Éamon Ó Cuív, T.D., Minister for Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs welcomes the publication today of the Consultation Draft of Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Sustainable Rural Housing by Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Martin Cullen T.D. Minister Ó Cuív complimented Minister Cullen on his practical and thorough approach to this often-controversial issue.
The Guidelines published today are based on "a presumption that people who have roots in or links to rural areas, and are part of and contribute to the rural community will get planning permission for houses, provided they meet the normal requirements in relation to matters such as road safety and proper disposal of waste water." (Consultation Draft)
"These guidelines reflect exactly what I have been saying for the past number of years in relation to this issue. They also provide a more detailed framework for planners, based on the National Spatial Strategy's rural housing policy. I am delighted that we now have clear, concise guidelines which will form the basis of an informed consultation process, and I have no doubt that the people of rural Ireland whom I represent will wholeheartedly support these guidelines."
Éamon Ó Cuív, T.D.
The Consultation Draft also states that, "New houses in rural areas should, of course, be located and designed to integrate well with their physical surroundings and be generally compatible with the conservation of sensitive areas such as natural habitats, the environs of protected structures and other aspects of heritage. The Guidelines make it clear, however, that statutory designation of certain rural areas (i.e. Special Areas of Conservation, Special Protection Areas and Natural Heritage Areas) is not intended to operate as an inflexible constraint on housing development."
"I have frequently been accused of wanting a 'free-for-all' on the rural housing issue and over and over again I have said that what is needed is rural housing within the confines of good planning practise. The Consultation Draft reflects my position on this issue and it outlines very clearly Government policy on the matter. Hopefully, now we can get away from the continuing obfuscation that has bedevilled this debate and get on with agreeing sensible guidelines to the benefit of rural Ireland, both it's people and it's environment."
Éamon Ó Cuív, T.D.