Latest news with #PlanningandDevelopmentAct
Irish Independent
4 days ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
Smaller units, fewer windows, less shared space – how new regulations will shape apartments
Developers will not have to offer a mix of unit type and sizes in apartment blocks and a clause that required them provide a certain number of units above basic specifications has been relaxed. Around 50,000 apartment units in developments that already have planning permission but are not yet started will be allowed to be altered to meet the new standards without having to get fresh permission. The changes were announced by Minister for Housing James Browne who said they would boost apartment building by cutting construction costs by between €50-100,000 per unit. Under the changes, the minimum size of a studio apartment reduces from 37 square metres (sqm) to 32 sqm. The size of a one-bedroom (two person) remains the same at 45sqm. No change has been made to the two-bedroom, three-person apartment or the two-bedroom, four-person apartment which remain at 63sqm and 73sqm respectively. However, the 63sqm apartment, which previously could only make up 10pc of units in a development, now faces no such restriction. The existing three-bedroom, five-person configuration remains the same size at 90sqm. A new apartment configuration is introduced which will allow three bedrooms for four people. It will be a minimum of 76sqm and there will be no restriction on how many there are in a development. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more A rule that required 50pc of apartments in a development to be somewhat bigger than the minimum is now reduced to 25pc. Another rule that required 50pc of apartments in suburban developments and 33pc of apartments in urban developments to be 'dual aspect' - having openable windows on at least two walls – is now reduced to 25pc in all settings. That may be reduced further on a case-by-case basis for infill developments in urban settings. A requirement to provide private amenity space by way of gardens, patios or balconies has been reduced to 50pc of apartments but that may be lowered on a case by case basis for infill developments in urban settings. Requirements for communal outdoor space have not been changed but the regulation that stipulated that indoor space must be set aside for 'communal, community and cultural facilities' has been dropped. There is also now no restriction on the number of apartments that may be clustered around any one stairwell or lift although fire regulations will still influence this. Requirements that developments have a mix of apartment sizes and types are dropped so in theory a development could consist solely of one apartment type. The regulations take effect immediately, with potential implications for developments currently being designed or going through the planning process as developers may wish to amend them. Developments that already have permission but are not commenced will be able to have amendments signed off without having to start afresh with a new planning application. A legislative amendment to the Planning and Development Act required for this to happen is to be passed shortly.
RTÉ News
6 days ago
- Business
- RTÉ News
Stalled McDonalds expansion continues
The expansion of fast food giant McDonalds, stalled by sole objectors against two planned drive-thrus, can continue following An Coimisiún Pleanála giving the green light to the new outlets in Co Waterford and Co Westmeath. Earlier this year, Waterford City and County Council and Westmeath County Council granted planning permission to McDonalds Restaurants of Ireland for new drive-thru restaurants for sites at Waterford Retail Park, Outer Ring Road at Butterstown, Co Waterford and at Lakepoint Retail and Business Park, Delvin Road, Petitswood, Mullingar. The proposals by the US headquartered firm in Co Westmeath and Co Waterford attracted little or no opposition with only one objection lodged in each case. However, those sole objectors, Ray Leonard in Co Westmeath and Michael Feehan in Co Kilkenny lodged appeals An Coimisiun Pleanala putting on hold the plans. Now, An Coimisiún Pleanála has granted planning permission in each case. In response to the appeal by Mr Feehan against the Waterford drive-thru, McDonald's Ireland told the planning commission that the appeal "is vexatious and should be dismissed by the Board" under Section 138 of the Planning and Development Act. However, the inspector in the case, Matthew McRedmond stated that having reviewed the contents of the appeal documentation "I am satisfied that there are sufficient grounds of appeal provided in the third-party appeal". Recommending a grant of permission, Mr McRedmond found that the proposed single-storey building would not conflict with the existing pattern of development in the area and would be acceptable in terms of traffic safety and convenience. The appeals board has ruled that the McDonalds can operate 24 hours a day after McDonalds successfully appealed against a Council planning condition that the outlet operate from 6:30am to 03:00am from Thursday to Saturday and 6:30am to 12.30am Sunday to Wednesday. The fast food giant also requested that the Ray Leonard appeal against the Mullingar outlet be dismissed contending that it was vexatious. However, the planning commission evaluated Mr Leonard's appeal under a number of headings and its inspector, Emma Nevin concluded that the drive-thru would not adversely impact on amenity or commercial viability of the existing retail and business park or Mullingar town itself, nor impact on the character or visual amenity of the area. A third McDonalds drive-thru proposed for Thurles, Co Tipperary is currently before An Coimisiún Pleanála following a third party appeal lodged by a Catherine Fogarty and a decision is due in September. The planning green light follows for the two outlets in Mullingar and Waterford follows Wexford County Council granting planning permission for a new McDonalds at New Ross. McDonalds Ireland also has plans for a new outlet at Carrigaline is Cork and a decision is due in August by Cork County Council. Last year, pre-tax profits at the Irish arm of US fast food giant McDonald's increased by 17pc to €42.43m. Accounts for McDonald's Restaurants of Ireland Ltd show that pre-tax profits decreased as revenues dipped by 1pc from €85.65m to €84.39m. The McDonalds 95 strong branch network here is operated by 19 franchisees. Separate accounts recently lodged by McDonald's charity, Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) provide a good indicator of the total 2024 revenues generated by McDonalds restaurants on the island of Ireland. McDonalds operators here donate 0.04pc of their revenues which amounted to €254,283 last year. The contribution translates to an estimated €635m in McDonald's sales - north and south - in 2024.
