Further progress on planning reform as Ministers Browne and Cummins announce next phase of changes under new legislation
- Foilsithe: 29 Nollaig 2025
- An t-eolas is déanaí: 29 Nollaig 2025
The next phase of the Planning and Development Act 2024 will take effect on 31 December 2025, introducing major reforms to strengthen Ireland’s planning system. These changes aim to improve clarity, consistency and confidence and are being implemented in stages due to the scale of the legislation.
Key reforms in this phase:
- Extended and more strategic local authority development plans:
- Development plans will now have 10-year lifespan instead of six, to create greater sustainability and consistency, as well as certainty for developers and other stakeholders.
- There will be a more efficient process for updating development plans to match new or revised National Planning Statements, for example to allow local authorities to rapidly translate updated national housing targets and population data into local zoning.
- The Minister will also issue urgent directions requiring changes in certain circumstances.
- Local area plans are replaced by three types of area-based plans:
- Urban Area Plans: For regional growth centres and key towns identified in the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy.
- Priority Area Plans: For parts of towns or cities with potential for major housing or other development.
- Coordinated Area Plans: Jointly prepared by two or more local authorities.
- Housing strategies: Local authorities must assess current and future housing needs, including affordable and cost-rental accommodation to allow for better planning for population growth.
- Advisory Board for Planning Regulator: Established to provide strategic guidance, monitor implementation, and advise on policy.
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne, TD said:
"These changes mark another important step on the path towards a more straightforward, robust, and transparent planning process. As a government, we are responding to a nationwide housing crisis, and these changes will ensure that this sense of urgency filters down to our regional and local authorities.
"The reforms being commenced in this phase will allow for a more joined up approach to planning and development from the top-down and the bottom-up. Development plans at local level will now be able to operate in lockstep with national strategy to ensure a better use of resources and more strategic zoning in response to both local and national requirements.
"This will not only allow us to deliver more homes at the scale and pace that is needed, but also help ensure balanced regional development and sustainable growth in urban areas. It will also allow us to preserve the vitality of our rural areas and protect and enhance our environment and heritage, while also incorporating the best possible design standards."
Minister of State with responsibility for Local Government and Planning, John Cummins, TD said:
“I am very pleased to see these much needed reforms coming into effect. These changes will allow local authorities to co-ordinate much more efficiently with national policy and help unlock the delivery of housing and infrastructure that is needed to meet the needs of people throughout the Country.
"We know that our planning system has presented challenges in the past, but these reforms will provide the clarity and certainty required to support sustainable growth, attract investment, and deliver better outcomes for communities across Ireland.
"This is a very large piece of legislation that is both broad and ambitious in its scope, but as Minister of State for Local Government and Planning, I am eager that we implement the remaining reforms as fast as possible and today marks another milestone on that journey.”
Notes for Editors
Download the complete text of the Planning and Development Act 2024.
Download details regarding the Planning and Development Act 2024, including the implementation plan.
Further Information on Development Plans
- Under the new legislation, development plans will have a 10-year lifespan rather than the current 6-year lifespan. An interim review of the development plan will occur at year 5 of the development plan to ensure effective alignment between the development plan and the Census, the National Planning Framework, and the relevant regional spatial and economic strategy. This will provide for more up-to-date plans; providing greater certainty that there is sufficient zoned land available at all times to align with the needs of the housing development strategy and the economic development strategy; and provide greater certainty over a longer period for all stakeholders.
- The 10-year cycle, with 5-year reviews, will mean that every elected member will be involved, at minimum, in either the making of the Development Plan, or the review and possible amendment via the interim review.
- The content of development plans will be more strategic in nature than under the Act of 2000. The development plan will include an integrated overall strategy for the area and six thematic strategies. The thematic strategies consolidate mandatory and discretionary objectives under the Act of 2000 to provide a coherent and focused framework for balanced regional development, the sustainable growth of urban areas, the vitality of rural areas, the protection and enhancement of the environment and natural and heritage assets, and the incorporation of design standards. Development plans will be required to contain objectives specific to settlements over 1,500 population, certain Gaeltacht areas, inhabited offshore islands and other smaller settlements. All zoning must be included in the development plan to ensure greater coherence of the integrated overall strategy for the development of the city or county concerned, and timely delivery of infrastructural development, including housing.
Further Information on the Advisory Board to oversee and assist the Office of the Planning Regulator
- The Advisory Board shall consist of at least 5, and not more than 7, members (including the chairperson).
ENDS