Publication
Ireland's planning structures
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, along with the government, has responsibility for the overall development of national planning policy and legislation. The Minister also ensures that these policies are implemented at local and regional levels.
Ireland’s National Planning Framework sets out the overarching policy and framework for future development across the country. Housing for All sets out a number of objectives with the aim of improving the functioning of the planning system including the comprehensive review and consolidation of planning legislation.
This review is being led by the Attorney General, with significant engagement from this Department, and he has appointed a working group of professionals with planning law expertise to assist him in this work. The establishment of a dedicated Environmental and Planning Court, which is being led by the Department of Justice, is being progressed in tandem with this review.
The Department is also engaging with stakeholders with regard to the review and in this regard, has established a Planning Advisory Forum consisting of representatives from a broad range of sectors, including the public sector, business, environmental, social and knowledge based sectors. The Forum, which is chaired by Minister of State Peter Burke, will input to the evolving policy and legal agenda, particularly in relation to the Planning Legislation Review.
Further information relating to the Planning Advisory Forum , its membership and terms of reference.
Planning at local level is the responsibility of our local planning authorities. They prepare development plans, local area plans and planning schemes which guide development in their areas. They are responsible for determining the majority of planning applications and for enforcement.
Some local authorities have Strategic Development Zones in their areas. These areas are designated by Government and detailed planning schemes are adopted by local authorities to guide development and fast-track the planning process for development which is in line with the scheme.
Housing for All will see the introduction of new Urban Development Zones will build on the existing Strategic Development Zone concept and expand it to address development and regeneration of urban areas with significant potential for housing.
Urban Development Zones will involve a key decision-making role for the local authority and early engagement by it with the local community and landowners through a plan-led approach. The approach will include determination of a planning and delivery scheme including the key pieces of infrastructure required to support development in the area.
Local authorities are required, every six years, to prepare city or county Development Plans. These are adopted by their elected members every six years. These Development Plans are informed by national and regional planning policies and guidance provided by the Minister and the Government. These plans, and Local Area Plans which are developed for particular settlements or other parts of an area within a local authority’s functional area, outline the key objectives for development within the area over the lifetime of the plan, including the zoning of land for particular uses.