Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am glad to have an opportunity to speak about this very important topic. I thank Deputy Cian O'Callaghan for the opportunity. The biggest problem we have in Kerry at present is that people who want to build their own houses are being blocked by the planning regulator. This has been a serious issue since last June. Many people in their own areas cannot get permission because of urban-generated pressure. These are not people coming out from Killarney town, Killorglin town, Tralee town or Dingle town. They are people who are already out there but do not own a farm. Because they are not a farmer's son or daughter they are not entitled to apply for permission. They have lived next door to the farmer all their lives. They are rural people. They can buy a site but they will not be considered for planning because of this urban-generated pressure. The planning regulator insisted that the area under this zoning was expanded.

Then we have the national primary roads and national secondary roads where people cannot come out through an existing entrance. Farmers' sons and daughters are included in this. They cannot come out onto the road. They are being denied the right to apply for planning permission. These are people who want to build a house for themselves. Then we have Government taxes and levies that are making it impossible for people to meet the cost. It is absolutely impossible and nothing is being done about it. These are people who want to build their own houses. I am speaking about Kerry where it is a serious problem. I am asking the Minister to do something about it.

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