Micheál Martin says house building in Ireland is hampered by 'gold-plating' of EU rules

Taoiseach says 'going beyond what is required' is slowing down delivery of housing and other big projects in Ireland

Taoiseach Micheál Martin: 'We have got to look at how we transpose EU directives and whether we’re doing them effectively, efficiently, or maybe not to gold-plate them in the future.' Picture: Brian Lawless/PA

Infrastructural development for major housing projects is being hampered by too many EU rules and regulations, the Taoiseach has said.

Micheál Martin said the Government is exploring ways to roll back some so-called “gold-plated” EU regulations that place strict obligations on developers in relation to environmental concerns and other matters.