Planning news
Decision on Shannon Water Supply Project delayed as planning review continues
The decision on one of Ireland’s largest-ever infrastructure proposals has been delayed, with An Coimisiún Pleanála (ACP) confirming that it requires further time to consider Uisce Éireann’s plans for the proposed Water Supply Project for the Eastern and Midlands Region. The project, which aims to develop a new strategic water source for the east of the country, would involve the abstraction of more than 300 million litres of water per day from the River Shannon at the Parteen Basin in County Tipperary. The water would then be transported through a new pipeline network to serve the Midlands, Greater Dublin and surrounding areas.
Originally due to be decided in July 2026, ACP has now indicated that it intends to determine the application before July 2027, citing the need for further consideration of the extensive planning documentation and submissions received. A total of 114 submissions were lodged during the planning process, reflecting the scale and significance of the proposal.
The proposed project has been described as a critical piece of national infrastructure, with Uisce Éireann stating that it would provide a more resilient and secure water supply for a region accounting for a significant proportion of Ireland’s population. The estimated cost of the project is between €4.6 billion and €5.9 billion. However, the proposal has also generated significant debate. Environmental groups and local stakeholders have raised concerns regarding potential impacts on the River Shannon, biodiversity, sustainability and long-term water management approaches. Industry groups, meanwhile, have highlighted the importance of securing future water capacity to support population growth, housing delivery and economic development.
For projects of this scale, the planning process provides an important opportunity to assess environmental impacts, technical considerations and the long-term resilience of proposed infrastructure. The outcome of the ACP review will be closely monitored by communities, industry stakeholders and those involved in Ireland’s future infrastructure planning.
An Coimisiún Pleanála discusses the future of Ireland’s planning system
The Chief Executive of An Coimisiún Pleanála, Peter Mullan, recently spoke on RTÉ Radio 1 about how planning decisions are made in Ireland and the challenges facing the country’s planning system. The discussion comes at a time of significant reform, with increased focus on improving decision-making timelines, strengthening governance and delivering greater certainty for communities and project promoters.
An Coimisiún Pleanála plays a central role in Ireland’s planning system, determining appeals and applications for major infrastructure projects, while ensuring that decisions are made in accordance with national planning policy, environmental legislation and public participation requirements. The interview highlighted the complexity of the planning process, where decisions must balance a wide range of considerations including housing delivery, infrastructure needs, environmental protection, climate objectives and the concerns of local communities. As Ireland faces increasing demand for housing, renewable energy, transport infrastructure and other strategic developments, the role of an effective and robust planning system remains critical.
Recent years have seen significant scrutiny of Ireland’s planning framework, with reforms aimed at improving efficiency and reducing delays while maintaining appropriate levels of environmental assessment and public engagement. The transition from the former An Bord Pleanála structure to An Coimisiún Pleanála forms part of this broader effort to strengthen the planning system and improve confidence in the decision-making process. For planning and environmental professionals, the discussion reinforces the importance of high-quality applications, clear environmental assessments and early consideration of potential constraints. As the planning landscape continues to evolve, collaboration between applicants, statutory bodies, communities and technical specialists will remain essential to delivering sustainable development outcomes.
The ongoing reform of Ireland’s planning system will continue to be closely monitored by all stakeholders involved in infrastructure delivery, environmental assessment and land-use planning.
Renewables news
New all-Ireland pollinator plan 2026–2030 launched to support biodiversity recovery
A new five-year strategy aimed at protecting and restoring pollinator populations across the island of Ireland has launched, with the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan (AIPP) 2026–2030 setting out a roadmap for creating a more pollinator-friendly landscape. The updated plan was launched at the National Botanic Gardens in Dublin by Ireland’s Minister for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan, and Northern Ireland’s Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir. Coordinated by the National Biodiversity Data Centre, the plan brings together stakeholders from across government, local authorities, agriculture, communities, businesses and conservation organisations.
Pollinating insects, including wild bees, hoverflies and moths, play a vital role in supporting biodiversity, food production and ecosystem resilience. However, declines in pollinator populations have been linked to habitat loss, reduced availability of food sources and changes in land management practices. The new plan builds on previous phases of the AIPP, which have been operating since 2015, and aims to expand practical actions to support pollinators across the wider landscape.
A key ambition of the 2026–2030 plan is to create connected networks of suitable habitats, ensuring pollinators have access to food, shelter and nesting areas throughout the year. The strategy promotes actions such as improving biodiversity within urban areas, managing roadside verges and public spaces more sustainably, and encouraging pollinator-friendly approaches within agricultural and development contexts.
For the planning and environmental sectors, the renewed focus on pollinator conservation highlights the importance of integrating biodiversity considerations into the design and assessment of projects. Measures such as habitat enhancement, green infrastructure, native planting schemes and ecological connectivity can all contribute to more resilient landscapes while supporting compliance with evolving biodiversity objectives. As Ireland continues to address biodiversity loss and climate resilience, initiatives such as the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan demonstrate the increasing importance of collaboration between communities, landowners, developers and environmental professionals in delivering nature-positive outcomes.
Policy and legislation
Planning Reform Bill introduces transitional measures for development plans
The Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2026 introduces a number of changes intended to support the implementation of Ireland’s evolving planning framework, including measures to manage the transition towards longer-term local authority development plans.
A key element of the legislation is the introduction of transitional provisions allowing planning authorities to extend the lifespan of existing development plans for a defined period where required. The measure is intended to ensure continuity during the move towards the revised statutory plan-making process under the Planning and Development Act 2024, which provides for ten year City and County Development Plans.
The extensions are designed to avoid gaps in the planning policy framework while new development plans are prepared and aligned with updated national and regional strategies. The legislation also provides for the progression of Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies (RSESs), supporting the wider hierarchy of plans that guide future growth, infrastructure delivery and land-use planning.
For planning authorities, developers and environmental professionals, the transitional arrangements will be important in maintaining certainty during a period of significant legislative change. Existing development plans will continue to provide the basis for decision-making, while authorities prepare for the transition to longer-term plans that are intended to provide greater strategic consistency.
The legislation also forms part of a wider programme of planning reform, including changes relating to planning judicial review procedures, critical infrastructure delivery and amendments to support housing delivery. The Bill was subsequently enacted as the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2026 following Presidential approval in July 2026. For the planning and environmental sector, these changes highlight the importance of monitoring the evolving statutory framework and understanding how transitional measures will interact with local policy, environmental assessment requirements and future development strategies.
Public consultations
Kerry County Council: Proposed Variation No 4 of the Kerry County Development Plan 2022-2028 Material Alterations. Open from 30th July – 28th August, at 23:59.
Kildare County Council: Proposed Material Alterations – Variation No. 6 – Sallins Settlement Plan – of Kildare CDP 2023 – 2029 as varied. Open from 4th August at 9:00am – 1st September at 16:00.
Leitrim County Council: Proposed Variation No.1 of the Leitrim County Development Plan 2023-2029: Open from Wednesday 5th August 2026 until Wednesday 2nd September 2026 inclusive (excluding weekends and public holidays).
Limerick City and County Council: Proposed Material Alterations to Proposed Variation No. 3 of the Limerick Development Plan 2022-2028 (as varied).
Open from 25th July, 2026 at 00:00 until 24th August 2026 at 17:00.