continues to be facilitated by the national planning framework's national policy objective 15, which is to support the sustainable development of rural areas. Once issued, the updated guidelines will expand on the high-level spatial planning policy of the national planning framework, particularly national policy objective 19, which relates to rural housing. The NPO makes a clear policy distinction between rural areas under urban influence, that is, those areas within the commuter catchments of cities, towns and centres of employment, where there is a need to facilitate rural housing on the basis of demonstrable economic and social need on the one hand and, on the other, rural areas where population may be low or declining and rural housing may be facilitated on the basis of siting and design.”
“This will be a priority for me as Minister of State with responsibility for local government and planning, recognising that rural housing continues to be an important component of overall new housing delivery nationally. The vast majority of one-off houses - well in excess of 90% - are built in rural settings. I wish to highlight that, notwithstanding the need for updated housing guidelines, planning permission has been granted for almost 6,000 one-off houses, on average, every year since 2020. Furthermore, one-off houses comprised 20% of housing completions over the 2020-24 period, with an average of 5,200 completed per annum. It is important to note that completion figures remain relatively high and stable at approximately 5,500 for each of the past three years.”