PDs call for planning laws to be overhauled

The Progressive Democrats have for a major reform of the planning laws at the

second day of the party's conference in Co Wexford.

They say all people in rural Ireland should be allowed to build on their family land provided they commit to live there for life.

Speaking this morning, candidate for Galway East Ciaran Cannon said a new approach should also be adopted to deal with planning appeals:

"The Progressive Democrats proposed that responsibility for hearing appeals on rural housing should be taking away from the current board of an Bord Plenala and given to three regional boards, operating under the aegis of an Board Plenala," he said.