Planning rules should encourage farming families to stay in their communities – Byrne

Planning rules must make it easier for farming families to build homes and lives on their own land, a Fine Gael Senator has said.

Senator Cathal Byrne says there needs to be reforms to rules which currently make it difficult for rural families to build on their own land, warning that restrictions such as a the ‘five-in-a-row’ rule – which prohibits a string of five or more homes along one side of a road over a 250-metre stretch – are forcing sons, daughters and successors to move away from the communities they were raised.

“For generations, families in rural Ireland have lived, farmed and contributed to local communities, yet current planning rules are making it harder for them to remain in those communities,” Senator Byrne said.

“If we are serious about sustaining rural life, planning policy must reflect local need and family connections.

He noted that while Wexford County Council has shown leadership in facilitating rural housing, he said a more consistent national approach is needed.

“The national Planning Statement which the Government has committed to must prioritise rural housing as a cornerstone of communities. It should streamline processes for family applicants and revisit outdated restrictions on ribbon development. Farmers and their families should be given every opportunity to build on their family’s farm.

“I will continue to raise this issue at every opportunity to ensure that farming families and those living in rural Ireland are supported to live where they belong.”