Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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139. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the status of the new regulations being drafted by his Department whereby the owners of empty commercial buildings will be able to convert their properties into apartments without seeking planning permission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22236/17]

Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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The proposal to allow for the change of use of vacant commercial premises in urban areas into residential units without having to go through the planning process was reflected in the Government's Rebuilding Ireland Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness, published in July 2016.

My Department is currently progressing the drafting of the necessary revisions to the planning regulations to give effect to this action. It is intended that the new regulations, which will require the approval of both Houses of the Oireachtas, will be made before the Oireachtas Summer recess.