National Planning Framework
Project Ireland 2040: National Planning Framework
The original framework, replaced by the 2025 revision. Development plans adopted before 2025 were made under it.
Government of Ireland · February 2018 · 182 pages
Superseded Replaced by National Planning Framework: First Revision. It is kept because plans made while it was in force refer to it.
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- Figure 8.1 | Shared Planning Challenges in Ireland and Northern Ireland Community Development Housing and other Developments Physical and Social Infrastructure Environmental Management Innovation and Learning Tourism Economic Opportunities National Policy Objective 43 Work with the relevant Departments in Northern Ireland for mutual advantage in areas such as spatial planning, economic development and promotion, co-ordination of social and physical infrastructure provision and environmental protection and management. 109Project Ireland 2040 | Building Ireland’s Future | National Planning Framework
- 8.3 Working Together for Economic Advantage Dublin-Belfast Economic Corridor The Dublin to Belfast Corridor is the largest economic agglomeration on the island of Ireland, with the cities and towns along the corridor home to a population of around 2 million people, exclusive of wider catchments. The corridor links the two largest cities and several of the largest towns on the island by high-capacity road and national rail links and plays a critical role in supporting economic growth and competitiveness. The corridor is also the national entry point to the island through its airports and ports. Three major airports, Dublin Airport, Belfast International Airport and Belfast City Airport, collectively manage over 35 million passengers each year and this is set to continue to rise. As part of the National Planning Framework, the Government intends to capitalise upon and further support and promote the inherent economic potential of the corridor, building upon existing strengths. To do this, there will be a focus on developing the corridor as a distinct spatial area with international visibility by: Effectively planning and developing large centres of population and employment along the main economic corridor, including in particular Drogheda and Dundalk; Improving and protecting key transport corridors such as the TEN-T network and strategic function of the Dublin to Belfast road network from unnecessary development and sprawl; Examining the feasibility of a high-speed rail connection between Belfast and Dublin and Cork; and Protecting distinctive landscapes and rural activities which act as key green spaces and food producing areas between settlements. National Policy Objective 44 In co-operation with relevant Departments in Northern Ireland, to further support and develop the economic potential of the Dublin-Belfast Corridor and in particular the core Drogheda-Dundalk-Newry network and to promote and enhance its international visibility. North-West Strategic Growth Partnership The development of the North-West city region, focused on Derry City, Letterkenny and Strabane, is essential to achieving the potential of the North West and maximising its contribution to regional and allisland economic growth. With Government support in Ireland and Northern Ireland, new cross-border collaborative arrangements have been developed to provide strategic leadership in the development of the region. The North West Strategic Growth Partnership, working with both Governments, local communities and the private sector, promotes regional cooperation on planning, environmental protection and management, public services and infrastructural investment, including: Building up the critical mass of key urban centres in the wider region; Promotion of trade and tourism, innovation, human capital, life-long learning and business development; Improving inter-urban transport infrastructure; and Better co-ordination of public services such as health and education facilities. National Policy Objective 45 In co-operation with relevant Departments in Northern Ireland, support and promote the development of the North West City Region as interlinked areas of strategic importance in the North-West of Ireland, through collaborative structures and a joined-up approach to spatial planning. Central Border Area The National Planning Framework sets out a clear road map for the development of strong urban centres in the North West and along the Dublin- Belfast Corridor. Between these two areas, the central border area is predominantly rural in character, but includes a number of county towns and other settlements that fulfil important regional and cross-border economic and service roles for their wider rural hinterlands. 110Project Ireland 2040 | Building Ireland’s Future | National Planning Framework
