‘Every farmer should be allowed to sell a site’

ALL FARMERS should be granted the right to sell a site on their land under a new motion supported by a county council.

Independent councillor Michael Fahy said it’s impossible to get “planning” in his area of south Co Galway and claimed the idea would do wonders for rural areas across the country.

Galway Co Council has voted unanimously to support a motion which would see farmers given the right to sell a site on their land.

Restrictions were brought in on planning permission in many parts of the country to control urban sprawl and one off houses dotting the roadside.

Cllr Fahy argued the move would help keep post offices, schools and GAA clubs going and give identity to rural communities.

In addition, the move would be aid construction jobs and be a huge cash boost for hard pressed farmers who would spend the money in the local area further boosting local shops and businesses.

Cllr Fahy said that key to the proposal would be guaranteeing planning permission on the site on a one-off basis.

“It’s heart breaking when I cannot help people to get planning permission because of the current rules,” he said, with too much red tape clogging the system.

Cllr Fahy said he has seen no opposition locally to the plan and pointed to unanimous support from Galway Co Council.

“This is not about damaging the scenic qualities of a local area. There is nothing nicer than seeing local bungalows or two story houses in the countryside.

“Ireland has been recognised for its hospitality for years in this way.

It comes in the wake of a European Court of Justice rural which found that ‘locals only’ type clauses are contrary to European law.