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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“However, the Government's new housing plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities, is an integrated housing and homelessness plan which aims to deliver 300,000 new homes by the end of 2030, including 72,000 social homes and 90,000 affordable homes. The Government is focused on making sure that everyone has access to good quality, secure homes that suit their needs. To achieve this, the largest ever housing budget in the history of the State has been secured in 2026, with in excess of €9 billion in capital funding through the Exchequer, the Land Development Agency and the Housing Finance Agency to support the delivery of social, starter and cost-rental homes and to bring existing vacant and derelict properties into use as homes.”
“I thank the Senator and assure her that supporting individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness, including victims and survivors of domestic abuse, and utilising existing vacant and derelict buildings are absolute priorities for this Government. I thank Senator Comyn for raising this matter this afternoon. The response to domestic, sexual and gender-based violence is a cross-departmental and multi-agency issue, with overall policy co-ordinated by the Department of justice. Responsibility for the development and provision of services to support victims and survivors rests with the Minister for justice, working in conjunction with Cuan, the relevant statutory agency under the remit of that Department.”
“I have a couple more concluding comments and would appreciate some latitude, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle, because I was interrupted several times. We are aware of the collective complaint that was made to the European Committee of Social Rights in Strasbourg in 2017. It is for that very reason that Dublin City Council has been working on plans to regenerate all such flats through either deep retrofit or demolition and rebuild. The unparalleled funding available to local authorities through delivering homes and building communities will continue to be a key focus of this Government because both the Minister and I want to ensure that these flat complexes and other regeneration projects across the country are delivered.”
“The Department is acutely aware that regeneration programmes cannot succeed without the input from local communities. That is why Dublin City Council continues to seek input from existing communities in flat complexes at each stage of the regeneration process.”
“That loss of 28 homes was not acceptable, given the current shortage of homes. A more appropriate response to this issue has been suggested by my Department, whereby flats that are currently configured as two-bedroom flats, with floor spaces of 48 sq. m should be converted into one-bedroom, two-person flats that would satisfy the minimum floor area standards for apartments. Coupled with this, Dublin City Council is proposing to develop an adjacent site at Bridgefoot Street in which larger families from the Oliver Bond Street complex could be accommodated, thus maintaining an appropriate mix of household types and sizes within the complex. The clear focus of Government is on driving delivery and increasing the number of homes available for use by all individuals and families.”
“To that end, and recognising the efforts of Dublin City Council to create an agreeable and sustainable plan, funding of €13 million for the retrofit and deep refurbishment of four blocks at Pearse House has recently been approved by my Department. This follows an initial rejection of an amalgamation proposal from DCC, which would have resulted in the loss of 43% of existing homes at a very high cost. The Department is currently working with the Council to find an equally appropriate solution for the Oliver Bond House flat complex. This remains a priority regeneration project for Dublin City Council and for the Department. A recent funding submission received from the council for blocks L, M and N included a reduction of existing homes from 74 to 46, a 38% decrease in existing homes.”
“In relation to Pearse House and the Oliver Bond Street flat complexes, this Government recognises the need and potential difficulties of regeneration in fully tenanted, ageing buildings. As I have said, we do not want to see anybody living in substandard accommodation.”
“The Department has also provided funding approval for regeneration projects in Dublin city, where DCC is working on the design, including Pearse House, Dublin 2, Dolphin House 1B, School Street, Dublin 8, Constitution Hill phase 2, Dublin 7, as well as Glover's Court, Dublin 2. In addition, the Government is supporting the Land Development Agency in its objective to deliver social and affordable homes at scale, and it is partnering with Dublin City Council to deliver significant schemes at Donore Avenue at the former St. Theresa's Gardens flat complex, Bluebell Waterways, Dublin 12 and Cherry Orchard. The LDA has also engaged with Dublin City Council in planning for significant social and cost rental delivery at Dolphin House flat complex.”
“-----100 homes as part of Dolphin House phase 1, and 32 homes for older persons at Glin Court in Coolock. The Department is funding eight projects currently on-site, delivering almost 1,000 homes at a total investment cost of €490 million. Additionally, Dublin City Council has a strong pipeline of regeneration projects that are currently at implementation phase, with building contractors on-site and construction progressing rapidly. These include 163 homes at Dorset Street, St. Mary's, Dublin 1, 102 homes at St. Anne's Court, Dublin 5 and 46 homes at Constitution Hill, phase 1, Dublin 7.”
