13. Deputy Edward Timmins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage following the publication of the national planning framework, if he will advise when the local authorities will receive their revised population figures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35827/25]

Sentiment score: 0.01

Following the publication of the national planning framework, NPF, will the Minister of State advise when the local authorities will receive their revised population figures? It is important that these guidelines are rolled out to county councils as soon as possible to allow them to amend their county development plans and local area plans. Because of the delay, I have seen a planning application for 335 houses in Blessington, County Wicklow, which is supported by the council and all elected representatives, being refused by An Bord Pleanála, because the local area plan was not up to date with the new housing targets.

Sentiment score: 0.04

On a related matter, I want to bring up the issue of headroom. At this stage, no guidance has been issued on this. From my experience of development plans, the previous directive from the Office of the Planning Regulator was 0% headroom, which is very misguided. It is imperative that there is a considerable percentage headroom because in practice many sites will not be developed for various reasons. All landowners are not ready to be developers and in the real world, site development often has many obstacles, including costs, and may lead to planning refusals. I suggest a headroom of the order of 70%.

Sentiment score: -0.13

From a national point of view, councils must be closely involved in the delivery of housing. Delivery must be micromanaged. These county targets must be drilled down further, with monthly figures produced by all local authorities of actual homes built versus targets and explanations given. This is the only way to deliver large numbers of houses. The Minister must then meet the CEOs of the councils and the heads of planning on a quarterly basis. This method is exactly the way a business would aim to achieve its targets. Tiered zoning refers to lower tiers with fewer services. However, in many current plans, it is tiered, even when they both have access to services. There should be no tiered zoning in these cases. If tier 1 is not developed, it often stops tier 2 from being developed.

Sentiment score: -0.07