Taoiseach Micheál Martin has confirmed that a dedicated figure—often referred to as a "housing czar"—will soon be appointed to accelerate the delivery of housing across Ireland.
Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, Mr Martin said that the new position, expected to be filled by the end of the month, will play a key role in clearing obstacles that delay housing projects.
"We’ve already made the decision on this," he said. “A strategic housing office is being established within the Department of Housing, and a person has already been selected. The minister will be making that announcement very shortly.”
The Taoiseach explained that the focus will be on tackling delays on large housing sites by identifying and removing barriers to progress.
Mr Martin said the updated National Planning Framework will soon be published, giving the Government the power to direct local councils to rezone more land for residential use. He acknowledged that planning delays remain a serious challenge.
“We recognise the need to address blockages in the planning system, and while the scale of the task means it will take time to fully implement reforms, steps are being taken,” he said.
“Planning and delivery remain the biggest hurdles facing the country,” Mr Martin noted, stressing that key infrastructure like water services and the national electricity grid are essential to enabling housing development.
He said it’s “critical” to protect capital funding for these infrastructure projects to ensure housing growth is sustainable over the long term.
The Taoiseach also confirmed that the revised National Planning Framework is expected to be brought to Cabinet in the coming weeks.
Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, Mr Martin said that the new position, expected to be filled by the end of the month, will play a key role in clearing obstacles that delay housing projects.
"We’ve already made the decision on this," he said. “A strategic housing office is being established within the Department of Housing, and a person has already been selected. The minister will be making that announcement very shortly.”
The Taoiseach explained that the focus will be on tackling delays on large housing sites by identifying and removing barriers to progress.
Housing at the Heart of Government Agenda
The Fianna Fáil leader emphasised that housing remains a central priority for the Government. He also noted that decisions on rent pressure zones are expected soon, following the conclusion of a comprehensive review.Mr Martin said the updated National Planning Framework will soon be published, giving the Government the power to direct local councils to rezone more land for residential use. He acknowledged that planning delays remain a serious challenge.
“We recognise the need to address blockages in the planning system, and while the scale of the task means it will take time to fully implement reforms, steps are being taken,” he said.
Planning Reforms and Infrastructure in Focus
The Taoiseach announced that An Coimisiún Pleanála—the new national planning authority—will be formally set up within the next two to three months. This body will operate with statutory deadlines to streamline the planning process.“Planning and delivery remain the biggest hurdles facing the country,” Mr Martin noted, stressing that key infrastructure like water services and the national electricity grid are essential to enabling housing development.
He said it’s “critical” to protect capital funding for these infrastructure projects to ensure housing growth is sustainable over the long term.
The Taoiseach also confirmed that the revised National Planning Framework is expected to be brought to Cabinet in the coming weeks.
