Important changes to planning law are taking effect as the Planning and Development Act 2024 is being commenced on a phased basis.

Training

Local Authority and Regional Assembly Staff Training - November 2025
Athlone Public Realm Improvements

The OPR, as part of its Strategic Research Programme, is looking at public realm improvements in Irish towns and cities to see how the work is being undertaken, what issues are arising and what lessons can be learnt.

The journey began in Athlone with the impressive town centre public realm improvements recently completed by Westmeath County Council. 

This training webinar focused on sharing insights from this project with presentations from Westmeath County Council, delivered by:

  • Councillor Vinny McCormack – Mayor of Athlone
  • Lorraine Middleton – Executive Planner
  • Noel Beggan and Dermot Killeen – Senior Executive Engineer and Executive Engineer
  • Cathaldus Hartin – Senior Planner
We are happy to share the recording of this webinar, along with training materials, below.

Recording

Training Materials

Disclaimer

The Planning and Development Act 2024 was signed into law on 17 October 2024. The Act is being commenced on a phased basis to facilitate a smooth transition from the existing legislation to the new legislation. It is important to note that transitional arrangements are in place. This means that certain elements of the work of the OPR remain under the previous legislation during this time.

This website will be updated at the earliest opportunity to correspond with the commencement of the various Parts of the Act.

Information on the commencement of the Act is available on the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage website.