Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has welcomed the signing of two new sets of Exempted Development regulations that will reduce planning barriers for farmers and extend key measures to bring vacant commercial buildings back into residential use.
The regulations, signed today, update Agriculture Exempted Development provisions for the first time in almost 25 years and extend the planning exemption for change of use from vacant commercial to residential properties for a further three years, until 31 December 2028.
Welcoming the announcement, Minister Canney said the measures deliver practical planning reform while maintaining environmental and building standards.
“These are common-sense changes that reduce unnecessary red tape while supporting farm sustainability, environmental protection and housing delivery,” Minister Canney said. “They allow farmers to invest more quickly and help unlock homes in our towns and villages.”
The Planning and Development (Exempted Development) (No. 2) Regulations 2025 increase permitted agricultural development thresholds, including:
- a 50% increase in animal housing, from 200sqm to 300sqm, with the overall limit rising from 300sqm to 450sqm; and
- the introduction, for the first time, of a planning exemption for stand-alone slurry, effluent and soiled water storage, up to 1,000 cubic metres, subject to a farm limit of 1,500 cubic metres and specified conditions.
Minister Canney said the new slurry storage exemption is a particularly important step. “This will support farmers to meet environmental requirements, improve water quality and animal welfare, and reduce administrative burden, while retaining appropriate safeguards,” he said.
Minister Cummins has also signed regulations extending the planning exemption allowing the change of use from vacant commercial premises to residential units for a further three years. The previous expiry date was 31 December 2025.
By the end of May 2025, local authorities had received 1,457 notifications relating to 3,429 new homes nationwide under this exemption.
“These figures show the impact that targeted planning exemptions can have,” Minister Canney added. “Extending this measure provides certainty, helps tackle vacancy, revitalises town and city centres, and allows planning authorities to focus on larger and more complex developments.”
Minister Canney said the regulations reflect a balanced approach to planning reform, supporting farmers, rural communities and housing delivery while maintaining environmental protections and regulatory oversight.
