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Planning

The physical planning system plays a key role in facilitating delivery of the infrastructure programmesand in addressing housing supply requirements. Local authorities and An Bord Pleanála directly operate the system under the Planning Acts 2000-2006. Accordingly, queries on any specific planning application should be directed to the local authority for that area.

In general, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government is precluded, under section 30 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000, from exercising any power or control in relation to any individual planning application or appeal with which a planning authority or An Bord Pleanála is or may be concerned.

The Department’s primary role is to provide the essential legislative framework and policy guidance while seeking to minimise the regulatory burden and cost of the system. In addition, the Department provides an expert advisory service on heritage/conservation issues to planning authorities and to An Bord Pleanála.

The Planning section of this site contains details on the following issues:

Overview of planning system, such as development plans, development management, environmental assessment, appeals, and enforcement

Planning legislation, including the Planning and Development Act, 2000, the Planning and Development Regulations, 2001 and the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act, 2006, among others

Planning guidance for planning authorities

Planning  leaflets for the general public

Planning Statistics

Topical planning issues, such as planning exemptions for micro-renewable technologies, management companies and development contributions

Contact information:
Planning Section: 01-888 2821/2824/2895, email: planning@environ.ie