Darragh O'Brien
Question:66. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government when the new rural planning guidelines will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51868/19]
View answerWednesday, 11 December 2019
Questions (66, 83)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:83. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government when he plans to introduce new rural housing guidelines in view of the Flemish Decree judgment of the European Court of Justice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51116/19]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 66 and 83 together.
Following engagement between the European Commission and my Department regarding the European Court of Justice ruling in the "Flemish Decree" case, a working group was established to review and, where necessary, recommend changes to the 2005 Planning Guidelines on Sustainable Rural Housing, issued under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended. The working group comprises senior officials from the Planning Division of my Department and senior officials from the Planning Divisions of local authorities, nominated by the local government sector.
In parallel, my Department is reviewing the Development Plan Guidelines for Planning Authorities, to update guidance in light of both legislative changes and the introduction of the National Planning Framework (NPF) and Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies. In line with the NPF objective 37, my Department is also working on guidance on preparation of Housing Need Demand Assessments, which will inform housing strategies and associated land use zoning policies.
Thereafter, I propose to finalise revisions to the 2005 Rural Housing Guidelines, taking account of the engagement with the European Commission, the relevant European Court of Justice rulings and the completion of the ongoing deliberations by the working group.