Planning news
Government unveils new rural housing planning guidelines
The Government has approved draft planning guidelines that aim to make it easier for people with genuine local connections to build homes in rural areas, while continuing to protect the countryside from unsustainable development. The proposals, which were brought to Cabinet by Housing Minister James Browne, are now open for public consultation before being finalised.
The revised guidelines seek to provide greater clarity and consistency for local authorities when assessing planning applications. They recognise the need to support rural communities by allowing people who have strong social, economic or family ties to an area to live there, while balancing this with environmental protection and proper land-use planning.
A key objective is to address long-standing inconsistencies in how planning rules have been interpreted across different counties. The Government hopes the updated framework will make the planning process more transparent and predictable for applicants, while ensuring compliance with national planning policies and environmental obligations.
The draft guidance also reflects the importance of sustaining rural towns, villages and communities by supporting appropriate housing development where there is a genuine local need. At the same time, it aims to avoid dispersed development that could place pressure on infrastructure, water quality and the natural landscape.
The public consultation will give local authorities, industry representatives, farming organisations and members of the public an opportunity to provide feedback before the guidelines are adopted. Once finalised, they are expected to influence rural housing decisions across Ireland and provide greater certainty for future planning applications.
Galway takes a step towards a new transport future
Galway City Council has welcomed the resumption of work on the Galway Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (GMATS), marking an important milestone in planning the city’s long-term transport network. Led by the National Transport Authority (NTA) in partnership with Galway City and County Councils, Transport Infrastructure Ireland and the Northern and Western Regional Assembly, the updated strategy will provide a framework for meeting the transport needs of the Galway Metropolitan Area through to 2040 and beyond.
The restart of the strategy follows the conclusion of the statutory process for the N6 Galway City Ring Road, allowing transport planning for the wider metropolitan area to move forward. Once completed, GMATS will replace the current Galway Transport Strategy, which has guided transport planning since 2016.
The new strategy will take a comprehensive approach to future mobility, considering investment across active travel infrastructure, public transport, rail, roads and demand management measures. A key feature of the updated strategy will be the consideration of a potential light rail system for Galway, following the publication of a feasibility study in 2024 that found there could be a viable case for light rail under the right conditions. The study estimated that such a system could attract approximately 7.5 million passenger journeys annually.
Public consultation on the draft strategy is expected to begin early next year, with the final GMATS due to be adopted in 2027. The strategy will play a central role in supporting Galway’s continued growth by delivering a more integrated, sustainable and efficient transport network, while improving connectivity for residents, businesses and visitors alike.
For planners, developers and infrastructure stakeholders, the renewed GMATS process represents a significant opportunity to shape how Galway grows over the coming decades. As the city continues to expand, the strategy will be instrumental in balancing economic development with sustainable transport solutions, helping to create a more accessible, resilient and liveable metropolitan area.
Renewables news
Wind energy continues to drive Ireland’s renewable transition
New figures from Wind Energy Ireland highlight the growing importance of wind power in Ireland’s energy mix, with wind farms providing approximately one-third of the country’s electricity during 2025. The figures demonstrate the continued expansion of Ireland’s renewable energy sector and the increasing role of clean energy in supporting national climate targets.
According to the report, Ireland now has more than 5,000 MW of installed onshore wind capacity, with additional projects currently under construction and thousands more progressing through the planning system. Wind farms generated an estimated 13,634 GWh of electricity in 2025, helping to reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels while lowering wholesale electricity costs.
The report also highlighted the growing contribution of renewable energy to the national grid, with wind energy accounting for 33% of Ireland’s electricity generation during the year. December 2025 saw particularly strong performance, with wind supplying 39% of national electricity demand.
Industry representatives have noted that continued investment in grid infrastructure, energy storage, and renewable generation will be essential to achieving Ireland’s long-term climate and energy objectives. Ireland has recently reached a major milestone of 8GW of installed renewable electricity capacity, reflecting significant growth in both wind and solar generation nationwide.
The latest figures reinforce the critical role renewable energy will play in supporting economic growth, energy security, and the transition to a low-carbon economy across Ireland.
Policy and legislation
Ireland champions renewable energy to power Europe’s digital future
As Ireland takes on the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the Government is placing renewable energy and electrification at the centre of its European agenda. With electricity demand rising rapidly, driven largely by the growth of AI and data centres, Ireland is calling for faster investment in renewable energy, electricity grids and clean technologies across the EU.
