The updated rural housing planning guideline document from the Department of Local Government is being finalised with a draft document expected by the end of March.
The new guidelines are necessary following a successful challenge against the Flemish Decree in the European Court of Justice which ruled that the decree was in breach of article 43 of the EU Treaty on the freedom of movement of people.
Independent Galway East TD Seán Canney said the new guidelines must “reflect the decision of the Court of Justice and allow people freedom to build homes in rural areas”.
“Young people have the right to build their homes and raise their families in rural areas where they themselves were born, this will ensure that communities remain sustainable and the rural schools can survive.”
