4^th March 2004

PRESS RELEASE

CULLEN'S ONE OFF HOUSING GUIDELINES WILL ONLY STORE UP PROBLEMS FOR THE FUTURE

The Green Party has criticised the Draft Rural Housing Guidelines published by the Minister for the Environment, Martin Cullen, today. The Party has accused the Minister of storing up problems for future generations and stated that the implementation of the new guidelines will lead to more pollution, traffic and social isolation.

Green Party Leader, Trevor Sargent TD, said today, “Ireland is already the most car-dependent country in Europe.  These guidelines will only make matters worse.”

“Rural planning policies should give preference to those who make an economic contribution to the rural community in which they wish to live, and who will participate in, and contribute to the life of the local community.   However Minister Cullen’s guidelines can be used to justify almost any one-off house.”

“Instead of opening the floodgates for one off houses in almost any location the Minister should be encouraging new development in our towns and villages.”

“Minister Cullen has stated that he wishes the refusal rate for one off houses from An Bord Pleanála to drop from 76% to 10%. He should realise that the  planning board only refuses development for legitimate reasons such as the possibility of groundwater contamination, traffic danger or loss of amenity.”

Green Party Planning spokesperson, Ciarán Cuffe TD, added, “I urge the Minister to carry out research comparing rural and urban housing. Evidence to date suggests that a free-for-all will encourage long-distance commuting and lead to more traffic, car dependency and emissions.”