166. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when updated rural housing guidelines will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37216/26]

176. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when will revised rural planning guidelines be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37501/26]

181. Deputy Edward Timmins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage will he expedite revised Rural Planning Guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37564/26]

210. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when he will publish a planning statement setting out relevant planning criteria to be applied in local authority development plans for rural housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37218/26]

219. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on proposed new rural housing guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37514/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 166, 176, 181, 210 and 219 together.

As set out in Delivering Homes, Building Communities, I intend to publish a National Planning Statement in of the second half of 2026 that will set out relevant planning criteria to be applied in local authority development plans for rural housing, based on the high level policy framework set in the National Planning Framework (NPF).

My Department is currently preparing a draft Statement for Government approval, to be issued under Section 25 of the Planning and Development Act of 2024 in order to provide consistency in the approach to rural housing across the country.

The NPS will expand on the high level spatial planning policy of the National Planning Framework, in particular on National Policy Objective (NPO) 28 which relates to rural housing. This objective makes a clear distinction between rural areas under urban influence (i.e. areas within the commuter catchment of cities, large towns and centres of employment), where the policy approach is to facilitate new rural housing for those with a local rural housing need, and wider rural areas where there is greater flexibility to build single rural housing. NPO 28 is also aligned with the established approach whereby considerations of social or economic need are to be applied by planning authorities in the assessment of development proposals for new one-off housing in rural areas under urban influence.

Since the publication of the current Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines in 2005 under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (which continue to have effect in addition to subsequent clarifications and national policy changes in the NPF) there have been important changes to our planning system and our obligations under European Directives and international agreements. Due care is being taken to ensure the draft Statement will not conflict with fundamental EU freedoms, will comply with EU environmental requirements and will have due regard to decisions of the European Court of Justice.

Under Section 25 of the 2024 Act, draft National Planning Statements are subject to approval by Government prior to issue by the Minister.