Upcoming changes to Ireland’s planning system – the Planning and Development act 2024

The Planning and Development Act 2024 (PDA2024) delivers a number of key benefits. These include:

• Improved consistency and alignment throughout all tiers of planning.
• A plan led system of planning and development based on an integrated hierarchy of plan-making consisting of:

(a.)A National Planning Framework;

(b.)Three regional assembly Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies;

(c.)Thirty-one local authority Development Plans;

(d.)Area Plans as mandated or required by local authorities.

• Clearer, more consistent national planning policy and guidance.
• The reconstitution of An Bord Pleanála as An Coimisiún Pleanála which will be subject to statutory, mandatory timelines to give confidence and certainty to applicants.
• Reform of planning judicial review, including the introduction of a Scale of Fees and Environmental Legal Cost Financial Assistance Mechanism; improving access to justice whilst regulating excessive legal costs.
• Creation of Urban Development Zones.
• Ensure that the planning system functions to support and regulate the development of land and infrastructure, enhance assets and amenities and preserve, protect and improve the quality of the environment.
• Integrate the pursuit of the national climate objective with the plan-led development of the State.
• Ensure that there is transparent and timely decision-making within the framework of policy, strategies, plans and consents.
• Facilitate consistency and quality in decision-making that is proportionate and sound.
• Ensure that, in the making of statutory plans and consent decisions, decision makers have due regard to the appropriate balance between the social, economic and environmental considerations in the interests of proper planning and sustainable development and the common good.

follow the link for more information on Key policies and benefits of the new legislation