“-----in the regeneration of Dublin city, which is in stark contrast to the motion before us. The Department has funded Dublin City Council to the tune of €120 million for social housing regeneration projects completed in recent years, refurbishing or rebuilding 345 homes, including 72 homes at Dominick Street east-----”
“These three regeneration projects will revitalise their communities and deliver over 2,000 mixed-tenure homes, including cost-rental, affordable purchase and social housing once all phases are completed, with the support of Exchequer funding of over €460 million. This is clear evidence of the significant investment that Government is making-----”
“Significant work is ongoing within the council's portfolio of regeneration projects as a direct result of extensive supports the Government is providing. Large-scale, mixed-tenure redevelopments are beginning to bear fruit, transforming their respective communities and delivering housing at scale. The Donore project at the former St. Teresa's Gardens flat complex, as well as the Montpelier development at the former O'Devaney Gardens-----”
“Dublin City Council is working closely with the Department to determine the best solution for each complex, be that demolition and rebuild resulting in mixed-tenure communities or, where appropriate, deep retrofit and remedial works. Mention has been made of local authority staffing and while it should be noted that the operational responsibility for staff lies with Dublin City Council and the chief executive, I assure the Chamber that my Department will consider all staffing requests that can add value to the delivery of housing in the city and across the country. With funding from my Department, Dublin City Council is delivering significant regeneration in Dublin city and we are supporting the council's ambitious pipeline of regeneration projects.”
“Thank you, a Leas Cheann-Comhairle. As I was saying before I was rudely interrupted by the other side of the House, local authorities do generate significant rental income that should supplement central government funding in the area of maintenance because nobody in this Government wants to see anybody living in substandard accommodation.”
“-----or when loss of homes cannot be avoided, such decisions are fully justified. Furthermore, over €230 million per annum of Exchequer funding is being provided to local authorities under the planned maintenance and voids programmes, the energy retrofit programme and the regeneration and refurbishment programme, all of which are proving vital in the refurbishment and maintenance of local authority stock nationwide. Contrary to what the Opposition is saying, the Government does not accept there is an issue of underfunding. Local authorities generate significant-----”
“It is a fact that we are delivering the largest investment in social housing in the history of the State. That investment is being directed specially towards delivery of new social homes, the regeneration of older complexes and the refurbishment and maintenance of existing stock. This is a sustained, multi-annual commitment, not a short-term response. Regeneration is actively happening across Dublin city.”
“I thank the Deputies opposite for tabling the motion, which relates to flat complex retrofit regeneration in Dublin city. While the Government cannot support the motion, I welcome the opportunity to set out its clear and robust position on the issues the motion raises and to table a countermotion. Within the programme for Government 2025, Securing Ireland's Future, a commitment was specifically made to continue to accelerate social housing regeneration schemes across Dublin. In our housing plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities, the Government commits to a social housing regeneration and remedial works programme for ageing flat complexes and estates nationwide. Social housing is absolutely a central priority for this Government, with 72,000 units planned under our housing action plan to the end of 2030.”
“I move: To delete all words after "Dáil Éireann" and substitute the following: "notes that: — the Programme for Government commits to continue and accelerate Social Housing regeneration schemes in Dublin, and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage continues and commits to support regeneration projects submitted by Dublin City Council (DCC) that do not result in any significant loss of homes; — the Government's objective is to maximise the quality and availability of homes within the established inner-city flat complexes, and to ensure that they are to an acceptable standard; — DCC, through funding from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, are focused on eradicating any sub-standard conditions that have arisen in aging flat complexes, and this directly addresses the issues raised in the collective complaint to the European Committee of Social Rights at the Council of Europe, Strasbourg; — the Government is fully committed to working with DCC to ensure that all plans to regenerate all such flats, through either deep-retrofit or demolition and re-build, comes to fruition; — the Government has shown its commitment through National Development Plan funding of €20 billion for housing, which includes support for Dublin City regeneration; — a number of funding channels are available to local authorities to support regeneration projects, including the Social Housing Investment Programme, the Affordable Housing Fund, the Capital Advance Leasing Facility, the Cost Rental Equity Loan, and through the Regeneration and Refurbishment Programme; — an unprecedented level of funding is available to local authorities through these schemes, totalling over €3.4 billion in 2026; — local authorities are supported by almost €260 million per annum for the management and maintenance of local authority housing stock, through the Planned Maintenance/Voids Programme (€40 million), Energy Efficiency Retrofit Programme (€140 million), Housing Adaptation Grant for