Review of role and functions of the Office of the Planning Regulator announced
- Published on: 24 March 2026
- Last updated on: 24 March 2026
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, and Minister of State for Planning, John Cummins TD today announced the commencement of a review of the role and functions of the Office of the Planning Regulator (OPR) as recommended in both the Housing Action Plan: Delivering Homes, Building Communities and the Accelerating Infrastructure Report.
The objective of this review will be:
- to determine the future role of the Office of the Planning Regulator;
- how to best align plan review, examination, and training functions within the Irish planning system;
- the optimal use of resources to achieve planning objectives;
- and to make any necessary recommendations to achieve the desired outcomes.
The review will also identify legislative changes, if any, which may be required to implement its recommendations.
Speaking today, Minister Browne emphasised:
“The work of the OPR is vital to our planning system and it is important that it aligns with our wider strategic aims in terms of housing and infrastructure delivery. This review will take into account the objectives outlined in our Housing Action Plan, particularly the ‘Accelerating Infrastructure’ pillar which seeks to address those barriers and challenges to infrastructure delivery linked to the growth in the regulatory system in Ireland. The review will contribute to this objective through identifying opportunities to streamline processes, improve coordination and reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens.”
Minister of State Cummins added:
“Undertaking a review of the Office of the Planning Regulator demonstrates a clear commitment to continuous improvement and streamlining within our planning system.
“The review will be forward looking, identifying opportunities to strengthen capacity, enhance processes and ensure the Office is well positioned to respond to a changing planning environment.”
The target date for the completion of the review is the end of Q2 2026. A copy of the terms of reference for the review can be accessed here:
ENDS