New rules regarding one-off rural housing are set to be introduced by Housing Minister James Browne who will bring a memo to cabinet next week.

The new National Planning Statement, which comes under the Planning Act 2024 will introduce legally binding rules that will see each individual planning application for a home considered on its own merit.

The current system is based on guidelines dating back to 2001, that are interpreted by local authorities on an ad hoc basis. This has led to huge frustration among the farming community, with many prevented from building homes on their own land.

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Minister Browne said he acknowledges that it has become more and more restrictive to build a rural home, and described the current situation as causing frustration, anger, uncertainty and excessive costs for those who want to live in rural Ireland.

Speaking exclusively to Irish Country Living, the Wexford TD said over the past 25 years, since the current rural housing guidelines were issued, it has become more and more restrictive to build a rural home.

“The current situation means that two local authorities in neighbouring counties can have totally different approaches to interpreting the current rural housing guidelines, so you may as well be in two different countries trying to build a house,” he said.

Backland development

The new National Planning Statement also sets out new rules on backland development which many local authorities prohibit.

Under the new rules, this type of development will be allowed, subject to certain conditions.

It also eases the restriction on ribbon development in that every application will be considered on its own merit.

“These new rules will help to deliver more rural housing and are the key to fulfilling a vibrant rural Ireland,” he added.