Change to development plan in Limerick will see houses allowed on narrow roads

COUNCILLORS have approved a change to the local development plan which, it’s hoped, will make it easier for people to build one-off homes in rural Limerick.

At this month’s full local authority meeting, a modification was approved to Limerick’s Development Plan, which governs what can be built, and where across the county.

There has been strict rules around who is allowed to build homes on roads deemed to be “substandard”.

In simple terms, this refers to roads which are under three-metres wide.

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However, council members have voted to remove this reference from the development plan, in what has been hailed as “a great day for the people of rural Ireland” by Fine Gael councillor Liam Galvin.

It comes with Government later this year expected to relax rules around who can build once-off houses and where.

It was Cllr Galvin who started the process of getting the designation around “substandard roads” removed from the development plan after he was contacted by people from across Limerick.

And it means people who have had planning applications refused because their land is located on narrow roadways will be able to make a fresh bid to develop.

“This is going to open every sub-standard road in County Limerick now to applicants. To people who want to sell a site - maybe there might be an opportunity for a farmer to sell a site. I remember a case where a farmer wanted to sell a site to put his children through college and because the road was substandard, he wasn’t allowed,” said Cllr Galvin.

“This should never have been in the development plan from day one,” he added.

“It’s probably the biggest variation made to the development plan since I have been elected.”

In order to make a change to the development plan, a two-thirds majority needs to be reached in the council chamber.

On this occasion, there was no need for a vote, with the proposal getting unanimous backing.

Cllr Galvin proposed the change, and it was seconded by Cllr Bridie Collins, Fianna Fail.

“It’s a great day for the people of rural Ireland and the young folk who want to build houses,” said Abbeyfeale councillor Galvin, who also acknowledged the support of Mayor John Moran.

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Independent councillor Eddie Ryan welcomed the move, saying: “This is the politics that matter to those who are waiting out there to see what are we doing to help them.”

Fine Gael councillor Stephen Keary also commended Cllr Galvin, and sought confirmation that people who were refused permission solely on the basis that they wanted to build on a so-called “substandard road” can reapply.

He was told this indeed is the case.

Fine Gael council leader, Cllr John Sheahan said: “This is an example of what we can do when we work together”.
The change to the plan was effective immediately.