Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputies. To answer Deputy Flaherty, we are all conscious of the increase in the cost of building materials due to external factors, including the war in Ukraine and inflationary measures. It certainly is a significant barrier. If we look at the number of approvals of new developments, the planning system in Ireland continues to deliver substantial planning permission for new homes every year in Ireland, with 10,573 planning applications submitted in 2023. The number of planning permissions granted for one-off housing in 2021 was 7,499. It was 6,924 in 2022 and 5,032 in 2023. We are seeing one-off housing being constructed in all rural areas.

Certainly, we cannot rest on our laurels. The draft guidelines have to be formed through due process involving legal review and ministerial approval. On the finalisation of the draft guidelines, they will be published. They will be focused on a public consultation process. It is the ambition of this Government to publish them at some point.

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