Disabled People (€28.5 million), and the Regeneration and Refurbishment Programme (€50 million); — the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, has recently approved funding of €13.8 million for the deep retrofitting of 78 flats across four blocks at Pearse House; — the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage are working with DCC on a proposal for retrofitting the flats at Oliver Bond House, that will not result in a significant loss of housing, but will result in all homes being upgraded to modern standards; — the Minister and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage will continue to support such retrofitting of these aging flats to bring them in-line with modern standards, and previous delivery of projects, such as the successful estate retrofit and regeneration or demolition and re-build of Killarney Court, Dolphin House Phase 1 and O'Devaney Gardens, shows that a pathway exists for successful delivery of inner-city regeneration to the satisfaction of all stakeholders, and the Government, and the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, are fully committed to continue this work; — the Government continues to recognise and support the needs of our strong and vibrant longstanding inner city communities, and recognises the value of their input and valuable lived experience to the planned regeneration of inner-city flat complexes, and this work is continuing throughout DCC, and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is happy to assess each proposal that is submitted by DCC; and — the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage works closely with the local government sector to ensure that delivery teams are fully resourced, and continues to do so, and are awaiting a report from a County and City Management Association working group on local authority social and affordable housing resources, and the Chief Executive of DCC has ultimate operational responsibility for the organisational structure of DCC, including additional staff requirements.".”
“In the context of the €12 billion we are allocating to water in the national development plan, every cent of that will be put to good use because we need to build that resilience into the network right across the country. It is true to say that there has been underinvestment in water over many years and catch-up is required. It is also true to say that Uisce Éireann needs to streamline its processes to ensure that infrastructure is delivered in a quicker manner. It is also true to say, and it has been raised by other Deputies, that communication needs to be better. That has been raised with Uisce Éireann by the Minister, Deputy Browne. For my own part, I have regular engagements with Uisce Éireann, particularly around connection times in relation to the developer-led infrastructure initiative and other matters, as the Minister has too.”
“The Deputy raised valid points, particularly around the reservoir levels. Obviously, I cannot answer to that specific case in the Deputy's constituency, but he is correct in pointing out that the significant investment of taxpayer's money we are allocating to Uisce Éireann as a utility company to be able to deliver those generational projects, and also to deliver those smaller projects right across the country, is critical to ensuring we are able to develop the quantum of housing required for our people. Only two weeks ago, in Dungarvan, County Waterford, I turned the sod on a water facility, which is a €29.5 million investment. It is being replicated right across the country to build that resilience into the network, as in the wider Dungarvan area, not only for the existing population but for what will be projected going forward.”
“Major projects in every part of the country are being progressed, including two generational investments in the water infrastructure - the greater Dublin drainage project and the water supply project for the eastern and midlands region. Under the NDP, €2.5 billion has been specifically allocated for these projects. This overall investment will deliver significant improvements in our public water and wastewater services, not only meeting the Government's commitments in the programme for Government but also meeting Ireland's obligations under UN goals. These are very serious issues. Of course, I accept the Deputy's bona fides in raising these matters. Other Deputies have concerns around the country as well. The response times are something that the Minister, Deputy Browne, has raised directly with Uisce Éireann.”
“It is continuing this work with over €1 billion in further investment up to the end of 2029 to fix leaks and replace pipes to improve service and provide a more reliable water supply. The revised national development plan, which was launched last July by Government, provides record funding of €12.2 billion for the water sector, of which €11.7 billion will be allocated to Uisce Éireann to support the delivery of large projects and critical infrastructure required to deliver 300,000 new dwellings by 2030. Uisce Éireann has said it is committed to delivering a multibillion euro capital investment programme under the revised national development plan.”
“Since 2014, Uisce Éireann's capital investment has grown from €300 million to €1.4 billion under budget 2026. This sustained investment will support the delivery of key strategic programmes and projects in our cities and regions to deliver the additional water service capacity required for new housing targets, while prioritising public health and safeguarding the environment. Uisce Éireann is also committed to improving water supply by reducing leakage and carrying out upgrades to the infrastructure to ensure it can obtain maximum output. Much of Ireland's drinking water is lost to leaks before it reaches our taps. To conserve this precious resource, Uisce Éireann has invested €2 billion to upgrade the underground water network across the country through the delivery of a leakage reduction programme.”
