Changes to rural housing policy are positive, says Galway IFA Chair

PLANS by the Government to reform one-off rural housing policy have been welcomed by Galway IFA Chair Micheal Haverty.

The Clonberne man has said the National Planning Strategy, which contains plans to relax the rules and regulations with the building of houses in rural areas, is an important move to maintaining and supporting rural communities and increasing housing supply.

The National Planning Strategy is due to come before the Cabinet this month. The strategy is expected to put restrictions on local authorities having caps on the number of houses that can be built on farms.

“Access to housing has become one of the main barriers facing young people and families who want to live, work and be part of a community in rural Ireland,” said Micheal Haverty.

“We have pursued this issue as it’s something that our members in every part of the country bring up. For too long, rigid and inconsistent planning guidelines have prevented people with genuine local and family connections building houses and making homes in their own communities.

“This is about more than housing, it is about sustaining schools, local businesses, community and sporting organisations and ensuring rural Ireland remains a vibrant plane for people to work and live for future generations.”

Haverty also said that proposed changes to rural housing legislation must lead to a more practical and flexible planning system.

The IFA have requested a meeting with the Minister for Housing James Browne to discuss the proposed changes to rural housing policy in the National Planning Strategy.