Rural housing eligibility
Who can build a house in the Sligo countryside?
In County Sligo, new one-off houses in Rural Areas under Urban Influence (RAUI) are permitted for applicants who have a demonstrable economic or social need to live in the rural area. Applicants must provide proof of their connection to the local community and demonstrate an intention to permanently occupy the home.
Who may qualify
Demonstrable economic or social need(Page 21, Section 3.4.1)
Applicants with a demonstrable economic or social need to live in Rural Areas under Urban Influence (RAUI) who can provide a signed statement of housing circumstances, land registry ownership proof, and a documented link/occupancy proof within the respective rural community.
Sensitive area need(Page 22, Section 33.4.2)
Applicants who can demonstrate a specific need to reside in a designated green belt or sensitive area, permitting potential exceptions to build in designated Visually Vulnerable Areas, Sensitive Landscapes, or along Scenic Routes.
Rules by rural area type
The county is split into area types with different rules.
Rural Areas under Urban Influence (RAUI)
The Planning Authority will accommodate applicants who can show a demonstrable economic or social need to live in the rural area, supported by proof of local community links, land ownership, and intention of permanent occupation.
Visually Vulnerable Areas, Sensitive Landscapes, or Scenic Routes
New houses are generally discouraged here, but exceptions are possible for applicants showing a specific, documented need to reside in the area under green belt and sensitive area housing policies.
Conditions attached
- Submission of a signed statement detailing current and historic housing circumstances, including any past or current dwelling ownership in the area and previous planning permissions.
- A stated intention for permanent occupation of the proposed dwelling.
- Provision of land registry documentation showing ownership of the proposed site.
- Proof of a link to the rural community, including length of occupancy of any rented property.
- Requirement to build in traditional/vernacular principles or high-quality modern designs that integrate into the landscape, avoiding suburban styles.
Who typically does not qualify
- Applicants without a demonstrable economic or social need to live in Rural Areas under Urban Influence.
- Proposals that would constitute ribbon development, defined as five or more houses located within a 250m stretch of road.
- Developments that lead to urban sprawl (expansion outside towns/villages in ribbon or other forms).
- Applicants proposing suburban-style house designs.
- Developments in designated Visually Vulnerable Areas, Sensitive Landscapes, or along Scenic Routes, unless a specific, exceptional need is shown.