COUNTY Limerick politician Richard O’Donoghue has proposed a two-pronged approach to alleviating the rural housing crisis.
The local TD believes a speedy introduction of the long-awaited statutory rural planning guidelines and a relaxation of planning around log cabins are necessary to help bolster housing stock.
“Despite pre-election promises, the government has yet to publish new rural planning guidelines. This has resulted in restrictive planning permissions for rural housing, forcing young people off their ancestral lands. The current planning laws, particularly for log cabins, are outdated and difficult to navigate,” Deputy O’Donoghue insisted.
“The absence of a rural housing policy document leaves Limerick City and County Council without a roadmap for rural housing policy. This results in discrimination against rural Ireland.”
Deputy O’Donoghue is now proposing that the government relaxes “outdated” planning laws to allow the construction of sustainable log cabin units without “unnecessary” planning permission requirements. This, he believes, could be achieved by amending the planning regulations to facilitate the construction of temporary or permanent structures on family-owned lands in rural areas.
“Log cabins are a practical solution to the housing crisis,” Deputy O’Donoghue claimed. “If the Housing Minister, who is also the Planning Minister, is serious about solving the housing crisis, he should act immediately.”
“Modular housing, particularly log cabins, is an innovative and sustainable solution that offers greater housing choice. A clear planning policy on building log cabins could significantly address the housing crisis.”
The Limerick TD called on the government to “define a clear planning policy for the construction of log cabins in rural areas”.
“Log cabins could serve as primary residences during housing shortages, rent pressures, and pending evictions. They are a relevant solution, especially considering rising construction costs.”
