EC expected to strike down Irish one-off housing rules

The European Commission is expected to order the scrapping of certain Irish planning guidelines because they are illegal under EU law.

The guidelines, which are in place in 22 counties, prevent people who don't have a connection with the locality from building one-off houses.

The EC launched an investigation into the matter after a complaint from an Irish citizen who was refused planning in Wicklow on these grounds.

It is set to announce the outcome of the inquiry in the next few months.

Fianna Fáil MEP Sean O'Neachtain is criticising the investigation, claiming the commission has no right to interfere in the Irish planning process.