28/05/2026
Independent Ireland Welcomes Government Adoption of Its Rural Housing Policy
Leader of Independent Ireland, Michael Collins TD, has welcomed reports that the Government is preparing a major overhaul of rural housing rules, saying it is clear that policies championed by Independent Ireland are now being adopted. "Common sense is finally hitting home"
The Government is expected to significantly relax planning restrictions around one-off rural housing in what has been described as the biggest overhaul of rural housing policy in decades.
Deputy Collins said the move vindicates the position consistently taken by Independent Ireland in standing up for rural communities, young families and the right of people to live in the areas where they were raised.
“They didn’t form a Government with us, because we refused to move our position on carbon tax it was a red line for us, but they are implementing our policies — and we welcome that,” Deputy Collins said.
“For years, rural Ireland was ignored and punished by planning policies that made it increasingly difficult for ordinary people, farmers’ sons and daughters, and young couples to build homes in their own communities.”
“Independent Ireland has consistently argued that rural communities cannot survive if young people are forced to leave the areas where they grew up simply because planning rules have become completely detached from reality.”
Deputy Collins said the planned reforms are a clear acknowledgement that previous policies failed rural Ireland.
“The Government is finally recognising what people across rural Ireland have been saying for years — that these restrictions went too far and were damaging communities, schools, local businesses, GAA clubs and parish life.”
“We have long argued for common sense planning policies that protect the countryside while also recognising the right of people to live in rural Ireland.”
The Independent Ireland leader said the party had made rural housing a central political issue long before larger parties began to shift position.
“When Independent Ireland raised these concerns, we were dismissed and criticised by many. Now the Government is effectively accepting, once again that we were right.”
Deputy Collins added that the changes must now be delivered quickly and fairly across all local authorities.
“Young people should not have to emigrate or move into overcrowded urban areas when they have land, family ties and livelihoods rooted in rural communities.”
“Independent Ireland will continue fighting for balanced development, common sense planning and the protection of rural communities across Ireland.”
Michael Collins Independent TD Richard O'Donoghue TD Michael Fitzmaurice TD Ken O'Flynn T.D. Ciaran Mullooly