“In response to the complex challenges facing the water sector, we have developed strategic objectives and supporting actions that will help us address our most critical needs and ensure that we continue to deliver sustainable water and wastewater services for the long term. These key objectives are highlighted in Uisce Éireann's water services strategic plan, which was approved by Government last year. The water services strategic plan presents Uisce Éireann's objectives for the next 25 years and the means by which they will be achieved. It aligns to requirements set out in the Water Services Act 2013. The first water services strategic plan was published in 2015. This was then replaced by the strategic service plan 2050, which was approved by the Minister, Deputy Browne, as I said, last year.”
“I thank the Deputy for raising what is obviously an important matter. It is an issue of concern both locally and nationally. I appreciate the impact and challenges that shortages and outages of water have on communities around the country where they occur. As the Deputy will be aware, since 1 January 2014, Uisce Éireann has statutory responsibility for all aspects of water services planning, delivery and operation at a national, regional and local level, including investment in wastewater treatment plants, returning wastewater safely to the environment in an efficient and sustainable manner and supplying drinking water to the population across the country. That being said, the Government is equally concerned with ensuring citizens receive adequate water services and as such is delivering significant investment in our water infrastructure.”
“There are obviously pros and cons to what the Senator is suggesting in respect of removing commercial at ground-floor level. The commercial-to-residential exemption from planning does provide for that but the vacant above-the-shop grant does exactly that by providing for residential units above a commercial unit.”
“I thank the Senator for raising this important matter and giving me an opportunity to update the House. I assure the Senator that the Government absolutely recognises the importance of tackling vacancy and dereliction and we continue to be committed to addressing these issues through a range of measures and with the support of all key stakeholders, including our local authorities. In particular, the Government has invested in the provision of dedicated vacant homes officers and town regeneration officers, working with local authorities specifically on vacancy and dereliction-related issues locally. These staff operate in conjunction with wider local authority teams that place an emphasis on town regeneration and bringing under-utilised buildings back into use.”
“Having been involved in scouts all my life, I understand the needs but I also understand that scouting organisations, by their nature, are well able to adapt. In my days in scouting, we were in a very small area. That being said, I understand the need for community facilities. Créches are obviously important for a growing community like this one which has the potential for 2,000 homes. However, I will take back the Deputy's comment to the Minister who engages with the LDA on a regular basis. It is important when we are developing new communities of scale that we get it right and that we learn from issues of the past. Certainly, the Deputy, as an Oireachtas Government representative, Deputy Ó Muirí and others will continue to engage on this matter.”
“I thank the Deputy. Obviously, the successful delivery of projects of this scale are certainly dependent on a number of factors and that includes engagement with the community. Certainly, I know the Deputy would have written to his colleague, the Minister, Deputy Browne, in this respect and I am informed that there has been consultation meetings which have included meetings with local councillors, drop-in clinics for members of the public, meetings held with the community association there, as well as engagement with Oireachtas Members and Dublin City Council. I take the Deputy's point as regards the meaningful nature of that and trying to shape the community and plans that are required and obviously meeting the needs of the community in the area. The Deputy mentioned the scout group.”
“As noted previously, the development of this site has an overall potential for more than 2,000 homes and its completion will assist in meeting our housing need in this part of north Dublin, the Deputy’s constituency, which I know he represents with distinction. I am assured the Land Development Agency will continue to prioritise the delivery of the much-needed social and affordable housing, along with the provision of the other amenities on this site. However, I note some of the Deputy’s comments regarding the engagement, which I will perhaps take up in my follow-on.”
“My understanding is that will comprise of 630 affordable and 70 social units across a whole range of housing typologies, together with the provision of a second créche space and other cultural amenities. I understand that the commercial focus during this phase will be the strategic distribution of amenities, such as retail and other services across Main Street, Market Street and Station Square, and consolidating activities around Station Square to create a real town focal point, providing for both day and night-time uses. Furthermore, the Land Development Agency is also advancing engagements with Dublin City Council and other agencies on the provision of consolidated multi-purpose community space for the Clongriffin area, to be delivered in phase 3 of this scheme.”
“I note the Deputy said there is a deficit in community infrastructure but my notes say that in addition to the much-needed homes, a créche to cater for up to 99 children, together with community and arts space, along with landscaped public areas and a new public park, are also planned for delivery within this phase of the development. The Land Development Agency has advised officials in my Department that phase 1 of this project is on course for delivery of new homes from quarter 4 of this year, which is obviously a positive development. Subject to planning permission, which is the thrust of the Deputy’s Topical Issue this morning, phase 2 will see the delivery of over 700 new homes.”
