Locals-only rural housing rule will be lifted in wake of Flemish ECJ case

Simon Coveney set to bring the country in line with EU’s ‘freedom of movement’ principles

Fianna Fáil TD Dara Calleary said the rural housing guidelines needed to be changed to support “proper rural regeneration”.

The ‘locals-only’ rule for one-off housing in rural areas is set to be scrapped to comply with EU rules.

Many councils around the country have required those seeking planning permission to be born in the local area, and to pledge to live in their home for up to ten years before selling it on.

But the Minister for Housing, Simon Coveney, is now set to abolish these rules to bring the country in ...