NEWS: Motion passed to rethink restrictive one off housing rules on strategic routes 

Tipperary’s planning rules are shutting young people out of the countryside, keeping them from building homes close to their families.

During the January meeting of Tipperary County Council, independent councillor Mairín McGrath urged her colleagues to reconsider the strict rules on building single houses along the main roads connecting major towns. She described the current regulations as 'extremely restrictive.'

READ NEXT: BREAKING: Planning green light in Tipperary for new B&B in tourist town

However, the council have planned McGrath’s motion to rethink one-off housing rules where she broke the news via a statement

"At the January meeting of Tipperary County Council, I submitted a motion calling for a review of the planning rules that in my opinion are unfairly blocking young people from building homes in rural Tipperary," she said

"The existing policy on one off housing along strategic and regional roads is extremely restrictive and is preventing families from putting down roots in their own communities. I stressed that in the current climate, being able to find a suitable site, having the desire to live in a rural area, and having the means to provide a home for yourself is an achievement in itself."

"In many instances, our regional roads, such as the R639 which runs parallel to the M8 motorway, are more straight and wider, and therefore safer than many of the local roads where planning for one off houses is usually sought. Our planning authority should support, not hinder, people who want to live close to their families, contribute to rural life, and keep our communities vibrant."

"I was heartened by the support my motion received across the council chamber and despite opposition from the Council Executive to leave the policy as-is, a review of this policy will now take place later this year"