Rural planning laws are "too rigid" against farm families
Deputy Cleere said that the current planning system is “too rigid and often works against families that have farmed the land there for generations”
DEPUTY Peter ‘Chap’ Cleere has called for critical reforms to rural planning policy, to ensure greater support for those seeking to build new homes on family farms.
The Fianna Fáil TD said he has seen first-hand the difficulties that rural families face when trying to get planning permission to build homes.
Deputy Cleere said that the current planning system in large agricultural counties such as Carlow is “too rigid and often works against families that have farmed the land there for generations”.
He said that unless urgent action is taken to address current rural planning policy, the future of farming in Carlow will be undermined by planning restrictions.
“It’s disheartening to see so many young people, who want to stay and work in their local communities, struggle to secure planning permission to build a home on their family farm,” said Cleere.
“We need to make real changes to rural planning policy to ensure that these applications are considered not just fairly but strongly, to help maintain the viability of rural life in Carlow.” Chap is looking for reforms in several areas, including prioritising planning applications for family members on existing farms; streamlining the planning process; introducing clear and consistent guidelines across local authorities; and encouraging sustainable, low-impact housing that fits within the landscape while supporting agricultural businesses.
“Farms and the families that run them are essential to food production, the local economy and community life in rural areas,” said deputy Cleere “The reality is, without the ability to pass on land and support the younger generation with affordable housing options on the farm, many of these farms will struggle to survive.
“We need to act now to support the next generation of farmers, ensuring they can remain rooted in the communities where they grew up, learned their trade and where they want to raise their families.
“If we don’t support our young farmers with practical planning solutions now, we risk losing a vital part of what makes Carlow strong,” he concluded.
