Sinn Féin spokesperson on Rural Development and an Ghaeltacht Conor D. McGuinness, has said that rural and Gaeltacht communities have waited far too long for clarity on planning policy. The Waterford TD said that the Government’s draft National Planning Statement must now be judged on whether it delivers for the people it is intended to serve.
Teachta McGuinness said:
“For years, rural communities and Gaeltacht families have been promised certainty and fairness in the planning system. Instead, what they have received is delay after delay, shifting deadlines and a drip-feeding of information from Government.
“The commitment to produce dedicated planning guidance for the Gaeltacht has been long anticipated. Instead of bringing forward a standalone Gaeltacht planning statement recognising the unique linguistic, cultural and demographic challenges facing these communities, Government has chosen to fold it into a wider rural planning document. That decision raises legitimate questions which Ministers must now answer.”
The Sinn Féin TD said the prolonged delays have come at a significant cost.
“While Government has been delaying, many rural communities have continued to lose population, young people have been forced to leave in search of housing elsewhere, and the pressures facing the Gaeltacht have only intensified. The decline in the everyday use of Irish as a community language has continued at an alarming pace, making the need for effective planning protections more urgent than ever.
“In 2006 there were 23,250 one-off homes built. Between 5,000 and 6,000 one-off homes we built every year since 2011. This falls well below demand levels and these draft plans as they stand, will not increase these figures to where they need to be.
“Communities have every right to be frustrated that it has taken so long to reach this point.”
McGuinness said the publication of the draft must mark the beginning, rather than the end, of meaningful engagement.
“People should judge this plan on its merits. If it contains practical measures that make it easier for local people to build homes in their own communities while protecting the long-term future of the Gaeltacht and supporting sustainable rural development, then it will deserve support.
“However, expectations are rightly high after years of broken promises and missed deadlines. The Government must ensure that this statement reflects the needs and aspirations of rural and Gaeltacht communities.
“Most importantly, publication alone is not enough. Delivery must now follow. Local authorities need clear guidance, communities need certainty, and families need to see the changes implemented without further delay.
“Sinn Féin will examine the draft in detail and will continue to work with rural communities, Gaeltacht organisations and housing campaigners to ensure that the final policy genuinely supports people who want to live, raise families and sustain vibrant communities in rural Ireland and throughout the Gaeltacht.”
Conor D. McGuinness TD 