Clare Fine Gael TD Joe Cooney has welcomed the publication of new draft planning guidelines for rural and Gaeltacht housing, saying the measures will help people build homes in their own communities while supporting balanced rural development.
The proposals, brought to Cabinet by Housing Minister James Browne and Minister of State for Planning John Cummins, are aimed at providing greater consistency in rural housing policy and making it easier for people with a local connection to an area to secure planning permission.
Deputy Cooney said the new approach recognises the importance of allowing people to remain in the communities where they grew up.
“I strongly welcome these new draft guidelines, which recognise the importance of allowing people to live and raise families in the communities where they grew up,” he said.
“For too long, many people seeking to build a home in rural areas have faced uncertainty, lengthy delays and significant costs in navigating the planning system. These proposals aim to provide a more practical and consistent approach while continuing to protect the environment and avoid inappropriate development.”
Under the proposals, applicants will be able to demonstrate a genuine local housing need, generally through having lived in a rural area for a number of years and seeking to build close to their home community.
Deputy Cooney said the changes would be particularly significant for counties such as Clare, where many people want to remain close to family supports, schools and local community organisations.
“If we are serious about revitalising our towns, villages and rural communities, we have to make sure that those with a genuine local housing need are accommodated when it comes to planning rules,” he said.
“Too often, young people and families who want to remain in the communities where they were raised have found themselves facing unnecessary barriers. These changes recognise the importance of sustaining rural Ireland by allowing people to live, work and contribute to their local areas.”
The Clare TD also welcomed proposals that would make it easier for people whose employment depends on living in rural areas, including those working in farming, forestry, equine activities and education, to obtain planning permission.
“These sectors are central to rural Clare and it is only right that people whose livelihoods are tied to the countryside are given appropriate recognition within the planning process,” he said.
Deputy Cooney said the requirement that approved homes be used as permanent principal residences for at least ten years would help ensure rural housing supports local communities.
“This is a measure that must be implemented without delay. Rural communities cannot afford further uncertainty when it comes to housing. People need clarity and a planning system that supports sustainable growth while recognising local needs,” he said.
He added that the draft guidelines represent an important acknowledgement by Government of the need to sustain rural Ireland.
“People should have a reasonable opportunity to live near their families, contribute to their local communities and build their future in rural Ireland. I welcome these proposals and look forward to their early implementation.”