Limerick Councillors Demand Urgent Reform for Rural Housing

Four councillors from the Fianna Fáil party in Limerick have united to address the increasing housing shortage impacting rural communities. Councillors Francis Foley, Fergus Kilcoyne, Ger Ward, and Martin Ryan have identified “outdated” ribbon development restrictions as a significant barrier that requires urgent attention along the Shannonside.

In a statement released to the Limerick Post this week, the councillors described it as “nonsensical” that strict technical regulations are hindering local residents from building homes in their own areas. They argue that the core of the issue lies in both local and national planning policies, particularly the stringent interpretation of ribbon development guidelines.

“Under the current Limerick Development Plan, and national rural housing guidelines, there is a limit that restricts residential development to just four houses per 250 metres of rural road frontage,” the councillors stated. Originally designed to prevent haphazard development, these rules are now viewed as excessively rigid and fail to address the evolving needs of rural families who wish to stay within their communities.

The councillors noted that “residents who have deep ties to the land and local community are often unable to secure planning permission for homes, even when their proposals would not negatively impact the environment.” They expressed concern for individuals who are forced to live distant from their places of birth, emphasizing that young people deserve better housing options.

“It’s a scandal and something needs to be done,” they asserted.

The councillors are proposing a policy change that would allow up to six homes per 250 metres of road frontage, contingent on adherence to specific design principles. These principles include the use of combined entrances where feasible and the necessity for detailed landscaping plans.

They also suggest exploring additional options such as rural clusters and supporting land development for landowners with extensive holdings but limited road frontage.

“A more flexible approach is required to make rural housing more practical and sustainable,” they stated, urging that it is essential for individuals with genuine ties to the area to have the opportunity to live near their families and communities.

The four Fianna Fáil councillors are calling on Limerick City and County Council and the Department of Housing to endorse their proposals, emphasizing that local residents should not be excluded from their communities due to outdated planning barriers.

By advocating for these reforms, they aim to create a more inclusive environment for young families and long-standing residents in rural areas, allowing them to build homes that reflect their connections to the land and community.