Planning updates May 2025

Beaumont Emergency Department

MKO is proud to have successfully secured planning permission for a significant new Emergency Department at Beaumont Hospital on behalf of the HSE. This transformative project includes a two-storey emergency department comprising treatment areas, staff and visitor facilities, a 7-storey lift and stair core, and associated plant rooms. This vital development represents a major investment in the future of healthcare for the Greater Dublin Area, supporting improved patient care, enhancing local employment opportunities, and incorporating key sustainability measures as part of a modernised hospital campus. The project marks a positive step forward in strengthening public health infrastructure and building a more resilient, accessible, and sustainable healthcare system for the community.

South Court Hotel, Limerick

MKO is delighted to confirm that planning permission has been granted for a landmark mixed-use development at the site of the South Court Hotel in Raheen, Limerick. The project includes the partial demolition of the existing hotel and construction of an eight-storey building comprising 84 new residential apartments, a purpose-built childcare facility, and vibrant retail units. The development will also deliver significant upgrades to the hotel itself, supporting the long-term viability of the site. Designed with sustainability and community in mind, and accompanied by a Natura Impact Statement, this scheme will enhance local living, boost employment, and strengthen essential services in this growing area.

Woodquay Park, Galway City

MKO is pleased to announce the grant of permission for improvements to Woodquay Park in Galway City. The improvements to the park will expand and enhance the existing green space and create a gateway to the River Corrib from the wider Woodquay area. The proposal will include numerous measures to enhance biodiversity within the park, including retaining the existing healthy trees on the site, while maintaining the fundamental character of the area. The park will also provide a space to showcase the Galway Orb, originally commissioned for the Galway European Capital of Culture celebrations in 2020. Finally, it will work hand-in-hand with the new public space proposed under the Bus Connects Cross City Link project for Woodquay to rejuvenate the wider area into a vibrant and engaging public space for the city. We are very pleased to have provided planning, ecology, and environmental services on this project, which will be so transformative for the Woodquay area and all of Galway City, and look forward to seeing it delivered in the near future.

Planning news

Protecting Consumers: Our onshore wind energy opportunity

MKO is delighted to have the opportunity to undertake this important research project on behalf of Wind Energy Ireland, which aims to quantify Ireland’s future onshore wind energy potential. Onshore wind energy has been the bedrock of Ireland’s decarbonisation efforts to date and will continue for many years to come. If we are to decarbonise the economy by 2050 in line with the Government of Ireland’s plans and policies, it will take thousands of decarbonisation projects. As a country, we are now consistently generating ~40% of the country’s electricity from renewables every quarter, or every year. That has only been possible by building one wind farm or solar farm at a time. It will only be possible to get to an electricity mix of 80% renewables by continuing to build one wind farm or solar farm at a time. Every project counts in this effort. By establishing Ireland’s future onshore wind energy potential, we can show a pathway to further decarbonisation of the electricity system through at least an additional 6GW of onshore wind, which could bring the total onshore capacity to 15GW+. This research confirms that land is available and accessible, provided the correct policies are implemented to support the ambition.

Read research report

Climate Action Plan

Ireland’s Climate Action Plan 2025 (CAP25) sets a clear direction for how our built environment, transport systems, energy infrastructure, and land use will evolve to meet legally binding emissions reduction targets. This plan deepens the country’s commitment to achieving a 51% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and climate neutrality by 2050.

Planning Environment is Shifting: CAP25 reinforces national and EU climate targets, which will influence development decisions particularly regarding energy efficiency, transport connectivity, land use, and biodiversity. Expect more stringent sustainability criteria, especially in urban development and infrastructure.
Opportunities in Retrofitting and Green Infrastructure: Over €950 million has been earmarked for carbon tax-funded initiatives in 2025 alone, including retrofitting homes, renewable energy projects, and sustainable mobility. The demand for planners and developers who can align projects with these goals is rising.
Electricity and Energy Systems: With grid upgrades and new interconnectors in development, there’s significant potential in renewables particularly wind and solar. Development that supports or integrates clean energy infrastructure will be prioritised and supported.
Transport and Mobility: While transport emissions remain challenging, CAP25 targets major reductions through modal shift, public transport enhancements, and electric vehicle infrastructure. Integrating sustainable transport into planning proposals will be crucial.
Just Transition and Community Engagement: New structures like the Just Transition Commission and citizen engagement initiatives present funding and collaboration opportunities, especially for projects in the Midlands or targeting vulnerable communities.
Planning Reform in Focus: The Plan highlights the need to streamline consenting for renewable energy and infrastructure projects. This indicates upcoming regulatory changes that may simplify aspects of planning approval, especially where environmental and climate alignment is strong.
Compliance and Costs: Failure to meet national targets could incur costs of up to €20 billion by 2030. This creates a strong imperative for the public and private sectors to invest now in aligned development.
While CAP25 introduces ambitious requirements, it also unlocks new pathways for innovation, funding, and policy support. Developers and planners who proactively align with these frameworks will be better positioned to secure approvals, access grants, and deliver projects that meet Ireland’s evolving needs.

National Planning Framework

The National Planning Framework (NPF), part of Project Ireland 2040, sets the vision for Ireland’s long-term spatial and economic development. It is a strategic framework to guide growth accommodating one million more people by 2040 in a way that balances social, environmental, and economic priorities.

Compact Growth is the New Norm: The NPF strongly emphasises development within existing built-up areas. It targets 40% of new housing nationally and 50% in major cities to be delivered via brownfield, infill, or regeneration sites. This drives demand for creative, efficient urban design and stronger public realm strategies.
Regional Balance Creates Opportunity: The NPF aims to rebalance population and job growth between Dublin and the rest of Ireland. It sets ambitious targets for Cork, Limerick, Galway, and Waterford to grow by at least 50%, with a parallel focus on regional hubs like Sligo, Athlone, and Letterkenny. Development that contributes to these regional goals is more likely to align with planning policy and funding.
Alignment with Investment: Backed by the €116 billion National Development Plan, the NPF ensures that spatial planning informs where and how public investment is directed. Projects aligned with NPF objectives, particularly in housing, transport, renewable energy, and urban renewal, will be at the forefront of funding and delivery opportunities.
Focus on Sustainability and Climate Action: Climate resilience, reduced car dependency, and low-carbon infrastructure are central. The NPF supports sustainable mobility, compact urban form, and smarter land use. Developers will benefit from preparing projects that meet both planning and climate targets.
Stronger Policy Consistency: The NPF is underpinned by legislation and regulated by the Office of the Planning Regulator. Local Development Plans and Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies (RSES) must align with the NPF, providing a clearer, more predictable planning context for long-term investment. The NPF marks a significant shift toward planned, place-based, and future-proofed growth. While it introduces higher expectations around sustainability and urban form, it also provides certainty and alignment with national investment. Developers who plan in step with this framework will be best placed to lead Ireland’s next chapter of growth.