Introduction to Planning

The information that is hosted on this page will provide you with an introduction to the planning system. It is intended to give you an understanding of the role that planning plays in our society and how the planning system works. You can also find out more about the various statutory plans, how they are adopted and the role of the OPR. You can access more information about planning through our planning leaflet series and episodes of the television programme Eco Eye that have a specific planning focus. Links to the leaflets and the Eco Eye programmes are included below. Our FAQ section contains a list of frequently asked questions and this section will be continuously updated.

Please visit the OPR’s Research and Training pages, for further information regarding our research publications and local authority and regional assembly elected members and staff training.

What is planning?

Planning plays an important role in our society. It enables us to make the best use of our resources and allows necessary and worthwhile development to go ahead. It also ensures that the environment and heritage of our towns, cities and countryside is protected. Local authorities (also known as ‘planning authorities’) control the location, amount and type of development by making decisions on planning applications. Everyone has a right to comment on planning matters and to shape the planning and development of their area.

For further information on how to comment on planning matters please refer to our Planning Leaflet Series.

Hierarchy of Plans in Ireland

National Planning Framework (Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage)

In 2018, the Government published the National Planning Framework (NPF) as part of Project Ireland 2040. It is the overarching policy and planning framework for Ireland’s:

- Social,
- Economic,
- Environmental, and
- Cultural development.

The NPF replaced the National Spatial Strategy as Ireland’s planning framework. The policies in the NPF must be taken into account when preparing Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies and development plans.

Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (Regional Authorities)

Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies (RSES) have replaced the Regional Planning Guidelines. The objective of each Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy is to support the NPF and the economic policies and objectives of the government. Each strategy is a long-term planning and economic framework for the development of each region. Ireland is split into three strategic planning areas:

- Eastern and Midland Region,
- Southern Region, and
- Northern and Western Region.

These regions are governed by regional assemblies. Regional assemblies consist of members of the local authorities within the region. The regional assembly adopts the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy.

Development Plan (Planning Authorities i.e. County and City Councils)

The development plan is the main public statement of planning policies for your local community. It sets out the land use, amenity and development objectives and policies of the planning authority, for a six-year period. The plan consists of a written statement of objectives and includes maps that give a graphic representation of how your city/county will develop and improve in a sustainable way in the six-year period. The core strategy of the plan shows that the plan is consistent with the National (NPF) and Regional (RSES) policies.

Elected members (councillors) are responsible for making, reviewing and varying the development plan. It is their duty to adopt the plan with the technical help of their officials (the chief executive, planners, etc.). Public consultation on the plan must also be carried out.

Local Areas Plans (Planning Authorities)

A local area plan provides more detailed planning policies for areas where significant development and change is anticipated. A local area plan must be compatible with national and regional guidance documents and the core strategy and policies of the development plan. A local area plan is valid for six years from the date it is adopted by the planning authority.

1
National Planning Framework (Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage)

In 2018, the Government published the National Planning Framework (NPF) as part of Project Ireland 2040. It is the overarching policy and planning framework for Ireland’s:

- Social,
- Economic,
- Environmental, and
- Cultural development.

2
Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (Regional Authorities)

- Eastern and Midland Region,
- Southern Region, and
- Northern and Western Region.

3
Development Plan (Planning Authorities i.e. County and City Councils)

4
Local Areas Plans (Planning Authorities)

Why is planning important?

Planning ensures that the right development happens in the right place at the right time, benefitting communities and the economy. It plays a critical role in identifying what development is needed and where. It helps to decide what areas need to be protected or enhanced and assesses the suitability of proposed development.

What are the main features of the planning system?

The main features of the planning system are:

making development plans,
the need for planning permission,
exempted development (i.e. minor works where planning permission is not required),
appeals against planning decisions, and
planning enforcement.

What is a development plan?

A development plan is the main public statement of planning policies for your local community. It sets out the land use, amenity and development objectives and policies of the planning authority, for a six-year period. The plan consists of a written statement of objectives and includes maps that give a graphic representation of how your city/county will develop and improve in a sustainable way in the six-year period. The core strategy of the plan shows that the plan is consistent with the National (NPF) and Regional (RSES) policies. Elected members (councillors) are responsible for making, reviewing and varying the development plan. It is their duty to adopt the plan with the technical help of their officials (the chief executive, planners, etc.). Public consultation on the plan must also be carried out.

The five key stages involved in making and reviewing a development plan are set out in the accompanying infographic.

Elected members are responsible for making or varying a development plan. To read more about the role of elected members please visit ‘The Role of Elected Members in Planning’ page.

What is the role of the OPR?

The Office of the Planning Regulator (OPR) was established in April 2019 on foot of recommendations made by the Tribunal of Inquiry into Certain Planning Matters and Payments (the Mahon Tribunal). Our role is to ensure that local authorities and An Coimisiún Pleanála support and implement Government planning policy.

We also conduct planning research, deliver planning training events and promote public awareness of planning in order to encourage the public’s engagement in the planning process and to enhance knowledge and public information about planning in Ireland.

These videos were prepared to provide more information about the OPR’s role and the work carried out by the various teams in the organisation please take a few minutes to watch them:

Planning Leaflets

The OPR and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage published a series of planning leaflets, in early 2021, dealing with all aspects of the planning system. These leaflets were revised and updated in 2022 and cover a wide range of issues including how to prepare and lodge a planning application, how to make a planning appeal, requirements for change of use, building extensions, garages, domestic sheds, agricultural development, etc. A full list of the planning leaflets is available here. The leaflets can be accessed free of charge by clicking on the cover images opposite. They are also available from your local planning authority. The leaflets will be updated on a regular basis to take account of changes in legislation and policy.

Eco Eye Episodes

The OPR has collaborated with the producers of Eco Eye, Ireland’s longest running environmental television series, on a number of episodes dealing with the theme of sustainable spatial planning. Two episodes of particular interest ‘A Place for Home’ and ‘Planning Matters: Boyle Town’ can be viewed by clicking the images opposite. These episodes focus on the importance of sustainable growth and why good spatial planning matters. To view further Eco Eye episodes dealing with sustainable spatial planning please visit our Media Library.

Frequently Asked Questions

To download a copy of the FAQs please click here.

Introduction to Planning