Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 239: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if there has been a review of the operation of the planning exemption which applies for the conversion of private houses to bed and breakfast use; his views on whether this system adequately takes into account the possible impact on the amenity of neighbouring homes; and if he has proposals to modify the planning exemption in any way. [4340/05]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Article 10(4) of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 sets out an exemption for development consisting of the use of not more than four bedrooms in a house, where each bedroom is used for the accommodation of not more than four persons, as overnight guest accommodation. The exemption does not apply where the development in question would contravene a condition attached to a planning permission or be inconsistent with any use specified or included in such a permission.

The exemption was reviewed and revised when drawing up the 2001 regulations which were subsequently endorsed by the Oireachtas. No problems relating to the application of the exemption have been brought to my Department's attention and I have no plans to amend the legislation in this regard.