Galway TD warns remote areas in decline due to planning problems

Galway West TD Mairead Farrell has warned that remote areas are in decline due to planning problems.

She said as there's nothing to rent, there's nothing to buy, and no social houses are built in remote areas or on the offshore islands.

Deputy Farrell says families then decide to build a house, often in their home area, and yet can't get planning.

The Sinn Fein TD told the Dail when it's not possible for young families to buy or build a house, services in the area are alse affected.

She added that in the Gaeltacht it also reduces the number of Irish speakers as they are forced to move elsewhere