Calls To Relax 5km Rule As Council Plans More Serviced Housing Sites Amid Low Uptake In Pilot Scheme

Wednesday, 6 August 2025 14:52

By Martin Osborne

If offered a site, successful applicants would need to pay at least a 10% deposit within a month. The rest must be paid after planning permission is granted.

Kildare County Council is considering serviced housing sites in a number of areas across the county, potentially allowing for three to ten self-build homes in each area.

The serviced sites would be sold for less than market value to people who want to build and live in their own home on the site.

If offered a site, successful applicants would need to pay at least a 10% deposit within a month.

The rest must be paid after planning permission is granted.

Independent Cllr Tom McDonnell raised the issue at a recent council meeting.

He said rising costs are forcing people to emigrate and that offering more serviced land would support families.

However, a newly introduced rural housing pilot scheme in Clogherinkoe has seen limited engagement, with expressions of interest received for just two of the seven available sites.

The scheme is governed by standard rural housing guidelines, including a key restriction that applicants must reside within 5km of the site - a rule aimed at preserving local links but which some argue may be too limiting.

While not a strict rule with a legal definition, the 5km rule is a common factor considered by planning authorities when evaluating applications for rural housing.

It was noted at the most recent council meeting that a review is planned for the end of the year, offering a potential opportunity to amend or relax some of the rules.

Fine Gael Cllr William Durkan said he is hopeful that more awareness of the scheme in the coming months will encourage some locals to explore such options.