Irish Examiner
16-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Former HSE chief Paul Reid to head up planning authority
Former HSE chief executive Paul Reid is set to be appointed as the new chairman of the Government's reformed planning authority, An Comisiún Pleanála. Housing minister James Browne will inform Cabinet today, Tuesday, of the establishment of An Coimisiún Pleanála, which is due to replace An Bord Pleanála as Ireland's planning authority. It comes as Cabinet is set to approve emergency legislation to establish a national rent pressure zone, which would prevent landlords from increasing rents beyond 2%. New structure for An Coimisiún Pleanála The establishment of An Coimisiún Pleanála has been long anticipated, with the previous government's mammoth Planning and Development Act providing the legislative basis for the body. As part of the change, An Coimisiún Pleanála will have a restructured organisation with a new governing body that will be led by Mr Reid. A new chief planning officer will be appointed alongside 14 other planning commissioners. This will replace the previous board structure of An Bord Pleanála. Mandatory timelines for planning decisions A new system of mandatory, statutory timelines for planning decisions will be introduced. This means An Coimisiún Pleanála will be required to make decisions and adjudicate appeals within 18 to 48 weeks. It is understood that Mr Browne believes the changes to the planning authority will radically increase the speed of decision-making, while providing more certainty on timelines. The minister is said to be frustrated with the 'lack of efficiency' in the existing planning system, which he believes is delaying the delivery of homes, one government source said. Nationwide RPZ Mr Browne will also bring forward emergency legislation to introduce a nationwide rent pressure zone. This will expand existing rent pressure zone protections to the approximately 17% of tenancies across the country which are not currently in rent controlled areas. At present, landlords outside rent pressure zones are not restricted in how much they increase their rent each year. It is understood the Government intends to pass the legislation urgently, with hopes it can be done before the summer recess in July. Sources have also indicated that rent pressure zone protections will come into effect on the day after the laws are passed. Rental reform in 2026 The changes to introduce a national rent pressure zone comes ahead of wider rental reform from the Government that is expected to come into effect on March 1, 2026. The new proposals will allow for landlords to reset their rents either after six years or if a tenant voluntarily leaves the property. Private housing on public land Government ministers are also set to approve an expansion to the remit of the Land Development Agency, which would see legislation amended to allow the body develop private housing on public lands. The body will also be permitted to increase the amount of private land it acquires, as well as deliver houses outside its existing operating areas. The agency will also be given stronger land transfer powers for sites owned by commercial State bodies, particularly for sites deemed to be underutilised. Cabinet will also approve any project-level commitments by the agency, which will no longer be required to be reviewed by NewERA — the Government's commercial advisory body — to increase approval speeds. While the Government will approve the changes on Tuesday, it is understood that legislation to give effect to the LDA's expanded remit will be brought to Cabinet in the 'near future'.
Irish Independent
16-06-2025
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Paul Reid to head up new planning body replacing An Bord Pleanála
It is expected that his name will be brought to cabinet to be appointed as chair of An Coimisiún Pleanála. Mr Reid, who took over as head of the HSE in 2019, became a household name during the Covid-19 pandemic. He later stepped down from the position in 2022 to spend more time with his family and the belief that the HSE was 'entering a new phase and that the appointment of a new leader was now timely". The Housing Minister, James Browne, will bring a memo to cabinet tomorrow to establish the new body to replace An Bord Pleanála, in a move to reset the organisation and its culture. This is part of the Planning and Development Act which is designed to reform how planning works in Ireland. The other main part of the legislation that will bring change to An Bord Pleanála is the introduction of mandatory statutory timelines for its decisions. Those timelines range from 18 to 24 weeks and there will be penalties for any failure to comply. This part of the Act is not due to be commenced at the same time as the name change, though it is expected to be in place by the end of 2025.
Irish Examiner
16-06-2025
- Politics
- Irish Examiner
Former HSE boss Paul Reid to be named Planning Authority chair
Former HSE CEO Paul Reid is set to be appointed as the new chairperson of the Government's reformed planning authority, An Comisiún Pleanála. It is understood that housing minister James Browne will bring Mr Reid's name to Cabinet on Tuesday for appointment. Mr Reid, who previously led the HSE and chaired the Citizens Assembly on Drug Use, will take over at An Comisiún Pleanála, which was formally legislated for as part of the mammoth Planning and Development Act 2024. The establishment of An Comisiún Pleanála has been long anticipated, with the previous Government's mammoth Planning and Development Act providing the legislative basis for the new body. The establishment of An Comisiún Pleanála has been long anticipated, with the previous Government's mammoth Planning and Development Act providing the legislative basis for the new body. This will replace the previous board structure of An Bord Pleanála. A new system of mandatory, statutory timelines for planning decisions will be introduced. This means An Comisiún Pleanála will be required to make decisions and adjudicate appeals within 18 to 48 weeks.
