Mayo senator stands up for one-off rural housing need

A Mayo Oireahctas member has outlined her support for one-off rural housing to be maintained.

Senator Lisa Chambers stated: "I believe it is the right of rural people to build on family land without question.

"We have technology available to us to deal with water quality issues. If septic tanks are working properly, there is no issue.

"It is the language that concerns me as a person from rural Ireland, knowing the position of people within the Department of Environment.

"I understand the environmental concerns and I am not against addressing them. If a septic tank is not working properly, it is very problematic and needs to be addressed.

"We have to improve water quality. We know that, and we get the point on agriculture and rural housing.

"But I do not believe any person building in a rural area, particularly a more remote one, expects a public bus to land at the front door. We are not looking for that.

"However, we do not want the inability to provide public transport to our front doors to be somehow used as a way to block people from getting planning permission. My point is on the mentality in this regard.

"Very few properties are available in Castlebar to buy and the newer ones are quite expensive.

"If you and your partner are from the town, it is nearly impossible to get planning in a rural area. You have no option if you want to build your own house. That needs to be facilitated.

"Serviced sites would be very helpful. They comprise a way to bridge the gap. There are people who do not qualify for social housing who would like to build their own homes.

"If they are from the town, it is not an option for them."