New Rural Housing Rules Will Increase Supply in County Cork — O’Shea

A major reform of rural housing policy will significantly increase housing supply across County Cork, Cork North West Fine Gael TD John Paul O’Shea has said.

Deputy O’Shea welcomed the Government’s proposed changes to rural planning guidelines, saying they will provide a fairer and more consistent approach for people wishing to build homes in their own communities.

“For too long, rural planning policy has been inconsistent, restrictive and unfair for many people with genuine local ties who simply want to live and raise their families in the areas where they grew up,” Deputy O’Shea said.

“These reforms will help restore balance and ensure that people with a genuine connection to their local area can build homes, subject of course to normal planning considerations.”

The proposed changes were discussed at Government level following engagement between Fine Gael leader Simon Harris and Housing Minister James Browne.

Deputy O’Shea said the revised guidelines will particularly assist people with social or economic needs to live in rural areas, as well as those who have previously lived in the countryside for a significant period.

“I am working closely with my Fine Gael colleagues to ensure more homes can be delivered in rural Ireland while still protecting sensible and sustainable planning standards,” he said.

“County Cork has a strong rural tradition and many young people and families want the opportunity to remain in their local communities close to family, schools and work. These changes will help make that possible.”

Approximately 5,000 one-off rural homes are built each year across Ireland, including a significant number in County Cork. The easing of current restrictions is expected to substantially increase that number and help meet growing housing demand while supporting balanced regional development.

A new National Planning Statement is expected to go before Cabinet later this year.

Deputy O’Shea stressed that the changes are not a free-for-all and that local planning standards will continue to apply.

“This is about fairness, common sense and giving rural families a realistic opportunity to build homes in their own communities,” he said.

“Strong planning protections will remain in place, and consistency around issues such as ribbon and backland development will continue under the updated framework.”