Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 July 2023
493. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether planning permission is likely to be granted in situations to alleviate housing shortages in rural areas where heretofore planning permission has not been readily available for system-built houses or log cabins; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35560/23]
View answerUnder the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended (the Act), there is no specific preclusion to the development of system-built houses or log cabins as a housing type in any specific locations. All development, unless specifically exempted under the Act or associated Regulations, requires planning permission.
Any person may lodge an application for permission to a planning authority in accordance with section 34 of the Act for the construction of a house (which may be a system-built house or log cabin). It is a matter for the relevant planning authority to consider each application on a case-by-case basis and to decide whether to grant permission, subject to or without conditions, or to refuse permission.
In making their decision, planning authorities shall have regard to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area, the policies of Government, Ministerial Guidelines and any submissions or observations received on the application during the public participation process in accordance with section 34 of the Act.
Under section 30 of the Act I, as Minister with responsibility for planning, am specifically precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to any particular case in which a planning authority or the Board is or may be concerned.
