Kerry County Council is to offer a new "on-site pre-planning service" in an attempt to free up planning for one-off houses on family-owned lands.
The development is part of an agreement between the county manager, Mr Martin Riordan, and councillors. There has been bitter division between most councillors and management in Kerry over planning in rural areas.
Until recently, council meetings have been dominated by motions from councillors directing the manager to grant permission, often against the advice of planners and engineers.
The on-site meetings are initially being provided in the Dingle area and will be in place throughout the county within four months, according to a statement issued by the council. The council is urging applicants to avail of the on-site meetings before going to the expense of preparing plans for their home.
Most planning issues with regard to elevation, traffic hazard and location on the site can be addressed at this stage, it is felt.
Mr Martin Riordan, county manager, said: "The initiative recognises the strong and continuing tradition of people living in rural areas and the council's policy to promote and support vibrant rural communities while also preserving the natural amenities and assets of the county."
Mr Ned O'Sullivan, the Fianna Fáil mayor of Kerry, said the new service was in response to issues identified by councillors on difficulties for local people in securing planning permission in rural areas.
"It is hoped that this engagement at an early stage between applicants and planners will resolve any practical difficulties that may exist," he added.
Annually, almost twice the number of houses are granted permission in Kerry than are needed by population growth or full-time residents.
This has led to calls by some environmental organisations locally for a tax on holiday homes and to warnings that scenic areas are being ruined to meet the demand for second homes.