The Irish Government has today approved the Revised National Planning Framework (NPF), a strategic document aimed at creating the necessary conditions for a significant acceleration in housing delivery across Ireland.

The revised framework, which has been under review since June 2023, will now be presented to both Houses of the Oireachtas for approval.

This key decision establishes the long-term direction for Ireland’s growth and development up to 2040, shaping policy to unlock potential and address critical national priorities, notably housing, infrastructure, and climate action. Once approved by the Oireachtas, the revised NPF will directly influence government policy, the actions of public and private bodies including homebuilders, the renewable energy sector, infrastructure agencies, and investors.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, stated: "Ireland has changed dramatically since the National Planning Framework was first drafted in 2018, and this revision reflects those changes – setting out a clear and strategic policy approach. We are planning for a significant increase in the capacity to deliver housing across the country to meet our population projections and associated housing requirements."

The Minister emphasised the need to plan for a growing population’s demands on housing and infrastructure, advocating for the provision of the right number of homes in suitable locations, including sustainable communities on both brownfield and greenfield sites along public transport corridors. He affirmed the government's commitment to delivering housing and creating optimal conditions for its delivery, asserting that the revised NPF provides the necessary framework to accelerate homebuilding.

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Minister Browne also indicated his intention to provide further clear direction and guidance on housing requirements to local authorities following the NPF revision process, fully expecting them to translate the revised NPF into their local plans swiftly. He concluded: "Ireland needs a step change in the delivery of housing. With a revised NPF, and the new Planning and Development Act being implemented this year, we are making sure that the vital conditions for the accelerated delivery of new homes is provided for in the planning system."

Minister of State with responsibility for planning, John Cummins TD, added: "The revised National Planning Framework published today marks another significant step from the Government to increase capacity to deliver and accelerate home building across the country. This revised plan reflects the Ireland of today and prepares us for the Ireland of tomorrow."

Minister Cummins explained that the revised NPF and subsequent guidance will provide clarity to local authorities on translating national housing requirements to local plan levels, identifying the necessary quantum of zoned land to increase housing output. He noted that regional strategies and local development plans will be reviewed and updated to align with the NPF, accurately reflecting housing need, projected jobs growth, and renewable energy capacity allocations. He highlighted that revised targets, coupled with sufficient headroom, will be key considerations for ensuring appropriate zoning for residential, employment, and other purposes. The implementation of the new Planning and Development Act 2024 will also be closely aligned with the revised NPF.

Key drivers for the NPF revision include significant population growth, necessitating the planning for a population of 6.1 to 6.3 million by 2040 and approximately 50,000 new homes per annum. The revised NPF also prioritises coordinated infrastructure delivery to support housing development and the creation of sustainable communities, including essential services and facilities. Furthermore, it places a strong emphasis on climate action, incorporating new policies for renewable energy development, including regional capacity allocations for onshore wind and solar to meet 2030 national targets. The framework also recognises the economic and employment potential associated with climate action, such as offshore wind and green technology.

Upon approval by the Oireachtas, the revised NPF will serve as the basis for updating regional strategies and local authority development plans, including the zoning of land for various purposes. The implementation of the Planning and Development Act 2024 will be closely linked to this process, with updated regional strategies and new ten-year development plans required to reflect the revised NPF. The government intends to issue further policy direction to local authorities swiftly following the NPF revision process to facilitate the rapid translation of updated population and housing figures to the local level. This approach aims to ensure a strong, strategic, plan-led approach to future housing development, informed by the latest legislative and policy framework, and to facilitate efficient decision-making on planning applications within the statutory timelines of the new Planning and Development Act 2024.

A copy of the Final Draft revised NPF can be accessed at: www.npf.ie/