Opposition concerned about easing of one-off housing rules

Opposition politicians have expressed concern about a government move to make it easier for people to build one-off houses in the countryside.

New guidelines published by the Government today oblige local authorities to allow such houses in scenic and protected areas, provided they do not cause too much harm.

The guidelines also oblige local councils not to be too restrictive when setting out what materials can be used in the construction of rural houses.

The Labour Party has asked who will foot the cost of building infrastructure and providing vital services to houses that are scattered throughout the country.

The Green Party also expressed concern that farmers will engage in a massive sale of sites for one-off housing, thereby creating problems of sustainability in the future.

Earlier, Fine Gael TD Fergus O'Dowd said he supported moves to make it easier to build rural housing, but would be concerned about any developments in scenic areas.

"I welcome the fact that rural dwellers will be able to get planning in their own area," he said, "but I would be very concerned about areas, particularly of outstanding natural beauty, that they would be blighted by houses that should never be there.

"It would be a retrograde and appalling step if the most beautiful parts of our countryside are destroyed forever."