Planning Policy

The National Development Plan 2018- 2027 was published in 2018, with the intention to act as an investment plan which will underpin and ensure the success of the National Planning Framework. The plan identifies tackling climate change as one of its strategic outcomes and also established a climate action fund.

The Climate Action fund (which allocates 22 billion euro towards tackling and dealing with climate change across the transport and energy sectors as well as commercial state agencies)  was established as part of Project Ireland 2040. This fund is aimed at supporting initiatives to help the achievement of Ireland’s climate and energy targets.

The Dail recently (June, 2019) voted on an overhaul of the National Development Plan however, as it was deemed inadequate in meeting climate emission targets.

In its Planning Policy Statement 2015, the government asserts that planning has a critical balancing role to play when competing interests put forward differing views on future development options. By focusing on the interests of the common good for proper planning and long-term sustainable development, the planning system can arrive at equitable, balanced and transparent decisions on the best way forward. 

In planning, the following policies are in place to help mitigate the effects of climate change in Ireland:

Planning Guidelines on Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas

Guidelines on Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas are intended to act as a blueprint for the future sustainable development of Irish cities, towns and villages.

Planning Guidelines on the Planning System and Flood Risk Management

In 2009 the Minister of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government issued the Planning System and Flood Risk Management guidelines for planning authorities.