Speaking ahead of Ireland’s presidency, Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O’Brien emphasised that Europe’s future competitiveness will depend on a secure, affordable and sustainable electricity system. He argued that accelerating electrification is essential not only to achieve climate targets but also to support economic growth and maintain Europe’s position as a global technology hub.
The issue is particularly significant for Ireland, where data centres already account for more than one-fifth of national electricity demand. As AI technologies continue to expand, electricity consumption is expected to increase further, placing additional pressure on the country’s power system.
To balance economic growth with climate commitments, Ireland has introduced new requirements for future data centre developments. New facilities seeking grid connections must demonstrate that at least 80% of their electricity demand will be supplied from renewable energy sources. This approach aims to encourage continued investment while ensuring that growth does not compromise Ireland’s renewable energy and decarbonisation targets.
Alongside renewable generation, Ireland is advocating for greater investment in electricity grid infrastructure across Europe. Modernising and expanding transmission networks will be essential to integrate higher levels of wind and solar generation, improve energy security and accommodate increasing electricity demand from homes, businesses and emerging industries.
As Europe continues its transition towards a low-carbon economy, Ireland’s message is clear: renewable energy, stronger electricity networks and smart infrastructure must develop together. The challenge will be delivering this investment at the pace required to support both climate ambitions and the rapid growth of Europe’s digital economy.
Policy and legislation
Climate inaction could cost Ireland €13 billion a year by 2050
A new report from the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council (IFAC) has delivered a stark warning: failing to meet Ireland’s climate targets could cost the State up to €13 billion every year by 2050 in today’s money. The findings highlight that delaying climate action is not just an environmental issue, it is a significant economic risk.
According to the report, the biggest financial impacts would come from three areas: substantial EU penalties for failing to meet legally binding emissions targets, declining tax revenues as Ireland transitions to electric vehicles, and the growing economic costs associated with more frequent extreme weather events. Combined, these factors could amount to around 4% of Ireland’s national income by 2050 if current progress continues to fall short.
The report also points out that while the transition to a low-carbon economy requires significant upfront investment, the long-term cost of inaction is considerably higher. Investment in home retrofits, renewable energy, public transport, electricity infrastructure and cleaner technologies could reduce the overall fiscal impact to less than €4 billion annually by 2050, while also delivering benefits such as lower energy bills, cleaner air, improved public health and greater energy security.
Ireland is already projected to miss its 2030 emissions reduction target, with current estimates suggesting emissions may only fall by around 25% rather than the legally required 51%. IFAC estimates that fines for missing these targets could range between €6.8 billion and €26 billion, with payments potentially beginning as early as 2032.
The report also acknowledges that the move towards electric vehicles will reduce traditional fuel tax revenues by an estimated €2.5 billion per year by 2030. To address this, IFAC recommends considering alternative funding mechanisms such as congestion charges and distance-based road charging to ensure the State can continue investing in transport infrastructure.
The key message is clear: climate action should be viewed as an investment rather than a cost. Decisions made over the coming decade will not only determine Ireland’s environmental future but will also have major implications for public finances, economic resilience and long-term competitiveness. Acting now could save billions while creating a more sustainable and secure future for businesses, communities and future generations.
Public consultations
Wexford County Council: Proposed Variation No. 2 of the Wexford County Development Plan 2022 – 2028. Open from 17th June 2026, 09:00 – 16th July 2026 at 17:00.
Cork County Council: Proposed Modification of Proposed Variation No. 1 (NPF Implementation) to the Cork County Development Plan 2022-2028.
Fingal County Council: Draft Dunsink Urban Area Plan. Open from 19th June 2026, 09:00 – 31st July 2026 at 17:00.
Galway City Council: Proposed Material Alteration to Proposed Variation No. 2 to the Galway City Development Plan 2023 – 2029. Open from 19th June 2026 at 09:00 – 16th July 2026 at 16:00.
Louth County Council: Proposed Variation No. 4 of the Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027. Open from 26th June 2026 at 09:00 – 24th July 2026 at 16:00.
Roscommon County Council: Variation No.1 – Stage 1 – Public Display of Draft Variation. Notice is hereby given pursuant to Section 58 of the Planning and Development Act 2024 (as amended) that Roscommon County Council has prepared a Proposed Variation (Proposed Variation No.1) to the Roscommon County Development Plan 2022-2028.
Tipperary County Council: Proposed material alterations to proposed variation no. 1 of the Tipperary county development plan 2022-2028. Open date: 1st July 2026 at 09:30 – 30th July 2026 at 16:00.