New rural housing guidelines that will include the right to build a home in remote areas and in rural Ireland have been drafted. The draft guidelines are set to go out for public consultation before Christmas.
Minister Heather Humphreys said significant work had gone into balancing the right to build one-off homes in rural Ireland and developing housing n a sustainable way.
She highlighted how it was clear from the guidelines that people who need to build their own home in rural Ireland will be permitted to do so if they have a clear economic or social need.
The Minister added that safeguards regarding site suitability would remain in place and environmental compliance expected.
"The same safeguards will still be in place in terms of site suitability. There are also certain areas very close to large towns that are unsuitable for rural housing so there will be a scale introduced in each county, highlighting the areas that are under significant pressure from urban influence and overspill, down to remote areas where there will be less restrictions placed on those who want to build.
"As every area is different geographically, planning authorities can show discretion in order to get the right balance.
"While rural housing cannot be permitted in every area for every person, those who have a genuine need must be given the option to live where they come from, to continue to work on the land, develop rural Ireland and keep our towns and villages strong and vibrant places.
"The planning authorities in each area will be updating their rural housing policies to take cognisance of these new guidelines once they are finalised. An Bord Pleanála too will take these guidelines into account when adjudicating on appeals," Minister Humphreys said.
