“Rural planning policy has been inconsistent” Mayo minister welcomes new rural housing rules
Minister Alan Dillon says overhaul of planning policy will make it easier for people to build homes in rural communities
According to Minister of State Alan Dillon, a significant overhaul of rural housing rules is expected to increase housing supply in Mayo. The proposed changes will make planning policy fairer and more consistent for people seeking to build homes in their local communities.
Minister Dillon said existing rural planning policies had often proven restrictive and inconsistent for people with strong local connections who wish to live near family or remain in the areas where they grew up.
“For too long rural planning policy has been inconsistent, restrictive and unfair to people in Mayo who want to build a home in their own area and live in the community they grew up,” he said.
The reforms, which were recently discussed at a Government meeting involving Tánaiste Simon Harris and Junior Housing Minister John Cummins, are aimed at easing restrictions while maintaining planning standards.
Under the new approach, people would have what Dillon described as a “reasonable expectation” of securing planning permission, subject to normal planning considerations.
“I’m working with my Fine Gael Government colleagues to ensure more homes can be built in rural areas,” Minister Dillon said.
“The changes will allow those who have a social/economic need to live in a rural area or those who have lived in a rural area for a defined period of time at any point in their life have a reasonable expectation they can achieve planning subject to normal planning considerations.”
Approximately 5,000 one-off rural homes are built annually across Ireland, including in Mayo. Minister Dillon said the relaxation of rules is expected to significantly increase that number, helping to meet housing demand in rural areas and improve regional balance in housing supply.
A National Planning Statement outlining the changes is expected to be brought before Cabinet in early June.
Dillon stressed that the revised policy would not remove planning safeguards or result in uncontrolled development.
“This is a relaxation of rules which doesn’t mean a free-for-all,” he said.
He added that standard planning considerations in Mayo would remain in place, while a new framework would seek to bring consistency to issues such as ribbon development and backland development.