National Planning Knowledge Group

Please note that the National Planning Knowledge Group operates under the Transparency Code prepared in accordance with Section 5(7) of the Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015.

Section 549(1) of the Planning and Development Act 2024 (the Act) provides that one of the core functions of the OPR is to conduct education and training programmes for members of local authorities, regional assemblies and the Commission; and for staff of local authorities, regional assemblies and the Commission. Section 549(2) of the Act provides that the OPR shall conduct research in relation to matters relevant to its functions as well as any other matters requested by the Minister. The Act enables the OPR under Section 549(3) to enter into arrangements with any person or body that the OPR considers to be suitably qualified to perform its research, education and training activities.

In order to gain familiarity with existing research, and to ascertain the most pertinent knowledge, training and public awareness needs of the various stakeholders involved in the planning process, the OPR established the National Planning Knowledge Group in late 2019. The National Planning Knowledge Group acts as an advisory committee for the OPR on the current state of the knowledge base in relation to both pressing and strategic planning matters and gaps to be addressed in conjunction with stakeholders. The OPR provides the secretariat for the group. The National Planning Knowledge Group includes representation from the higher education and research sector, governmental and non-governmental organisations, the business community, local government, the environmental sector and planning institutes representing professional planners engaged in both public and private sector work. The group meets three times per year.