Department under fire over stance on rural housing

THE Department of the Environment has been accused of being “totally opposed to rural housing” and intent on the urbanisation of Ireland, following the announcement yesterday of proposals to tighten planning laws.

Rural dwellers are expected to face further difficulties in acquiring planning permission for one-off houses under the proposed laws aimed at eliminating sprawl and unsustainable development.

Environment Minister John Gormley said he received approval from his cabinet colleagues for a bill to amend the Planning Act, which is likely to be voted on in the Dáil after it returns in September.