O'Sullivan: Once-off rural housing will continue to be supported

Fianna Fáil Cork South West TD Christopher O'Sullivan said once-off rural housing will continue to be supported.

The Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Coastal Communities welcomed the publication of the draft National Planning Framework (NPF) this month which does not contain any major changes on rural housing.

Last year an expert panel had called on the Government to place new restrictions on one-off housing developments in rural Ireland after reviewing the 2018 NPF. But the latest draft of the document reaffirms supports for once-off rural housing.

Deputy O'Sullivan said: "I'm delighted that the draft National Planning Framework does not contain any changes to the existing rules regarding once-off rural housing.

"The support for once-off homes in rural Ireland will continue. People have a right to apply and to gain permission for one-off housing in the vicinity of where they grew up. We must continue to protect that right.

"It is hugely important when it comes to future of rural communities. The ability to gain planning permission for once-off housing is key to sustaining communities in isolated areas in particular.

"Growing up and living in a coastal and rural community in west Cork I'm fully aware of the difficulty young people face trying to purchase homes. Properties near the coast are out of price range of many househunters. As a result building a one-off home is still the best option for many people from rural communities who are struggling to get on the property ladder."

He added: "Fianna Fáil in Government will continue to do everything in its power to support once-off rural housing."