A Co. Cork TD has claimed in the Dáil that "planners are blocking people from getting farm sheds".

The Independent Ireland TD for Cork South-West, Michael Collins, said that "farm sheds are important for young people who are trying to find a way to belong on their farms".

Deputy Collins added: "They are being asked what they need a shed for. Nobody wants to build a farm shed unless they need it.

"Nobody is going to put themselves to an expense of €30,000, €40,000 or €100,000 only that there is a need for it on their farm. Surely, they should not be asked those kinds of silly questions".

The Independent Ireland TD for Cork South-West said that he wanted to highlight that "infrastructure is at a standstill in most parts of this country".

Deputy Collins had raised the issue of farm sheds during a recent debate in the Dáil on housing during which he also warned about the ongoing challenge for people living in communities in relation to one-off planning applications.

He has urged the government to "make changes" in this regard.

Independent TD for Kerry, Danny Healy-Rae, also again voiced his concerns "about people being denied planning in rural areas because of urban-generated pressure".

Deputy Healy-Rae said: "I am not saying the farmer's son should not get planning permission - I fought long and hard for that - but the people who have lived next door to them all their lives, have a couple of acres or can get a site from a next door neighbour should be allowed to get planning permission.

Meanwhile the Fianna Fáil TD for Tipperary North, Ryan O'Meara, told the Dáil that he believes there is a place for "modular homes, log cabins" particularly in rural areas.

Deputy O'Meara said: "They are the only form of affordable housing that many young people in rural Ireland can afford, whether young people trying to take over a farm, or a young person who might have a site from their parents they could potentially build on.