In 2018, the National Planning Framework (NPF) replaced the National Spatial Strategy as the overall spatial planning and development strategy for Ireland. The NPF, together with the National Development Plan 2021, combine to form Project Ireland 2040, the overarching policy and planning framework for the social, economic and cultural development of Ireland.
Section 20C (5) of the Act states the following:
Every 6 years after the date of publication of the National Planning Framework, the Government shall either:
Revise the Framework or replace it with a new one; or publish a statement explaining why the Government has decided not to revise the Framework and include in the statement and indication of a date by which it will be revised or a new National Planning Framework will be published.
On 20th June 2023, Government gave approval to commence the process of undertaking the First Revision of the National Planning Framework, pursuant to Section 20C (5) of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended) and to publish a Roadmap for the First Revision outlining the process and timeline for the revision process. A copy of the roadmap can be found here.
The Planning Advisory Forum was reconvened for the purposes of engaging on the NPF revision and the purpose of the Forum is to harness the knowledge and skills of a broad range of sectors including high-level representation from the business, environmental, social and knowledge-based sectors to inform strategic thinking and decision-making for the First Revision of the NPF. Learn more about the work of the Planning Advisory Forum.
A Cross Departmental Steering Group was established in September 2023 as part of the NPF revision to enable consideration of the relevant issues. Bilateral meetings between the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and other Department took place in 2023 and input from the officials of all relevant Departments was provided as part of the revision process.
The Environmental Technical Steering Working Group was established to provide objective technical advice and guidance to support the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and any consultants acting on their behalf, in undertaking integrated environmental assessments of the First Revision to the National Planning Framework.
A National public consultation on the draft revised NPF ran from 10th July 2024 to 12th September 2024. An information campaign (including broadcast, print digital and social media) also ran to raise awareness of the consultation process and to encourage the public to engage with the draft revision. 272 submissions were received during the draft consultation stage.
The Key drivers for the First Revision of the NPF are as follows:
• Climate Transition – addressing sectoral emission targets and Climate Action Plan 2023.
• Population Demographics – planning for uncertainty.
• Regional Balance – the reality of regional ambition and the challenge of transitioning from ‘business as usual’.
• Digitalisation – Impacts on work, retail, commuting and regions.
• Investment and Prioritisation – Timing and Prioritisation.
• Draft Stage (July-Mid September 2024): Publication of the draft NPF revision and accompanying technical assessments with national public consultation.
• Amendment Stage (Q4 2024): Review and consideration of submissions and application of any relevant amendment
• Approval Stage (Q1 2025): Approval of the finalised document and subsequent publication.
As part of the preparation of the first Revision to the National Planning Framework, a number of environmental assessments are being carried out. These include Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA), Appropriate Assessment (AA) and also Strategic Flood Risk Appraisal (SFRA).
Strategic Environmental Assessment aims to provide for a high level of protection of the environment and to contribute to the integration of environmental considerations into the preparation and adoption of plans with a view to promoting sustainable development.
The European Directive (2001/42/EC) on the Assessment of the Effects of Certain Plans and Programmes on the Environment (the SEA Directive), was transposed into national legislation in Ireland by the European Communities (Environmental Assessment of Certain Plans and Programmes) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 435/2004) and the Planning and Development (Strategic Environmental Assessment) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 436/2004), as amended.
An Appropriate Assessment (AA) is an assessment of the potential adverse effects of a plan or project (in combination with other plans or projects) on Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas. These sites are protected by National and European Law.
Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora, known as the Habitats Directive, obliges member states to designate Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) to protect and conserve habitats and species of importance in a European Union context. Special Protection Areas (SPAs) are designated under the Conservation of Wild Birds Directive (79/409/EC) as codified by Directive 2009/147/EC.
Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) is an assessment of all types of flood risk informing land use planning decisions. This will enable the Planning Authority to allocate appropriate sites for development, whilst identifying opportunities for reducing flood risk.
The EU Floods Directive and the Planning System and Flood Risk Management Guidelines, 2009 have been key drivers in how Ireland manages flood risk. A Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) includes comprehensive mechanisms for the incorporation of flood risk identification, assessment and management.
A National public consultation on the draft revised NPF ran from 10th July 2024 to 12th September 2024. An information campaign (including broadcast, print digital and social media) also ran to raise awareness of the consultation process and to encourage the public to engage with the draft revision. 272 submissions were received during the draft consultation stage.
A link to the submissions can be found here.
The Department is subject to the Freedom of Information Act 2014, the European Communities (Access to Information on the Environment) Regulations, the Data Protection Act 2018, and the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).