Planning news
Crown Square Block A and H, mixed-use scheme – Monivea Road and Joyces Road, Co. Galway.
We are delighted to confirm that Galway City Council made a decision on the 2nd of October 2026, to grant planning permission for a new development which sought to change the previously permitted office use (under Pl. Ref. 18/363) within Block A of Crown Square urban campus that is currently under construction. The proposed development consists of a mix of uses including residential: c. 129 no. residential units, commercial: 60 no. Apart-hotels, a conference centre with associated amenities, community uses: library, gymnasium and other community and retail uses. The proposal remains consistent with the ‘CI’ zoning objective for the site. The proposed scheme also includes for a change of use of the permitted gymnasium to extend the crèche facility within Block H2 that was previous permitted under ABP Ref. 310348-21.
The planning permission has been secured within the eight week period subject to 22 no. conditions with no further information requests or objections. The final grant will be secured once the four weeks appeal period concludes on the 6th of November 2026.
This new development would complement the existing/permitted uses within the Crown Square urban campus, which houses a couple of office blocks, a hotel and the SHD scheme permitted in 2021. The proposed mixed-use scheme will further support the evolving market condition vis-a-vis increasing housing demand, and shifts in workplace requirements with the preference of people shifting to hybrid working resulting in lesser demand for office spaces.
Changes proposed to environmental screening requirements
The Government is moving to change the environmental assessment requirements applying to certain developments, with the aim of reducing planning delays and costs associated with housing and supporting infrastructure. The changes form part of the implementation of the Planning and Development Act 2024 and were reported by RTÉ in September.
Under the proposed new system, a “traffic light” approach would apply to Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) requirements for housing developments. Developments of up to 250 residential units would fall within a new exclusion threshold and would not require EIA screening. Developments of between 251 and 750 units would require screening to determine whether a full Environmental Impact Assessment is necessary, while developments exceeding 750 units would require a full EIA.
The changes are also expected to extend beyond housing developments. New exclusion thresholds are proposed for certain infrastructure required to support development, including wastewater treatment plants, private roads and the transmission of electricity through overhead cables. In relation to wastewater infrastructure, the proposed exclusion would apply to projects serving populations below 10,000 people.
The Government has presented the changes as a means of providing greater clarity, reducing administrative requirements and accelerating the delivery of housing and associated infrastructure. However, the proposals have also prompted concerns from opposition representatives regarding the potential implications of reducing environmental screening requirements.
For MKO, the changes are particularly relevant to teams working across planning, environmental assessment, housing and infrastructure projects. As the new thresholds are introduced alongside the wider implementation of the Planning and Development Act 2024, project teams will need to consider carefully whether developments fall within an exclusion threshold, require EIA screening, or require a full Environmental Impact Assessment.
Renewables news
Wind energy industry calls for changes to planning rules for onshore wind farms
Wind energy companies are calling for changes to Ireland’s planning regulations that would allow onshore wind farms to operate indefinitely, rather than being granted planning permission for fixed periods that are commonly between 20 and 25 years. Industry representatives argue that restricting projects to these periods may result in viable wind farms reaching the end of their planning permissions despite turbines potentially being capable of operating safely and productively for longer.
The issue is becoming increasingly significant as a large number of Irish wind farms are expected to reach the end of their existing planning permissions within the next five to ten years. At that point, operators may be required to decommission the development, apply for permission to retain it, or seek permission to repower the wind farm by replacing existing equipment with newer and potentially more powerful technology. Wind Energy Ireland (WEI) is therefore seeking a clearer planning and regulatory pathway for both the extension of existing wind farm lifetimes and future repowering projects.
The matter is particularly complex for wind farms located on or close to areas that have subsequently been designated as Special Protection Areas (SPAs) for wild birds. According to The Irish Times, wind farms in these locations account for approximately one-fifth of the electricity generated by the sector. Minister for Energy Darragh O’Brien has confirmed that independent analysis of wind farm repowering and lifetime extensions is under way, with the findings expected to inform any future policy framework in this area.
The industry is also highlighting wider challenges affecting the delivery of wind energy projects, particularly delays in obtaining grid connections. More than 3,000 MW of onshore wind projects already have planning permission, but WEI has stated that some are being advised that they could face waits of five years or more for a connection. This comes as Ireland seeks to increase onshore wind capacity from approximately 5,000 MW to a target of 9,000 MW by 2030.
For MKO, the discussion is particularly relevant given the potential implications for existing and future renewable energy projects. Any future changes to the planning framework for lifetime extensions and repowering could influence how established wind farms are managed as they approach the end of their permitted operational periods, while also creating new considerations around environmental assessment, planning and the upgrading of existing renewable energy infrastructure.
Source: The Irish Times
Policy and legislation
Latest updates – Planning and Development Act 2024
The Irish Planning Institute (IPI) updated its guidance on the Planning and Development Act 2024 and Planning and Development Regulations 2026 on 29 September 2026, highlighting a number of important practical changes for those preparing and managing planning applications.
Among the latest developments are new requirements surrounding planning application documentation. Applicants are now required to provide documentary evidence demonstrating their eligibility to make an application, which may include proof of ownership or the appropriate written consent. A new validation requirement has also been introduced for applications involving the demolition of structures, other than protected or proposed protected structures or structures within an Architectural Conservation Area, requiring an impact assessment to accompany the application.
There are also important changes to the planning application process and associated timelines. While the five-week period for public submissions remains, a planning authority must now wait six weeks from receipt of an application before determining it. Further Information requests for standard applications have also been more clearly restricted to specified circumstances, such as unforeseen technical or environmental matters, issues arising through public participation, or evidence required to verify information submitted with an application. New provisions also allow planning authorities and applicants to agree extensions to certain decision periods.
The new Regulations also introduce updated standard forms for various stages of the planning process, alongside changes relating to submissions and observations, applications for alterations and extensions of duration, exempted development declarations and planning fees. New Regulations have additionally been introduced covering social housing exemption certificates, licensing on public roads, State Authority development and Local Authority development.
For MKO project teams, these updates highlight the importance of using the latest prescribed forms and requirements when preparing planning applications and ensuring that eligibility, supporting documentation and validation requirements are considered from the outset. The IPI has advised practitioners to ensure they are working from the most up-to-date forms and notices under the new Regulations.
Public consultations
Roscommon County Council: Variation No.1 – Stage 2 – Public Display of Proposed Material Alterations to Proposed Variation No.1 of RCDP 2022 – 2028. Will be available for public display and may be inspected from Friday 18th September 2026 to 4pm Monday 19th October 2026.
Wexford County Council: Proposed Material Alterations to Proposed Variation No 2 of the Wexford County Development Plan 2022 – 2028 (as varied). Open from 30th September 2026, 09:00 – 30th October 2026, 17:00
Wicklow County Council: Proposed Variation No. 7 In accordance with Section 58 of the Planning and Development Act 2024 (as amended), Wicklow County Council has published Proposed Variation No. 7 to the County Development Plan 2022-2028 (as varied).