The Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has been called on to deal with so-called 'serial objectors' to developments around the country.

Kerry TD Danny Healy Rae told the Dáil that some people are being denied the opportunity to build a house on their own land because they are being blocked "by one serial objector".

"In all of these cases, Kerry County Council have granted planning permission - however this objector appeals the decision to the board.

"And even though the inspector comes down and says planning should be granted... they go back up and the board then in its entirety refuses the permission.

Mr Healy Rae claimed: "These people are left without a house and the chance of building a house for themselves.

"They can't afford to buy a house in a town like Killarney or Kenmare or Dingle.

"And they can't afford to go further for a judicial review".

"What are you going to do, Taoiseach, about these serial objectors?" he asked.

However Mr Varadkar said planning matters are decided on for reasons of good development.

He said everyone has the right to lodge an objection.

Citing figures which he said showed around 18,000 new homes were built in Ireland last year - of which up to 4,000 were one-off homes - Mr Varadkar replied: "There are people getting planning permission, and there are people still able to build in rural Ireland - as they should be allowed to build.

"However, there is a planning process and that has to take into account other important factors - and people are entitled to object to the council if they don't believe a house should get permission, and they are entitled to appeal to An Bord Pleanála if they don't agree with the council's decision.

"And I really don't know if it's feasible in a democracy - and we are a democracy - to bar people from objecting to planning permission if they wish to".