Vital Rural Housing Planning Changes will support Families across Cork – O’Shea

Fine Gael TD for Cork North West, Deputy John Paul O’Shea, has today welcomed major new changes to support one-off rural housing, describing them as the most significant reform of rural planning policy in more than two decades.

Deputy O’Shea said the new measures will make it easier for young people, local families and returning emigrants to build homes in the communities where they grew up, while continuing to protect the rural landscape and ensure proper planning.

“Today’s announcement marks a new chapter for rural Ireland and for communities right across Cork North West. This is a vital intervention by Fine Gael which will restore fairness and common sense to the planning system.

“For too long, many people who were born and raised in rural communities found themselves facing significant obstacles when trying to build a home close to family, work and local supports. These new guidelines recognise the realities of modern rural life and provide a clear and consistent framework for people seeking to live in the areas they have always called home.

“Strong rural communities depend on young families being able to remain in their own locality. If we want to sustain our schools, GAA clubs, community organisations, local businesses and parish life, then we must ensure that people have a realistic opportunity to live in rural areas.”

Deputy O’Shea said the reforms represent a fundamental shift away from overly restrictive planning practices and will give greater certainty to planning applicants.

“Fine Gael and Minister of State for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, John Cummins TD, are removing barriers that have caused frustration for far too long and are introducing practical, common-sense measures that put people ahead of unnecessary bureaucracy.

“We want people from rural areas, including those who may currently be living in nearby towns or cities, to have the flexibility to return home and build within their own communities. Importantly, villages and towns with populations of fewer than 1,500 people will now also be included under these arrangements.”

Under the proposed new rules, there are two principal routes through which applicants can qualify to build a one-off rural home – through either a social need or an economic need.

The draft National Planning Statement proposes that, in general rural areas, a person who has lived in that area for seven or more years at any point in their life will be eligible to apply to build within 10 kilometres of their current home.

More specific criteria will apply in areas under significant development pressure in order to ensure that rural areas do not become commuter suburbs and that sensitive scenic locations are protected. The proposals also include specific provisions for Gaeltacht areas, designed to support and strengthen the Irish language while recognising local housing needs.

Deputy O’Shea said the economic need provisions are particularly important for rural counties such as Cork.

“People whose employment depends on living in a rural area, including those involved in farming, forestry, equine enterprises, rural businesses or essential local services, will be able to demonstrate an economic need to reside close to their workplace. These changes recognise the vital contribution made by those who work and create employment in rural Ireland.”

Deputy O’Shea also welcomed proposals which will prevent local authorities from imposing blanket bans on infill, backland or ribbon development.

“In addition, the new guidelines provide for exceptional circumstances where people may need to rightsize their accommodation due to changing family or medical circumstances. This will allow for a second appropriately sized home to be built close to an existing family home where justified.

“These are practical measures that reflect the realities faced by many families and will help people remain connected to their local communities and support networks.”

Concluding, Deputy O’Shea said “Every year between 4,000 and 5,000 one-off rural homes are constructed across Ireland, and these reforms should see that number increase. Above all, these changes send a clear message that rural Ireland has a strong future. By supporting sustainable rural housing, we are supporting communities, protecting services and ensuring that future generations can continue to live, work and raise families in Cork North West.”

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