Macra welcomes end to rural planning 'postcode lottery'
Macra has welcomed an agreement by the government on a proposed policy direction for rural housing.
The draft Sustainable Rural and Gaeltacht Housing National Planning Statement (NPS) can now move to environmental assessment under relevant EU Directives, prior to its approval by government.
The planned publication of the final National Planning Statement before the end of this year, will mark the most significant update to rural housing policy since 2005.
Macra
Macra president Josephine O'Neill described the decision as an important step towards allowing young people to remain living in the rural communities where they grew up.
She said that for many young people in rural Ireland building a home close to family, work and established support networks has become increasingly difficult due to restrictive and inconsistent planning policies.
"Many of our members have consistently highlighted the challenges they've experienced in gaining planning permission in their own local areas, specifically noting the lack of fairness and consistency between local authorities.
"Macra have consequently been calling for an overhaul of the rural housing rules and welcome the liberalisation of these rules finally," she said.
O'Neill said the proposed new guidelines recognise that rural communities can only remain vibrant if young people are given the opportunity to live within them.
"Without access to housing, rural areas risk losing the next generation, with knock-on effects for schools, businesses, sports clubs, voluntary organisations and local economies," she added.
Planning
Macra said the real measure of success will be whether young people can now successfully secure planning permission where they have genuine local connections.
The organisation welcomed the introduction of a more consistent national approach to rural housing, saying it should bring an end to the "postcode lottery" that has left many young people facing vastly different planning outcomes depending on their local authority.
"We welcome the move away from overly prescriptive rules towards a more balanced, consistent approach to rural housing, ensuring that applications are considered on their own merit to hopefully provide greater ease and opportunity for young farmers and rural young people to build their own homes and live in their own communities.
"These changes will no doubt contribute to the greater vibrancy of rural communities.
"However, our government must ensure that these changes are also accompanied by continued support for and infrastructure in rural towns and villages," O'Neill said.
