160. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide an update on the development of guidelines relating to backyard modular or compact dwellings; when he expects these guidelines to be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47864/26]

Significant progress on the review of Exempted Development Regulations has been made. A successful public consultation took place last year with over 900 submissions received via the online portal. The details in these submissions have been reviewed and have informed the on-going drafting of the updated Exempted Development Regulations that will be forthcoming across 2026.

The implementation of the update of these regulations is being done on a phased basis, by theme, with priority already having been given to the exemptions relating to domestic dwellings. These domestic dwellings regulations are at advanced draft stage and include exemptions for detached auxiliary dwellings to the rear of the main dwelling. The final decisions on the specifics of these regulations will be communicated and brought forward for implementation as soon as possible.

It is intended that updated Exempted Development Regulations for residential development will be signed into law as soon as possible.

The new draft Exempted Development Regulations are subject to formal environmental consideration, before being laid in draft form before the Houses of the Oireachtas. This process will also necessitate formal engagement with the Joint Oireachtas Committee for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and an appearance will be sought before the Committee at the earliest opportunity, once the environmental assessment process is complete.