“I thank the Deputy for raising this matter in the House today. As the Deputy knows, the Land Development Agency, LDA, acquired land beside Clongriffin train station from the market with existing permission in 2023. It subsequently sought and was granted approval for a revised planning application, broadly similar to the existing planning which took into account the new objectives and policies in Dublin City Council's development plan 2022-2028. The development on the site has an overall potential for more than 2,000 homes upon full completion. Construction of Phase 1 commenced in February 2025 and will provide for a total of 408 apartments, comprising 367 cost rental and 41 social housing homes to be delivered across two blocks.”
“I will take it away from this Topical Issue debate to write formally to Uisce Éireann in that respect to see what may be done in the interim period. I recognise that a town of the nature of Kanturk and many equivalent towns right across the country have to be able to be developed if we are to achieve our housing targets. It is one of the reasons we have introduced that developer-led infrastructure initiative and are learning from the mistakes of the past where substandard infrastructure was put in place. There is now a very clear framework that is in place between Uisce Éireann and the EPA that projects would be delivered to a set standard and specification and on completion will be taken in charge and operated in perpetuity by Uisce Éireann. That may be an option. I thank the Deputy for raising this matter.”
“There is no question that our water and wastewater systems require substantial and sustained investment over a number of cycles to be able to bring it up to the quality required for a modern service. On the upgrading of plants, there have been many plants across the county that have been upgraded over the past number of years. I compliment Uisce Éireann for its work in that respect. However, there is a hell of a lot more work to be done. That is why the Government is investing record sums of money in Uisce Éireann. The Deputy mentioned points on bridging infrastructure, the piece that I mentioned around the developer-led infrastructure, and of course, there is the overall upgrade of the plant, which is necessary. In the interim, as the Deputy rightly pointed out, there may be options worth exploring.”
“Uisce Éireann has made investments in upgrading wastewater treatment infrastructure across County Cork since 2014 and remains committed to doing so under the future investment plans, which the Government has funded under the national development plan to the tune of €11.7 billion. This investment is going to support the delivery of key projects in cities and regions to deliver additional water services capacity for the new housing targets. That is what we expect Uisce Éireann to do with the capital allocations that we have made as a Government.”
“This developer-led infrastructure enables developers to design and construct wastewater infrastructure, in conjunction with Uisce Éireann, to agreed standards with the infrastructure owned by Uisce Eireann upon completion. In areas such as Kanturk where capacity is currently constrained, an application under the developer-led infrastructure initiative may provide a pathway to support development in advance of planned network upgrades, subject to meeting the relevant technical, environmental and planning requirements. Uisce Éireann is available to engage with developers at an early stage to assess proposals and support the progression of suitable projects.”
“This involves undertaking a detailed analysis, developing a shortlist of solutions and finding a preferred option for the shortlisted projects. That should be achievable in a shorter period of time. I will take that back to Uisce Éireann because the Deputy is correct. We cannot have a situation where we cannot have development in an area. The Deputy said it is not acceptable or sustainable and I agree with him in relation to that. There may be elements of bridging infrastructure that may be possible. I also point to the new developer-led wastewater services infrastructure initiative, which took effect on 4 March 2026. This might be an option for housing development in the interim.”
“Any proposed development requires engagement with Uisce Éireann to assess feasibility on a case-by-case basis. In other words, connection applications need to be assessed on an individual basis considering their specific load requirements. Engagement with Uisce Éireann’s connections and developer services team ahead of planning a project is recommended and required. Uisce Éireann recognises the need to enhance wastewater treatment capacity in Kanturk and a planned upgrade is under way. This project is currently at the strategic assessment stage, where Uisce Éireann develops the project rationale and objectives, project outcomes, lists of potential options and an indicative range of costs. This work will continue in 2026 as the project progresses to a preliminary business case, which should be completed by quarter 1 of 2027.”
“I thank the Deputy very much for raising what is a very important issue for the area of Kanturk - an area that the Deputy is exceptionally passionate about. The operation of public wastewater treatment, together with the operational issues locally, are matters for Uisce Éireann, which has statutory responsibility for all aspects of water services, planning, delivery and operational at national, regional and local levels. Neither the Minister, Deputy Browne, nor I have a function in the matters which the Deputy refers. However, that being said, I have made inquiries with Uisce Éireann on foot of the Deputy's Topical Issue being submitted. I have been informed that there are, obviously, capacity constraints on the wastewater treatment plant at Kanturk. This is currently under review.”
