Important changes to planning law are taking effect as the Planning and Development Act 2024 is being commenced on a phased basis.
The OPR is developing a new Strategy Statement and wants to hear from you. Planning is important to all citizens. There have been significant changes to the planning system in recent times, including the introduction of the Planning and Development Act 2024. The OPR’s new strategy will reflect our expanded statute under the provisions of […]
Consultation on the OPR Strategy Statement 2026-2031 Read More »
The Office of the Planning Regulator (OPR) is pleased to present the eleventh edition of the ‘Learning from Litigation’ bulletin. This bulletin was prepared to highlight and disseminate key learnings from the continually evolving planning and environmental case law. It provides information on important precedents, court decisions and emerging trends with an overview of noteworthy
OPR launches a new edition of its ‘Learning from Litigation’ bulletin Read More »
The Office of the Planning Regulator (OPR) plays a vital role in enabling proper planning and sustainable development as set out in Government policy, including implementation of the National Planning Framework. The work of the OPR assists in ensuring that Ireland develops sustainably by protecting our environment and enhancing our communities. The legislative and policy
Planning Regulator welcomes review Read More »
The OPR published its review of Galway County Council’s planning department today (24th February 2026). The review found that the majority of Galway County Council’s planning functions are being delivered satisfactorily, with some areas of good practice that could provide an example to the wider planning system. With a distinctive natural environment, wealth of protected natural
Office of the Planning Regulator Publishes Galway County Council Planning Review Read More »
The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage published the NPF Implementation: Housing Growth Requirements Guidelines for Local Authorities in July 2025. Following publication of these guidelines local authorities are required to consider what changes are required to their existing city and county development plans in order to reflect the revised figures. As a first
Update on implementing Housing Growth Requirement Guidelines Read More »
The Office of the Planning Regulator (OPR) is pleased to present the tenth edition of the ‘Learning from Litigation’ bulletin. This bulletin was prepared to highlight and disseminate key learnings from the continually evolving planning and environmental case law. It provides information on important precedents, court decisions and emerging trends with an overview of noteworthy
OPR launches a new edition of its ‘Learning from Litigation’ bulletin Read More »
The Office of the Planning Regulator welcomes the report and action plan of the Accelerating Infrastructure Taskforce, published today, 3rd December 2025. Implementation of this report will deliver critical improvements in the delivery of infrastructure to develop our economy, our society, protect our environment and support proper planning and sustainable development. Coordinated and timely delivery
Planning Regulator welcomes the Accelerating Infrastructure Taskforce recommendations Read More »
Friday, 28 November 2025 10:00 to 11:30 Designed for Local Authority and Regional Assembly Staff Online 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
Upcoming OPR Training Webinar: Athlone Public Realm Improvements Read More »
The Office of the Planning Regulator (OPR) is pleased to present the ninth edition of the ‘Learning from Litigation’ bulletin. This bulletin was prepared to highlight and disseminate key learnings from the continually evolving planning and environmental case law. It provides information on important precedents, court decisions and emerging trends with an overview of noteworthy
OPR launches a new edition of its ‘Learning from Litigation’ bulletin Read More »
The Office of the Planning Regulator (OPR) has today launched its 2024 Annual Report of its statutory planning oversight functions in relation to local authorities and An Coimisuin Pleanála. The report has been welcomed by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, along with Minister of State with Responsibility for Local
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.
