Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 February 2022
60. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will extend article 10(6) an exemption change of use from commercial to residential; if the classes that qualify for the exemption will be expanded upon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5369/22]
View answerThe Planning and Development (Amendment) (No.2) Regulations 2018, which came into operation on 8 February 2018, provide for an exemption from the requirement to obtain planning permission in respect of the change of use of certain vacant commercial premises to residential use, including the conversion of vacant areas above ground floor commercial premises to residential use. This measure was aimed at facilitating the productive re-use of qualifying vacant commercial buildings as homes, while also facilitating urban renewal and the bringing on stream of increased housing supply. The original expiry date of the Regulations was 31 December 2021 which was subsequently extended to 25 February 2022 arising from the Covid-related shutdown of the planning system for 8 weeks during the period March to May 2020, which extended all planning timelines by 8 weeks.
The Government's plan for housing - Housing for All commits to reviewing and extending the 2018 regulations to the end of 2025.
Under section 262(4) of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, legislative proposals in relation to exempted development require the approval of both Houses of the Oireachtas before they can be signed into law. It is intended to submit draft regulations in this regard to the Oireachtas for approval shortly.
