Planning updates April 2025

MKO sponsor the Irish Planning Institute (IPI) 50th Anniversary Conference

To celebrate the Irish Planning Institute’s 50^th Anniversary, MKO was proud to sponsor this year’s conference between the 10th and 11th of April in the Salthill Hotel, Galway. Colm Ryan, Planning Director, contributed to a panel discussion on the evolving role of planners and the future of planning. Additionally, our Principal Ecologist, Pat Roberts, discussed The Evolving Role of Ecology in Planning: Aligning with National and European Biodiversity Targets.

Government approves draft of the new National Planning Framework (NPF)

The Government has approved the Final Draft Revised National Planning Framework (NPF), which sets out a national strategy for managing population and economic growth to 2040. The revised Framework incorporates changes following public consultation and environmental assessments and will proceed to the Oireachtas for final approval.

Key objectives include accommodating a projected population increase of nearly one million by 2040, directing 40% of new housing to existing urban footprints, and promoting a more even distribution of growth between the Eastern and Midland, Northern and Western, and Southern Regional Assemblies combined.

Implications for Planning Applications

The revised NPF will inform planning decisions at national, regional, and local levels. Key considerations for planning applications include:

Increased focus on compact and sequential development, particularly within existing built-up areas.
Stronger alignment is required with updated County Development Plans and Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies.
Regional renewable electricity capacity allocations will be included across the three regional assemblies.
More consistent national planning policy, providing clearer direction for infrastructure, housing, and land use decisions.
Enhanced integration of land use and transport planning, particularly around high-capacity public transport corridors.

The NPF will operate alongside the National Development Plan and is expected to guide the spatial coordination of future public and private investment.

New Record Reached for Solar and Battery Power in March

According to Ireland’s transmission system operator, EirGrid, a new record for grid-scale solar power was reached on the 25^th of March 2025, with over 750 Megawatts (MW) produced by grid-scale solar energy sources. This is enough energy to power around 300,000 Irish homes. On the 14^th of March 2025, a new record for grid-scale battery energy sources was set, with the highest ever level of energy being discharged to the national electricity grid. Currently, the national electricity grid can operate with up to 75% renewable energy. EirGrid is looking to increase this limit. With the Government’s target of 80% renewable energy by 2030, as set out in the Climate Action Plan 2024, grid infrastructure is being upgraded to meet this target.

Irish Examiner – Ireland hit new record for solar production during March