Regulations on Agriculture Exempted Development and extension for change of use from vacant commercial to residential properties for another 3 years signed
- Published on: 18 December 2025
- Last updated on: 18 December 2025
Regulations signed by Minister John Cummins today
Two sets of Exempted Development regulations under the Planning and Development Act have been signed by Minister of State for Planning and Local Government, John Cummins TD.
Minister Cummins and Minister James Browne have proceeded at pace with the Agriculture Exempted Development regulations to significantly reduce planning barriers for farmers while enabling them to invest quickly to meet environmental standards. For the first time, there will be a planning exemption for stand-alone slurry storage.
The signing of the Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) (No 2) Regulations 2025 amends the 2001 Regulations by:
- Increasing the provision of animal housing under Class 6 of Part 3 of Schedule 2 by 50% from 200sqm to 300sqm and increases the total from 300sqm to 450sqm
- Providing an exemption for a new Class 6A of Part 3 of Schedule 2 comprising of a stand-alone Slurry, effluent and soiled water Storage up to 1000 cubic metres subject to a farm limit of 1500 Cubic metres
There are conditions and limitations set out within the regulation on the use of these agricultural exemptions.
Announcing the regulations, Minister James Browne TD said:
“This government is determined to reform our planning system, and part of this is about removing unnecessary delays and red tape where it’s not needed. That is why we reviewed our Exempted Development regulations, which have not been updated in almost 25 years, and have now signed this first set of regulations following that review.
“We know that farmers across the country need to be able to adapt to changing demands when needed, and Slurry storage and housing for animals are two good examples of structures which should not need to use up the valuable time of our planners and the planning system.
“This is a practical, sensible measure for farmers the length and breadth of the country but particularly our small farmers.”
Signing the regulations, Minister John Cummins TD said:
“I am pleased to sign new regulations to give effect to these important changes for farmers. They represent a practical and balanced step to support the sustainability of Irish agriculture.
“These are the first set of regulations under a review of the Exempted Development regulations which have not been updated in almost 25 years.
“Removing unnecessary items from the planning system will free up resources within local authorities and remove unnecessary administrative barriers for the public that cause delays and added costs. These measures are about good planning, common sense that streamlines planning processes.
“These changes do not remove oversight or responsibility. All developments will still be required to meet building regulations, environmental protections and all relevant agriculture standards.”
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon TD said:
“I want to recognise the commitment and diligence of my colleague Minister Cummins in delivering this welcome initiative for farmers.
“For the first time there will be a planning exemption for stand-alone slurry storage and an increased threshold for animal housing of 50%.
“This will support farmers investing in their enterprises to improve water quality and animal welfare while reducing administrative burden. It is positive for the environment and the pocket.
“At the start of this year I made the renewal of Ireland’s nitrates derogation a top priority and we recently secured a welcome continuation of the derogation. These new regulations will assist farmers in their ongoing commitment to playing their part in improving water quality.”
Minister Cummins also signed the Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) Regulations 2025 to amend article 10(6) of the Planning and Development regulations 2001 to extend change of use from vacant commercial to residential for another three years until 31 December 2028.
The previous expiry date for this provision was 31 December 2025contained within S.I 75 of 2022.
By the end of May 2025, local authorities had received 1,457 notifications relating to the provision of 3,429 new homes nationwide under this Planning Exempted Development.
Minister Browne said:
“Everything we are doing has to be about unlocking the supply of homes in this country. We are responding to a housing crisis and this measure is one of many being taken - where we have identified where vacant space can be activated and become a home.
“By making greater use of well-designed planning exemptions, we can speed up delivery, reduce unnecessary delays and allow local authorities and An Coimisiún Pleanála to focus their resources on larger and more complex developments.”
Minister Cummins said:
“These regulations will continue an important planning exemption aimed at tackling vacancy, revitalising town and city centres and increasing the supply of homes.
“The three year extension provides certainty for individuals wishing to convert vacant commercial units to residential units and continue to make better use of buildings that we already have.”
Ends
Notes to editor
As with all Exempted Developments, if an environmental impact assessment or an appropriate assessment of the development is required, planning permission will continue to be required.