Seanad refers seven exempted development regulation motions to joint committee

The Seanad has agreed to refer seven separate motions regarding the Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) Regulations 2026 to a joint committee.

During the Order of Business, Senator Anne Rabbitte outlined that the motions, numbered one through seven, would be referred to the joint committee on the conclusion of business without debate.

Additionally, a motion regarding the Planning and Development (Licensing of Outdoor Events) Regulations 2026 was also referred to the joint committee under the same terms.

Timeline concerns raised

During the session, Senator Michael McDowell criticised the scheduling of the legislative timetable as the parliamentary term drew to a close.

Senator McDowell highlighted that the Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2026 was allocated only one hour and fifteen minutes for its Second Stage. He noted that with 20 minutes allocated to the Minister, and ten minutes per group across the six groups in the House, the time provided to debate the planning bill was inadequate.