Upcoming changes in planning in Ireland

Architex Online
Oct 29, 2025
3 min read

Here’s a summary of the upcoming changes in planning in Ireland — what they are, why they matter, and what to watch.

What’s changing

Ireland is in the midst of major reform of its planning system, with a number of significant developments:

1. Revised National Planning Framework (NPF)

The Government has approved the revised NPF, which replaces the 2018 version and sets the strategic context for growth and development up to 2040. (The National Planning Framework)
Key updates include stronger emphasis on housing delivery, infrastructure, renewable energy, zoning for employment, and a plan-led approach to development. (The National Planning Framework)
Local authorities and regional assemblies now must align their strategies and development plans with the revised NPF. (The National Planning Framework)

2. New Planning and Development Act 2024 and subsequent implementation

The Act (signed October 2024) replaces the previous Planning & Development Act 2000. (Mason Hayes Curran)
It introduces longer development plan lifespans (10 years vs 6 previously), mandatory timelines for decision-making, and a restructured national planning appeals body. (Mason Hayes Curran)
The national appeals body, formerly An Bord Pleanála, is being reorganised as An Coimisiún Pleanála — with new governance and staffing arrangements to speed up and improve transparency. (mkoireland.ie)

3. Introduction of Urban Development Zones (UDZs)

The legislation introduces a new tool: Urban Development Zones (UDZs), aimed at large-scale, high-impact sites with economic, social or environmental significance. (mkoireland.ie)
The idea is to replace older mechanisms (like Strategic Development Zones) with a more flexible and streamlined process. (mkoireland.ie)

4. Planning exemption / streamlined consent reforms

The Government is reviewing the rules around “exempted development” — i.e., what can be built without full planning permission — to lighten the burden on smaller/delayed applications and free up planning authority resources. (mkoireland.ie)
Also under review: statutory consultee roles and timelines, so that if certain consultees do not respond within set periods, decisions can proceed. (lsh.ie)

5. Infrastructure + housing delivery alignment

The reforms aim specifically to accelerate housing delivery (given the country’s target of ~50,000 units per year) and remove bottlenecks such as delays in planning permissions, long approval times, and judicial review delays. (The National Planning Framework)
For infrastructure (water, energy, transport), the revised NPF emphasises timely delivery and integration of land-use with services/investment. (Mason Hayes Curran)

Why it matters

For home-builders / developers: The changes should create more certainty (longer plan horizons, clearer timelines) and potentially shorter approval times.
For local authorities and regional bodies: There will be pressure to revise existing development plans, align with the new framework and zoning, and adopt the new tools (UDZs).
For communities and homeowners: The emphasis on infrastructure, housing supply, and zoning means that opportunities may increase for new homes, but the nature of developments (scale, design) might change under the new regime.
For investors / infrastructure providers: The focus on strategic zones, infrastructure delivery and plan-led growth means clearer signals for large-scale projects.
For the environment / sustainability: The revised NPF gives greater weight to climate adaptation, renewable energy and nature protection alongside development. (Mason Hayes Curran)

What to keep an eye on

How quickly local authorities update their development plans: The revised NPF and new Act place obligations on them to act; delays may cause misalignment.
Design and quality standards: Some debate is ongoing about changes to apartment design rules (minimum sizes, open space etc) which may affect housing quality. (The Labour Party)
How UDZs are used in practice: The framework for designating and delivering these zones will test whether the process becomes more efficient.
Judicial review / challenge mechanisms: While the Act introduces timelines and reforms, how the system handles appeals to ensure fairness & speed remains key.
Zoning & infrastructure alignment: Even with strong frameworks, delivery will depend on availability of services (water, transport, schools) matching growth areas.
Public consultation and participation: Changes to exempted development and streamlined roles could alter how communities engage with planning: more or less influence?

In short

Ireland’s planning system is undergoing one of its most significant reforms in decades. With a revised national framework, new legislation, strategic zones and streamlined processes, the intent is clear: deliver more housing, faster, better align infrastructure and land-use, and provide clearer frameworks for development. For anyone involved in property, construction, local government or simply interested in how our towns and cities will evolve, now is a moment of change.