Frequently Asked Questions

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Do I need to design my own house?

The Village offers two types of sites. You can purchase a site with Outline Planning permission and design your own home. If the house is detached, you can design the house yourself. If the site is part of a semi-detached or terraced unit, you need to work with your neighbours to finalise a design. The Village also has a number of sites designed to Full Planning Permission. Each of these houses has been designed by an ecological architect and reflect the diversity of style, materials and textures in the project

Who is responsible for building the houses?

Each member is responsible for the construction of their own home. Members can chose to contract their own builder or work with friends and neighbours as part of a group build. The Village also has a number of sites where a builder has already quoted for services. Contact us for further details.

Who manages the ecovillage site during construction?

The construction management process is the responsiblity of Oxpark Construction Management Limited. Oxpark was formed in December 2008 to complete the building program over a 2 to 3 year period, manage safety measures on site and protect the infrastructure and natural assets of the land.

How can I find out more about the organisation before joining?

The Village is an open organisation and will provide you with as much information as possible. To find out more, you can attend one of our regular Experience Days or make an appointment to visit at a time of your convenience. You can also attend one of our monthly members' meetings and meet the people involved in the project. Just give us a call in advance.

What are the aims of The Village?

The Village aims come under the following headings:

• Human Scale:- A place that can down-size the institutions that provide housing, food, waste disposal, transportation, health care, education, social interaction and democracy, and contain these systems in a community where direct human involvement in the institutions is promoted.

• Human activities that are harmlessly integrated into the natural world

• A place supportive to healthy human development

• A community that can be successfully continued into the indefinite future

What type of people are involved in The Village?

The Village attracts a diverse mix of people of various ages and backgrounds. The membership includes teachers, builders, architects, farmers, therapists, homemakers, students and retirees. The scope of the project means that it attracts attracts people for a wide variety of reasons. A common theme amongst the membership however, is the desire to work towards a more sustainable and community based lifestyle.

How do I become a member of the Village project?

When you purchase a site in the ecovillage you automatically become a member of Sustainable Projects Ireland Ltd., operating as 'The Village'. As a member you have equal say in key decisions in an organisation that operates according to an inclusive model of consensus.

How can I find out more about the organisation before joining?

The Village is an open organisation and will provide you with as much information as possible. To find out more, you can attend one of our regular experience days or make an appointment to visit at a time of your convenience. You can also attend one of our monthly members' meetings and meet the people involved in the project. Just give us a call in advance.