The National Planning Framework (NPF) sits at the top of a hierarchy of statutory spatial development plans, the purpose of which is to ensure the sustainable development of urban and rural areas, secure balanced regional development and to support and co-ordinate proper planning and development throughout Ireland. This national-level planning policy is implemented at the regional level through statutory Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies (RSES) for each of the three Regional Assembly areas.
Further to the NPF, a RSES was prepared by each of the three Regional Assemblies in Ireland, all of which were approved by January 2020. In accordance with Section 12 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 as amended, it is a statutory obligation of each local authority to ensure that the County Development Plan is consistent with the national and regional development objectives of the NPF and the relevant RSES.
Since April 2019, the assessment of all statutory local authority development plans, including variations to development plans and local area plans, is undertaken by the Office of the Planning Regulator (OPR). The oversight role of the OPR includes ensuring that local authority plans are consistent with relevant national and regional policies.
Further to finalisation of the RSESs earlier this year, the County Development Plan review process by local authorities is under way and will continue into 2021, overseen by the OPR. When this process is complete, it will be the first time that there is an integrated hierarchy of statutory spatial plans in Ireland. This is critical to ensuring that development can be supported by the national public capital investment programme, to shape the future pattern and form of development in Ireland.
My Department is currently updating the Development Plan Guidelines for Planning Authorities to assist them with the review of development plans and it is my aim to have draft Guidelines published for public consultation by the end of the year.
