Sinn Féin's legislative amendment on rural planning is to be brought in front of the Dáil next Tuesday evening, 20 November.

Created by Sligo-Leitrim TD Martin Kenny, the amendment will be debated at its second stage by all parties.

Deputy Kenny said: "This is a vital piece of legislation which will remove obstacles for the many people attempting to get planning permission in rural areas.

"This amendment to the Local Government (Water Pollution) Act, 1977, will permit local authorities to grant a waste water discharge licence to applicants wanting to build one-off rural houses where the percolation test has failed.

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"This would move away from the zero discharge rule which has prevented many families from building a house in rural areas, especially in the North West and West of Ireland.

"This is a small measure which will have a positive effect, especially in rural areas suffering from depopulation and decline, where given the chance young families want to come and live, send their children to the school that they attended, play football for the local club and revitalise their home parish."

He added: "The debate will happen on Tuesday evening and I expect to get support for this amendment from the minister and all parties in the Dáil. When it passes second stage, the amendment will go to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government where it will be scrutinised and returned to the Dáil.

"The sooner the process is ended, the sooner its beneficial effects will be felt in rural Ireland."

(CM)