Planning red tape slashed - Kilkenny TD welcomes new development

Fianna Fáil TD for Carlow Kilkenny and Spokesperson on Agriculture Peter ‘Chap’ Cleere has welcomed the signing of new Exempted Development Regulations, which will for the first time provide a planning exemption for stand-alone slurry storage and significantly increase thresholds for exempted animal housing, allowing farmers to invest more quickly in infrastructure to meet environmental, animal welfare and sustainability standards.

“These regulations mark a real step change for farmers,” Deputy Cleere said. “For too long, essential on-farm developments have been caught up in unnecessary planning delays, adding cost, uncertainty and frustration. This reform recognises the practical realities of farming and gives farmers the tools they need to adapt, invest and comply with modern standards."

The Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) (No. 2) Regulations 2025 amend the 2001 regulations by:

• Increasing the allowable size of animal housing under Class 6 from 200 square metres to 300 square metres, and the overall cumulative allowance from 300 square metres to 450 square metres
• Introducing a new Class 6A exemption for stand-alone slurry, effluent and soiled water storage of up to 1,000 cubic metres, subject to a farm limit of 1,500 cubic metres.

The introduction of a planning exemption for stand-alone slurry storage is particularly significant.
Deputy Cleere said: “This is a game-changer. Farmers can now install slurry storage without having to navigate the full planning system. This will directly support water quality objectives, improve compliance with nitrates regulations and allow farmers to act quickly and responsibly.

Deputy Cleere noted that all developments will continue to be subject to building regulations, environmental protections and agricultural standards, ensuring strong oversight remains in place.

He concluded: “This is about common-sense planning reform. It is about removing unnecessary red tape while keeping robust safeguards. It will reduce pressure on local authority planning resources and deliver tangible benefits on farms right across the country.”