The Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) has welcomed the Government's Housing Plan 2025, backing its focus on infrastructure, tackling vacancy and dereliction, and the creation of New Urban Communities.

However, the Institute warned that persistent inefficiencies in planning and public procurement risk undermining delivery unless deeper reforms are advanced.

The RIAI urged ministers to streamline approvals and overhaul procurement to prevent projects stalling unnecessarily. "Burdensome bureaucracy has delayed infrastructure for decades in Ireland. Urgent action is needed to eliminate the wasted time and effort in getting projects to site. Better forward planning will support more certainty in the system, but to expedite the delivery of infrastructure, the reform of the public procurement process must also be a priority," said Sean Mahon, President of the RIAI.

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The Institute welcomed commitments to expand the Living Cities Initiative, boost the use of Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs) and coordinate housing and infrastructure at scale through New Urban Communities. It said the new Derelict Property Tax and the enlarged Living Cities scheme can help unlock land, revitalise towns and cities, and make better use of existing infrastructure.

RIAI cautioned that the plan gives too little prominence to design quality and the central role of architects in delivering sustainable, adaptable neighbourhoods that provide long-term value.

"We welcome the progress on housing activation, but homes must be delivered in the context of creating healthy communities and neighbourhoods that work for people both now and in the future," said Sean Mahon.

"Architects bring the design and problem-solving expertise needed to deliver housing that is efficient, sustainable, and built to last. The living environments created by these new homes must be a focus - well-designed living environments create communities and support social cohesion. The government has a responsibility to set the ambition and ensure that this ambition is communicated, resourced and delivered. Design quality and a focus on the whole built environment must be central to delivery if Ireland is to create truly liveable communities."

RIAI said it stands ready to work with Ministers, Departments and stakeholders to enhance quality and speed of delivery, aiming to create enduring, inclusive and sustainable places as well as much-needed homes.