Sinn Féin is preparing to present an amendment to rural planning legislation in the Dáil this evening, 20 November, and remain confident it will secure government backing.

The amendment will remove some obstacles for people trying to obtain planning permission in rural areas.

Sinn Féin spokesperson for Rural & Community Affairs Martin Kenny TD explained: "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.

-- Advertisement --

"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 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.

"We expect to get support for this amendment from the minister and all parties in the Dáil."

If successful on its second stage, the amendment will go to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government.

(CM/MH)