13 November 2025
13 November 2025
Prompt court decisions on critical infrastructure projects and zoning of land remain critical
Commenting on the Government’s Delivering Homes, Building Communities 2025-2030 action plan, released today, Stephen Garvey, CEO of Glenveagh, said:
“Today’s plan builds on a series of important Government measures introduced over the last 11 months. In this relatively short timeframe, there have been significant decisions, such as the National Development Plan’s substantial housing and infrastructure budget, the review of rent pressure zones, the new VAT rate on apartments, updates to the National Planning Framework, new apartment guidelines, the establishment of Housing Activation Office, extensions to planning permissions, and most recently, plans allowing developers to construct wastewater treatment plants. These all demonstrate the Government’s commitment to fostering a supportive policy environment for building more homes across various tenures.
As we digest today’s plan, it clearly creates further momentum and supports how this enhanced policy environment will be implemented. The expanded resources and financial supports for State agencies and local authorities are particularly welcome. We look forward to working closely with them to deliver homes and infrastructure at scale. The focus on modern methods of construction and standardisation is also encouraging.
The priority now must be consistent and speedy implementation. In line with this, several key actions must be taken. Addressing the remaining barriers, most notably the legislative planning environment, is critical for Ireland to fully capitalise on these policy advances. We eagerly await the Accelerating Infrastructure Taskforce’s action plan, which will be key to unlocking rapid delivery. Prompt court decisions on critical schemes, such as the Greater Dublin Drainage Project, and the new apartment guidelines, are essential. Equally important is the variation of County Development Plans by local authorities to zone more land for housing, as directed by the Minister for Housing.
The Government is ambitious in its target of 300,000 homes in the lifetime of this plan. But many of the required elements to start delivering more homes are in place. By addressing the remaining barriers and all parts of the industry working together, workable solutions are possible and will translate into new homes for communities across Ireland.”