“On planning, we are simplifying the system to ensure timely decisions are made, red tape is cut and that people have a reasonable expectation of receiving planning permission for a home, particularly in rural Ireland, where they want to continue to put down roots and support their local communities”
“That mandate matters and should not be cast aside lightly, just for political manoeuvring. We have never been found wanting in financial difficulties, such as during the Covid-19 pandemic, the Ukraine war and other shocks caused by global factors. That is why we took steps to intervene prior to the Easter break and now to support our people again. It is because we recognise more needs to be done and we will do more, particularly at budget time, to support workers, families and businesses. Now is not the time for the Government to stop its work. Now is the time to continue delivering, especially on housing. Last year, we delivered 36,000 homes. That is real progress. We are determined to build on it and not abandon it for political theatre.”
“Let us be clear about what is happening today. At a time of real global uncertainty, when families are worried about the cost of living and when businesses are planning for an unpredictable future, the motion of no confidence is not about stability or solutions; it is about opportunism. Sinn Féin is seeking to collapse the Government because it thinks it can benefit from chaos. It offers noise but not clarity, disruption but not delivery. While Sinn Féin tries to create instability, the Government is getting on with the job at hand. We are helping people through an array of supports and targeted measures to back workers and families through continued investment in schools, hospitals and communities. We were given a mandate to govern. We are working hard every day to deliver on that responsibility.”
“I thank the Deputy. We have sent the finalised regulations for screening and once the screening is done we will bring them before the Oireachtas joint committee. That is in relation to the domestic exemptions. The next set of regulations is the infrastructure exemptions, which are being finalised as well.”
“We are working on finalising that national planning statement within our Department. The Department of enterprise is progressing the legislation through the committee to try to ensure we have this in place as quickly as possible.”
“I appreciate the concerns in the sector among those who have been operating in this space for quite some time. I have a number of them in my constituency, as I am sure the Senator does in Limerick. The Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment has published the general scheme of short term letting and tourism Bill which will establish that register to be managed by Fáilte Ireland. It is the intention that the national planning statement will assist local authorities by providing clarity, as I outlined in my original response, that areas with populations of up to 20,000 will, in general, be looked upon in a favourable manner, subject to conditions, of course, while in areas with populations above 20,000, in general they will not be facilitated, subject as well to a number of conditions.”
“The national planning statement will ensure there is a clear view both at national and local authority level as to the overall policy approach to determining planning applications for short-term lets. National planning statements replaced section 28 ministerial guidance and require the approval of Government. They are intended to provide consistent national planning policies that all regional and local authorities must follow. This will ensure better alignment with Government priorities and more effective delivery of housing and infrastructure throughout the country.”
“In line with existing established rights, where it can be proven that a residential property has been operated by a short-term letting accommodation provider for at least seven years and no enforcement action has been taken by the planning authority, planning permission for retention may be sought to regularise an established but unauthorised use. To give effect to the agreed policy framework approach, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is finalising a national planning statement, under section 25 of the Planning and Development Act 2024, for short-term letting activity to supplement and support the introduction of the short-term letting and tourism Bill.”
“These regulations provided that, where a person owns a property which is not their principal private residence and intends to let it for short-term letting purposes, they are required to apply for a change of use planning permission, unless the property already has a specific planning permission to be used for tourism or short-term letting purposes. Approval was received from the Government on 15 April 2025 for a threshold-based approach to generally preclude new planning permissions for short-term lets in larger towns and cities with a population in excess of 20,000 at the most recent census of population, subject to Cabinet approval. It is intended that accommodation providers in all other locations, that is, outside the largest towns and cities, will have an extended period to meet planning compliance requirements.”
“I thank Senator Byrne for raising this matter in the House. Action 7.16 of Delivering Homes, Building Communities 2025-2030 states that the Government will: Introduce increased regulation of the Short-Term Letting sector by: introducing a Short Term Letting and Tourism Bill; and a National Planning Statement will provide guidance for local authorities when deciding on planning applications for short-term lets. On 1 July 2019, planning legislative reforms to regulate the short-term letting sector came into effect as an amendment to the Planning and Development Act 2000 and the 2001 regulations.”