Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 September 2021
106. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he plans to legislate to grant a further extension to planning permissions for residential housing delayed by Covid-19 and by building supply issues; if he has estimated the numbers of such permissions due to expire without completion in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46345/21]
View answerConstruction work has been significantly impacted, with both delays and site closures throughout 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic and associated restrictions. Therefore, on 9 September 2021, new provisions were commenced to allow for applications, subject to certain conditions, for further extensions of duration of planning permission of 2 years or until 31 December 2023, which ever first occurs, under section 42(1B) of the Planning and Development Act 2000. This further extension period takes into account the restrictions on construction and disruptions in logistics, supply chains, and the availability of personnel when restarting construction work after the closure of building sites over the last year. Accordingly, I have no plans to provide for further legislation for extensions to planning permissions for residential housing.
An estimate of the number of planning permissions for residential housing delayed by Covid-19 and by building supply issues due to expire without completion in 2021 is not available in my Department. It is a matter for the relevant planning authority, in respect of any permission due to expire without completion in 2021, to determine on a case by case basis whether the conditions for granting a further extension of the period are satisfied.
