‘We have huge areas of countryside which are totally under-populated’

PLANNING laws in rural areas need to be relaxed, according to Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Eamon Ó Cuiv.

The population per house is now much less than it was 20 to 30 years ago and a restriction on building would result in a 20% drop in population in the next 20 years, he said.

“It is reasonable for people who grow up in the countryside, but who get jobs in a town, to expect to live in the country and add to their communities.