Rural Family Homes

A major new report published today (Monday, 25^th May) by Hardware Association Ireland (HAI) has called for urgent reform from Minister for Housing, James Browne T.D, of planning regulations to unlock the smart delivery of thousands of much needed rural homes across Ireland.

The report, ‘The Potential for Rural Family Homes’, found that Ireland is significantly under delivering in the one-off housing sector, with just under 6,000 homes built in 2025 compared to over 23,000 homes in 2006.

Based on extensive stakeholder research, the findings of the report concluded that demand for rural housing remains strong, with over 90% of respondents identifying a clear shortfall between demand and supply in their areas. The report warns that failure to act now will accelerate rural depopulation, increase pressure on urban housing, and drive further increases in house prices and rents.

Commenting on the report, Martin Markey, Chief Executive of the HAI, said “Our study has identified that smart delivery of homes is required to keep pace with population growth. Unlocking this sector could add at least a further 6,000 houses per year.

He went on to say “Our report calls for urgent, targeted and balanced reform, including a review and modernisation of the existing planning process to better support sustainable rural development.”

“the report presents a clear and practical roadmap to increase housing supply while supporting rural communities.”

The report highlights that modern rural homes are more sustainable than ever, supported by advances in low carbon construction, renewable energy, and changing work patterns, including the rise of remote working.

The study found that current government policy and planning processes are acting as the primary barriers to delivery. The current regulations have been identified as one of the biggest obstacles, alongside what respondents describe as a complex and often challenging planning system.

Importantly, the authors of the report believe that there is no requirement for significant financial incentives from the State to fast track the recommendations. Instead, the focus should be on removal of structural barriers, improving clarity in planning, and enabling rapid infrastructure. In particular, the report found that the local housing need regulation, as it is applied, is a major impediment to delivering housing.

The summary of the report issues a stark message: Ireland does not have a demand problem in rural housing. It has a delivery problem, and the solution lies in reforming policy to enable construction at scale.

The Potential for Rural Family Homes is the third in a series of recommendations to government. The other two reports produced by the HAI are “Empty Homes: Unlocking the Opportunity” and “Above the Shop Research”.

ENDS

Please note: Martin Markey, Chief Executive Officer of Hardware Association Ireland, is available for comment.