New rules for one-off housing

ENVIRONMENT Minister Martin Cullen will today publish the Government’s new guidelines on rural one-off housing.

The Environment Minister has been working on the new rules for a significant period of time.

Last year, the Taoiseach described one-off housing as the single biggest issue in the country and committed the Government to developing a policy to alleviate concerns in rural Ireland, yet his brother, Housing Minister Noel Ahern, said in recent weeks that four out of five one-off houses are granted planning permission.

But 75% of one-off housing planning permission appeals to An Bord Pleanála are successful, with permission being declined.