Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)

The issue of one-off houses has been brought sharply into focus by the case of the holiday home of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy McDowell. While the debate on that case is ongoing, I am aware of a young couple who, having paid €40,000 some years ago for a site, have been turned down for permission to build a house because it is classified as ribbon development near an urban community. They have lost the €40,000 and the planning permission.

Over a year ago, the Taoiseach and the then Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Cullen, stated there would be changes in the approach to one-off housing. However, the guidelines in my local authority area have become even more stringent since then. As the new Minister, Deputy Roche, has stated he greatly favours one-off houses and has been in conflict with Dúchas, he should come to the House soon to outline what the approach to one-off housing will be. He should put this issue to rest and get clarification from local authorities.