It hasn't been declared illegal. A similar case has been found unlawful, which is distinct from illegal. Local needs exemptions are still policy here for the minute. You may be able to challenge this in court, but it hasn't been to date.

However, it's clear from the National Planning Framework and the country planning frameworks that if local needs exemptions become untenable in law in Ireland, then it means that no-one - including people who would have qualified for local needs - will be able to secure planning permission for one-off housing.

I'd say the main Government parties are loving this turn of events, as all three have been trying to get rid of one-off housing for decades, and this will allow them to put the blame on EU Directives when they face the local backlash.