Emergency legislation to ‘unlock’ stalled developments in Limerick

NEW emergency planning legislation “will help to unlock housing developments currently stalled in Limerick due to judicial review”.

The Government has approved the priority drafting of new legislation that will allow developers to pause the clock on time lost due to judicial reviews, giving them their lost time back to allow building to progress.

It will also allow developers with two years left on their planning permission to apply for up to a three-year extension if they apply for an extension within six months of the legislation commencing. 

If a development is substantially completed, the holder can get the extra two years under the current rules, meaning an extension of planning permission for up to five years.

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Minister of State Niall Collins said the approval by Cabinet of new emergency legislation to fulfil the potential of existing planning permissions is very welcome.

“This legislation is a practical measure that will give back time to developers who have been unable to begin building due to losing time in the judicial process.

“The legislation will allow those with permission that is due to expire in two years' time to apply for a three-year extension. Additionally, if the housing development is substantially completed, holders of planning permission can get the extra two years under the current rules, meaning an extension of up to five years,” explained Mr Collins.

The Fianna Fail minister said this emergency legislation, which will be completed before the Summer, is “a common-sense housing activation measure introduced by Minister Browne which will help to get more housing moving in Limerick”.

"It is something to be welcomed as a practical measure that will help people get more homes in our communities and I know it will be followed by further, significant actions by the minister in the coming weeks,” said Mr Collins.

Minister for Housing, James Browne said “This is about getting things moving and ensuring we don’t lose out on important developments due to the challenges the sector has faced in recent years.

"There is clear evidence that there are a number of permissions for housing that are due to expire shortly that have not yet been commenced and there have been calls for an extension to all current permissions.”

Mr Browne said he “wants shovels in the ground and homes built”.