Vacant pubs in Kilkenny can now be converted into homes without planning permission

Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien has signed planning regulations that will exempt the conversion of former pubs into residential units from requiring planning permission.

The move has been welcomed by his Kilkenny cabinet colleague, Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan TD. 

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The new exemption is contained in an extension of 2018 Planning Regulations that allow a change of use of certain vacant commercial premises - including vacant areas above ground-floor premises - to residential use such as ‘above shop’ living.

The exemptions aim to increase the re-use of vacant commercial buildings in Kilkenny and elsewhere to increase much-needed housing supply and renew urban areas.

Since 2018, 17 residential units have been provided in county Kilkenny through 12 notifications of exempted developments. The regulations signed by Minister O’Brien extend the exemption to the end of 2025.  

For the conversion of former pubs into a home/homes in Kilkenny:

1) The pub’s license must have lapsed

2) A limit of 9 residential units can be produced under an exempted development

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Commenting after signing the regulations, Minister O’Brien said: 

"Turning vacant properties into occupied homes is a major element of Housing for All. Unfortunately towns and villages in Kilkenny have seen pubs close their doors for the last time in recent years, not least over the last two years. This new planning regulation will ease the planning burden for those who want to convert small and medium-sized pubs that are no longer viable and have ceased to operate, into residential housing for Kilkenny.

"The regulations will also continue to make it easier to get other forms of vacant commercial premises in Kilkenny, including vacant spaces over ground floor premises, back into use for residential purposes such as ‘over the shop’ living."

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