Changes to planning rules on one-off homes in rural areas welcomed by Limerick councillors

FOUR Limerick councillors have welcomed the housing minister saying that rules surrounding people being allowed to build homes on their own land will be relaxed by this summer.

The move by Minister James Browne is aimed at boosting the number of homes being built in rural areas.

Mr Browne said that the changes will be brought forward within the next 12 weeks, claiming that the liberalisation of the new rules will help people build homes who once found it “impossible” to live in their communities due to planning restrictions, and will help deliver “a significant amount of homes” outside towns and cities.

The news has been welcomed by Fianna Fail’s Francis Foley, Fergus Kilcoyne, Martin Ryan and Ger Ward.

Last August, the four moved a motion calling on Limerick City and County Council to agree to and call on the housing minister to relax the current ribbon development rules. Building individual houses along rural roads (ribbon development) is often restricted in favour of clustered development in towns and villages.

Cllr Ward said it proves that local motions “can make a difference in the corridors of  power”.

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The four councillors want the construction of six dwellings in a linear arrangement to be allowed. 

Also, that restrictions be set aside entirely, where appropriate, for sites within 1km of an existing settlement boundary once the development is located on a non-regional road with appropriate sightlines.

The four  said in a joint statement to the Leader last year that their motion highlights the “growing housing shortage affecting rural communities and outdated ribbon development restrictions”.

Cllr Ward said Mr Browne's announcement will breathe new life into towns and villages in the county.