The Government is examining "serious measures" to address councils which do not zone sufficient land for housing. Housing minister James Browne said that just Mayo and Waterford councils had completed the process of rezoning lands for housing, calling it "an existential test" for local democracy. Mr Browne said he was concerned that councils were "not stepping up to the mark" and zoning land for housing. Mr Browne said that "the fundamental purpose of local authorities is that they are housing authorities". Sufficient land for housing needed to be made available "because it is the most fundamental thing that any local authority" is able to provide housing for citizens.

Source: Irish Examiner February 19, 2026 11:58 UTC