The Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council, Albert Dolan, has called for critical reforms to rural planning policy, to ensure greater support for those seeking to build new homes on family farms.

The Fianna Fáil councillor and general election candidate for Galway East, who represents the local electoral area of Athenry-Oranmore, said he has seen first-hand the difficulties that rural families face when trying to get planning permission to build homes.

Cllr Dolan – a farmer and chartered accountant – said that the current planning system in large agricultural counties such as Galway is too rigid and often works against families that have farmed the land there for generations.

He said that unless urgent action is taken to address current rural planning policy, the future of farming in areas such as East Galway will be undermined by planning restrictions.

“As a farmer myself, it’s disheartening to see so many young people who want to stay and work in their local communities, struggle to secure planning permission to build a home on their family farm,” said Cllr Dolan.

“We need to make real changes to rural planning policy to ensure that these applications are considered not just fairly, but strongly, to help maintain the viability of rural life in East Galway.”

Cllr. Dolan has called for reforms in several areas, including prioritising planning applications for family members on existing farms; streamlining the planning process; introducing clear and consistent guidelines across local authorities; and encouraging sustainable, low-impact housing that fits within the landscape while supporting agricultural businesses.

“Farms, and the families that run them, are essential to food production, the local economy and community life in rural areas,” said Cllr Dolan.

“The reality is, without the ability to pass on land and support the younger generation with affordable housing options on the farm, many of these farms will struggle to survive.

“We need to act now to support the next generation of farmers, ensuring they can remain rooted in the communities where they grew up, learned their trade, and where they want to raise their families.”

As part of his general election campaign, Cllr. Dolan said that he will be meeting with farming families in the coming weeks to hear their concerns on this issue and discuss his proposals for rural planning reform.

“If we don’t support our young farmers with practical planning solutions now, we risk losing a vital part of what makes East Galway strong,” he said.

Pictured: Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council Albert Dolan: planning system in Galway is too rigid.