Press release
Minister O’Brien outlines revision process for National Planning Framework
From Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage
Published on
Last updated on
The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien, today announced the commencement of the process to revise the National Planning Framework (NPF) and publish the Roadmap for this First Revision. This follows the decision by Government to proceed with undertaking a revision of the NPF, as provided for in the Planning and Development Act, 2000 and to publish the Roadmap, which outlines the process and timeline for the revision.
The Road Map:
In acknowledgment of the changing profile of Ireland’s population structure, the department has engaged the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) to update their previous independent and peer-reviewed research on Structural Housing Demand research which was published in December 2020 and forms the basis for the calculation of housing supply targets at local authority level. The work of the ESRI is dependent on the release of Census 2022 data by the CSO. The data provides the evidence base to inform any revision to the National Planning Framework and subsequently any update to housing supply targets as set out in Housing for All.
Commenting, Minister O’Brien said:
“There was a clear commitment in the Programme for Government for a revision of the NPF. Since its publication in 2018, there have been a number of significant and critical developments in relation to planning policy, guidance and legislation, as well as governance and institutional change. The publication of Climate Action Plan 2023 demonstrates the need for alignment of policy across Government to meet our climate targets.
“Also, within this time, unprecedented, unforeseen events have occurred with ongoing consequences, such as the impact of COVID-19, particularly in relation to changes in commuting patterns and the emergence of established blended working arrangements. In addition, there are the more recent impacts from the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
“The launch of the Road Map gives a clear outline of how the revision process shall proceed, as well as, crucially, how the public can get involved in this important development.
“The review will be evidence based, with demographic modelling undertaken by the ESRI to inform our housing targets and zoning requirements. In the meantime, and as the review is undertaken, where there are particular challenges, officials in my department will continue to engage with Local Authorities to ensure that sufficient zoned and serviced land is available for development.
“As we know there are uncommenced planning permissions for approximately 80,000 homes nationwide and enough land zoned for approximately 300,000 homes. The efforts of the government are focused on getting these permissions activated and homes built.
“I would encourage everyone with an interest in the future of our country to get involved through the consultation process that will be launched later this year."
Speaking today, the Minister of State with responsibility for Planning, Kieran O’Donnell, added:
“I welcome the commencement of the process of revising the National Planning Framework, which sets the over-arching planning policy approach to development across the country and informs other strategies and plans across our regions and local authorities. I look forward to engaging with stakeholders through the Planning Advisory Forum, which I will chair, to ensure that all interests are represented in this revision process. At a time when housing and climate action are the most significant challenges facing our society, the NPF revision provides an opportunity for everyone to play their part in shaping the future development of the country."
All relevant information – including the roadmap - relating to the revision are accessible at the National Planning Framework website.
The National Planning Framework (NPF) is the long-term, 20 year strategy for the spatial development of Ireland to promote a better quality of life for all, with sustainable economic growth and an environment of the highest quality as key underlying principles. The NPF, which was published in 2018, replaced the National Spatial Strategy and is the overall spatial planning and development strategy for Ireland.
The NPF has set out to achieve a new region-focused strategy for managing Ireland’s growth, linked to the National Development Plan.
The Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended) includes in-built mechanisms to allow for regular revision of the NPF. Such revisions are relevant to reflect changing circumstances since the NPF was published.
There is also a Programme for Government commitment to update the NPF in 2024.