Experienced government employee Niall Cussen has been appointed as Ireland's first ever Planning Regulator.

In his new role, Mr Cussen will lead the Office of the Planning Regulator, which will be established in January 2019.

Niall brings a host of experience to the new role, following previous positions with An Bord Pleanála and in Dublin City Council and Meath, Clare and Roscommon County Councils.

His current post as Chief Planner at the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government has involved the development of a range of national planning policies, including the National Planning Framework published earlier this year as part of Project Ireland 2040. 

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Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy made the announcement on Tuesday 18 December following an open recruitment process.

Minister Murphy said: "I am delighted, as we establish the new Office of the Planning Regulator, that the Government is in a position to have someone of Mr Cussen's experience and expertise to lead the Office in its crucial early, formative years. The appointment of a Planning Regulator is a vital step in ensuring a sound and sustainable approach to planning in Ireland in the years ahead. It comes at a significant time, when the implementation of the National Planning Framework is at a critical juncture, with regional assemblies and local authorities all due to make plans arising out of the framework over the coming year. Mr Cussen is exceptionally well placed to take on the Planning Regulator role and I wish him every success in the months and years ahead."

(CM/MH)