New planning measures announced today by Irish Environment Minister John Gormley are preparing the ground for a complete ban on one-off housing in rural areas, according to Fine Gael Parliamentary Party Chairman Tom Hayes.

Mr Hayes said: "While some of Minister Gormley's guidelines are sensible and measured, I believe there is an unspecified aim behind these new planning proposals. The one-off housing, or small cluster housing that suits so many people in Ireland would effectively be eliminated as an option".

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While Hayes said he welcomed the idea of ensuring consistency in the planning process, he believes the proposed guidelines would mean that those wishing to pursue a life in the country would be left with no option but to live in villages and towns.

He said: "The consequences of bad planning in both urban and rural areas are plain for all to see. However, Ireland has a long-tradition of rural settlement and many communities exist on this basis.

"It would be folly for Minister Gormley to attempt to wipe out centuries-old settlement patterns in one stroke.

"His new proposals must therefore be closely scrutinised to see what impact they will have on one-off housing, how they will be managed, and how they will work".

He added: "The Minister must be made aware of the fierce local opposition he will face if there is any attempt to impose a complete ban on one-off housing."

(VB/JM)