24th October 2001

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Sinn Fein welcomes sustainable rural housing policy

Sinn Fein County Councillor Gerry Murray has welcomed the decision of Mayo County Council to pursue a sustainable rural housing policy for the County. Cllr Murray was speaking in relation to the Council's Housing Strategy which was adopted by the Council on Monday night.

`` I have long since advocated that the Mayo County Council should pursue such a strategy, and I am glad that my proposals in relation to this matter will now be incorporated into the County Development Plan. It is vital that we formulate a sustainable policy in relation to rural housing, thus ensuring the long term viability of our rural communities.''

Commenting on a statement by Michael Smith of An Taisce in relation to single house development in Rural Ireland Cllr Murray said. `` Of course people have a right to build houses and live in their own communities, but if some single house developments are deemed to be unsustainable, then serviced land banks should be made available so people will have the opportunity to live in their own locality. Successive Governments have lectured us about the virtues and the need for Sustainable Development in rural Ireland, but the sad reality is no Government has been prepared to pay for it.''ENDS

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