Clare’s Minister of State claims new proposals to amend planning laws can play a small role in alleviating the housing crisis.
It comes as this county’s opposition TD has described the move as the latest “kick in the teeth” for apprenticeships.
The Department of Housing has this week opened public consultation on a proposal that would allow log cabins and modular homes of up to 45 square metres to be built in back gardens without planning permission.
The move is designed to alleviate pressure in areas where electricity grid and wastewater connections are readily available and prevent regular objectors from stalling developments.
Clare Fianna Fáil Minister of State Timmy Dooley admits it won’t solve the housing crisis, but believes it can play an important role in urban areas.
It comes amid revelations, however, that some Education and Training Boards have been forced to defer apprenticeships due to a lack of funding.
Shannon Sinn Féin TD Donna McGettigan who’s also her party’s spokesperson on Further and Higher Education believes this, coupled with the new planning proposals, will lower the quality of housing and put a lesser importance on trades.
You can listen to the full interview below.
