The cost of seeking planning permission to build a family home in Mayo, at present, is excessive and is working against addressing the housing crisis.
That’s the strong view of Erris based Fine Gael councillor Gerry Coyle.
At the recent monthly meeting of Mayo County Council, councillor Coyle gave the example of a young couple who face a €16,000 bill in charges before ever starting to build.
In this case the couple managed to secure planning, but large sums are also being paid out and planning permission can be refused.
Councillor Coyle spoke to Midwest News Editor Teresa O’Malley about the obstacles being put before peple who want to live in rural Ireland:
