A new research programme set to get underway in Leitrim will give a glimmer of hope to those previously denied planning permission for one off housing.
Leitrim County County Council has been awarded funding from the EPA to trial test a new percolation system that, if successful, would help applicants meet environmental requirements.
Poor soil percolation in parts of the county has prevented the granting of permission to the building of houses in rural areas, which would contravene water quality standards.
The local authority along with Trinity College Dublin will trial the Willow Evapo-trans-piration System at select council housing sites over the course of three years.
The nature based system is designed to be a zero discharge process for onsite waste water treatment.
Speaking at today's meeting of Leitrim County Council, Councillor Enda McGloin says the new system, if successful, will see people able to move home from across the country.