Longford needs ‘rural repopulation’ and ‘barrier’ housing planning rules must be relaxed

A Ballymahon-based councillor has called on the Minister for Housing James Browne and his department to relax the current planning rules regarding so-called ribbon developments of small numbers of individual houses along national, regional, and rural roads.

Fianna Fáil councillor Pat O'Toole submitted a motion at the recent September monthly meeting of Longford County Council.

The experienced local politician stated in his motion the rules are a significant issue.

'These restrictions are a major obstacle that needs to be tackled with urgency as they are preventing many qualifying residents from building homes in their local area,” he said.

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"I think  this whole business  is causing depopulation when we should be looking at rural repopulation.

"I have very strong views on it and I think the Minister should look at this.”

Local Fianna Fáil Cllr Mick Cahill seconded the motion and he supported his party colleague.

He stated they had previously discussed the guidelines as a barrier.

"There is a huge influx of people employed at Center Parcs Longford Forest  in particular, and we have to provide adequate accommodation.”

Director of Services Barbara Heslin said they would write to Minister Browne outlining the notice of motion.

Longford County Council also said its adopted County Development Plan reflects the guidelines in the Department’s Sustainable Rural Housing - Guidelines for Planning Authorities issued in April 2005.  

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A spokeswoman said the County Development Plan provides for the following with regards to ribbon development. “CPO 4.32: Discourage ribbon development (defined as five or more houses alongside 250 metres of road frontage).”