Rural Planning Ireland Considerations

Rural Ireland has varying landscapes that come with their own designations and policies. However, each county council has two distinct principle areas;

  • Areas under Significant Urban Influence
  • Structurally Weak Rural Areas

These are broadly defined below.

Areas Under Significant Urban Influence

An Area Under Urban Influence (AUUI)  is a pressure zone between urban and rural Ireland. This is where planning policy seeks to balance rural living with sustainable development, generally by limiting commuter-driven housing and directing growth back into settlements.

Planning authorities generally adopt a restrictive approach to new housing in AUUIs in order to:

  • Prevent urban sprawl and ribbon development
  • Protect the rural character and landscape
  • Encourage compact growth within towns and villages
  • Promote sustainable settlement patterns aligned with climate and transport objectives

Who may obtain planning permission in these areas?

For most cases, permission is prioritised for people with a demonstrable local housing need, such as;

  • long-term residents of the area
  • people with family, social, or economic ties for example farming or rural employment
  • those contributing to the local rural community

 

 

 

Rural Planning Ireland

Structurally Weak Rural Areas

Structurally Weak Rural Areas (SWRA) refers to rural areas experiencing long-term population decline and weak economic activity, where planning policy is more supportive of new housing to help sustain communities. Planning policy in SWRAs is generally more permissive than in areas under urban influence, with the aim of:

  • supporting rural population rentention and growth
  • sustaining school, shops and community services
  • encouraging people to live and work locally
  • reusing or upgrading existing rural infrastructure

Who may obtain planning permission in these areas?

Unlike urban-influenced areas local housing need restrictions are usually more relaxed. Applicants don’t always need strong family or economic ties to the area as in-migration is often actively encouraged, provided development is appropriate.