455. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether, in the context of any proposals to provide exempted development provisions for detached cabins or modular units within the curtilage of a dwelling house, minimum or proportionate private open space requirements are being considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48806/26]

456. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether he is considering the introduction of exempted development provisions for detached cabins or modular units already constructed within the curtilage of an owner occupied dwelling house for use as student accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48807/26]

457. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether he is examining the introduction of exempted development provisions for detached cabins or modular units within the curtilage of an owner occupied dwelling house for use as student accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48808/26]

498. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when he expects to conclude the ratification of the proposed Exempted Development Regulations for Residential Dwellings by the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49445/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 455, 456, 457 and 498 together.

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, including those relating to tenure and private open space requirements, 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.