New planning guidelines will protect rural Offaly making it easier for people to build locally

Guidelines recognise the importance of people who work in farming, forestry, the equine sector, rural businesses and essential local services

The publication of the Government's new Rural and Gaeltacht Planning Guidelines has been welcomed by Fianna Fáil TD for Offaly, Tony McCormack, saying they will help protect rural Ireland by making it easier for local people to build homes in the communities where they belong.

Deputy McCormack said the new approach strikes the right balance between protecting the countryside and ensuring that rural communities continue to grow and thrive.

"If we want to protect rural Ireland, we have to protect the people who live there. That means giving local families the opportunity to build a home in the communities where they were raised and where they want to raise the next generation."

"Strong rural communities don't happen by accident. They are built around families. They keep our schools open, they support our GAA clubs, they keep customers in our local shops and pubs, they sustain parish organisations and community groups, and they ensure rural Ireland remains vibrant and alive."

Deputy McCormack said the new guidelines recognise that people with genuine local social and economic ties should continue to be supported to live in rural areas.

"These guidelines recognise the importance of people who work in farming, forestry, the equine sector, rural businesses and essential local services. They also introduce a more practical and consistent planning system that removes unnecessary barriers while continuing to protect environmentally sensitive areas and locations under significant development pressure."

He said the reforms move away from overly rigid planning rules that have often frustrated applicants.

"For too long, planning decisions have varied from county to county and applicants have faced unnecessary hurdles. These new national guidelines will provide greater consistency while allowing sensible, case by case decisions that reflect the needs of rural communities."

Deputy McCormack welcomed measures to support appropriate infill development, reduce reliance on arbitrary requirements such as minimum road frontage, and encourage the regeneration of rural towns and villages.

He stressed that the policy is about supporting communities rather than speculative development.

"This isn't about opening the floodgates. It's about allowing people with genuine local connections to live where they belong while continuing to protect our beautiful countryside. We can protect our landscape and protect our communities at the same time."

Deputy McCormack added that the future of rural Offaly depends on making it possible for young people and families to remain in their own communities.

"If we don't allow local people to build and stay in rural Ireland, we risk losing the very things that make these communities special. Protecting rural Ireland means protecting the families who live there, the volunteers who coach our young people, the local businesses that serve our communities and the organisations that bring people together. These new guidelines recognise that reality and are a positive step forward for counties like Offaly."