Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I have raised the issue of planning on many occasions, in particular as it relates to young families who want to build in their local parishes. The number of young people who are being refused planning permission in the local area where they were born and raised is unreal. These people are, in effect, being prohibited from living in their own area. This is diminishing the areas concerned. Let us imagine rural areas with no young families. I know of a family that has been living in an area for more than 30 years. They bought a site in 2006 as an investment for one of their children. No matter how many times they try, they cannot get planning permission. Members of the family have attended the local school, they have their local needs, they play for the local GAA club and they live within 300 m of the area. Their dream is to build a house there. The Government is investing in schools and services. In the future, there will be no young families or services. I have asked the Minister of State, Deputy English, for years to help us out. Will the Tánaiste please help to sort out planning?

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