Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Flaherty. With regard to the question posed, the national planning framework supports new housing in rural areas and rural development generally. We have seen over the past 30 years that, in general, 25% of new rural housing has been constructed across all housing developments. There is no cap or ban on the granting of planning permission for new homes in rural areas. Certainly the planning authorities provide certain targets for new housing as part of the statutory development plan process, including rural areas outside of towns and villages. I am certainly cognisant of the need to ensure we continue to meet the needs of rural areas to support local schools and GAA clubs to ensure we have vibrant communities. Certainly planning comes up again and again. I welcome that there will be rural housing guidelines. I know the Minister is committed to this and we want to see them published after public consultation.

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