'Inconsistent, restrictive and unfair' - major overhaul of certain Mayo housing rules
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A major overhaul of rural housing rules will significantly increase supply in Mayo, Minister of State, Alan Dillon TD has said.
Minister Dillon said, “For too long rural planning policy has been inconsistent, restrictive and unfair to people in Mayo who want to build a home in their own area and live in the community they grew up.
“These changes will fix those issues. Fine Gael is determined to ensure that people who have a genuine connection to their area will be able to build, subject to normal planning rules.”
The proposed changes were considered at a Government meeting recently involving Fine Gael leader and Tánaiste Simon Harris and Junior Housing Minister John Cummins.
“I’m working with my Fine Gael Government colleagues to ensure more homes can be built in rural areas. The changes will allow those who have a social/economic need to live in a rural area or those who have lived in a rural area for a defined period of time at any point in their life have a reasonable expectation they can achieve planning subject to normal planning considerations.
Approximately 5,000 one-off rural homes are built annually, including in Mayo. The relaxation of these rules is expected to increase that number considerably, helping to address housing demand in Mayo and supporting better regional balance in housing supply,” Minister Dillon said.
A National Planning Statement will be brought to Cabinet in early June.
Minister Dillon said, “Fine Gael has been clear this is a relaxation of rules which doesn’t mean a free-for-all.
“Normal planning considerations in Mayo will continue to apply and consistency of approach on issues such as ribbon and backland development will be brought through a new framework.”
