I propose to take Questions Nos. 351 and 352 together.
Since 2018, the National Planning Framework (NPF) is the national planning policy document providing overall strategic policy for the future development of Ireland through specific National Policy Objectives (NPOs) that support the overall rural and small town pattern of development in Ireland.
In policy terms, NPO 19 of the NPF aims to ensure that a distinction is made between areas experiencing significant overspill development pressure from urban areas, particularly within the commuter catchment of cities, towns and centres of employment, on the one hand, and other remoter and structurally weaker rural areas where population levels may be low and or declining, on the other. NPO 19 is also aligned with the established approach whereby considerations of social (intrinsic part of the community) or economic (persons working full or part time) need may be applied by planning authorities in rural areas under urban influence.
Under the Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Sustainable Rural Housing 2005, which were issued under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 as amended, planning authorities are required to frame the planning policies in their development plans in a balanced and measured way that ensures the housing needs of rural communities are met, while avoiding excessive urban-generated housing. The Guidelines are available on the Government’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/23809-sustainable-rural-housing-development-guidelines/ .
Draft updated Rural Housing Planning Guidelines are currently being finalised that will continue to allow for the development of homes in rural areas while also highlighting the need to manage certain areas around cities and towns in order to avoid over-development of those areas. This will enable a more consistent approach to local need criteria and reference to remote working, appropriate to context. There is a need to screen the draft guidelines for environmental assessment purposes and also to allow for a period of consultation, which means that the timeline for publication of the draft guidelines for consultation will be dependent on whether “full” environmental assessment of the guidelines is required.