Anne Marie O’Connor has been appointed to the position of Deputy Regulator and Director of Evaluations of Local Authority Plans at the Office of the Planning Regulator. She will be responsible for the assessment of all local authority development plans, local area plans, and variations to these, and any future reviews or amendments of regional […]

  Following the Government’s decision to extend public participation periods in the planning system, for a period of three weeks as a result of Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (Covid 19) Act 2020, four local authorities have confirmed their new deadlines for public consultation. Although public meetings relating to the plans have been suspended,

The Department of Housing Planning and Local Government has published the following documents to provide clarifications on the operation of the planning system during the current COVID-19 emergency: Circular Circular PL 02/2020 – Planning and Development during the COVID-19 Emergency​ Publications FAQ – Order made under Section 251A of the Planning and Development, Act 2000, as amended,

The Government has agreed at the request of Eoghan Murphy T.D., Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, to make an order, which has the effect of extending public participation periods in the planning system for a period of three weeks. The Minister said: “We find ourselves in unprecedented times. People have been asked to

Eoghan Murphy, T.D., Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government confirmed today that the planning and building control systems remain open for business. Measures being brought through the Dail today will only be activated if necessary and do not halt the planning system when passed. They are precautionary in nature and require a further Government

The second meeting of the National Planning Knowledge Group (NPKG) was held on 4 March 2020.  The purpose of the NPKG is to act as an advisory committee for the Office of the Planning Regulator (OPR) in meeting the OPR’s statutory mandate in relation to education, research and training functions. The NPKG includes representation from

The Planning Regulator, Niall Cussen addressed a workshop organised by the Irish Home Builders Association in Cork on Thursday, 5th March. The workshop was aimed at those engaged in house building and it intended to ensure that interested stakeholders were fully informed of the updated regulatory and economic environment affecting home builders. Speaking at the

The Office of the Planning Regulator (OPR) in conjunction with the Association of Irish Local Government (AILG) held its latest training seminar for elected members of local authorities last week on Thursday, 13th February (at the Kilmore Hotel in Cavan) and Saturday, 15th February (Dooley’s Hotel, Waterford) respectively.  The seminar provided information and guidance relevant

The Office of the Planning Regulator (OPR) in conjunction with the Association of Irish Local Government (AILG) is continuing its training programme for elected members of local authorities. The purpose of the training is to provide elected members with enhanced knowledge of the planning process, reaffirming their roles and responsibilities within the planning system and

Ireland’s longest running environmental series, Eco Eye has produced an episode which explores how good spatial planning can contribute to improved health and well-being. The programme also examines how effective planning can help reduce lengthy commutes, contribute to a reduction in our carbon footprint and facilitate the return of vibrancy to our towns. The episode