- Significant improvements in digital and physical infrastructure, such as the N2/A5 in particular, subject to the maintenance of seamless cross-border movement for people, goods and services, will create new opportunities, with the central border area strategically connected, located almost equidistant between the Dublin, Belfast and Derry City regions. The NPF supports further growth and investment in the county towns in the central border counties and strengthening accessibility from and to the central border area. From a heritage and tourism perspective, the central border area offers unique, rugged backdrops encompassing drumlins, lakelands, upland bogs and forests, incorporating geology, literature, art, pre-Christian and industrial heritage together with a network of smaller towns and villages on both sides of the border. Cross-Border Local Initiatives Reconfiguration of local authority and council structures on both sides of the border presents opportunities for collaboration, in particular for areas on the Dublin-Belfast corridor and in central border areas. Building up the economic, infrastructural and developmental ties will be supported through local leadership and co-operation arrangements such as the co-ordination of statutory planning functions and corresponding infrastructural investment. Three key areas of focus include: Regional co-operation arrangements; Joint initiatives; and Co-ordinated spatial planning. Figure 8.2 | Areas for Cross-Border Local Co-ordination Explore opportunities to realise wider ambitions through collective strengths and targeted supports. Building shared information/data sets in facilitating co-ordinated spatial development. Supporting joint initiatives on smart and sustainable urban growth e.g. North West Strategic Growth Partnership. Joint branding for sectoral strengths such as finance, tourism and renewable energy. Develop the critical mass and the potential of the Dublin-Belfast Corridor, in particular the core Drogheda-Dundalk-Newry network- to compete with other large cities. Creating more resilient towns and villages in the central border area. Supporting co-ordinated spatial planning through objectives and actions embedded within development plans, community plans and local economic and community plans. Regional Co-operation Joint Initiatives Co-ordinated Spatial Planning 111Project Ireland 2040 | Building Ireland’s Future | National Planning Framework
- 8.4 Co-ordination of Investment in Infrastructure Both the National Planning Framework and the Regional Development Strategy for Northern Ireland provide a basis for long-term co-ordination on infrastructure development, including transport, energy and communications and social and community infrastructure. Transport While there has been significant investment in transport over the past 20 years, the island’s growing population together with the continued growth in tourism numbers and freight traffic will place further demands on transportation infrastructure. Over the life of the NPF, increased transport connectivity, including bus and rail services, between the main cities, to the north-west region and along the border region allied to development and promotion of crossborder blueways, greenways, peatways and walking trails will help to harness the potential of the island. National Policy Objective 46 In co-operation with relevant Departments in Northern Ireland, enhanced transport connectivity between Ireland and Northern Ireland, to include cross-border road and rail, cycling and walking routes, as well as blueways, greenways and peatways. Energy Collaboration in the energy sector, driven by the single electricity market and combined with the development of interconnection such as the East West Interconnector (EWIC) in Ireland and the Moyle Interconnector in Northern Ireland has reduced energy prices, enhanced energy systems resilience and diversification away from a near total reliance on fossil fuels, and supported the island economy. The need for a new interconnector between the electricity grids of Northern Ireland and Ireland has been identified by the Irish Government and Northern Ireland Executive as a project of common interest. Ireland is also working with other countries such as France to explore potential for electricity interconnection and will continue to support relationships with our European neighbours to enhance our international connectivity. In order to support the National Planning Framework, additional electrical grid strengthening will be required for parts of the border subject to the necessary planning consents to enhance energy security through further reductions in dependence on fossil fuels, moving towards wind, gas with carbon capture and sequestration, biomass and other renewable sources. In the meantime, the South-North gas pipeline, enhanced East-West interconnection between the island, wider UK and European gas networks and ongoing work to harmonise gas transmission arrangements on the island support meeting EU requirements for gas market integration. Future enhancement of energy security and resilience to support a population of 8 million people will also be supported through progression of further north-south interconnection of electricity grids. National Policy Objective 47 In co-operation with relevant Departments in Northern Ireland, strengthen all-island energy infrastructure and interconnection capacity, including distribution and transmission networks to enhance security of electricity supply. 112Project Ireland 2040 | Building Ireland’s Future | National Planning Framework
- Communications In the information age, telecommunications networks play a crucial role in enabling social and economic activity. The development of Project Kelvin, an extensive submarine and terrestrial cable deployment that directly connects Northern Ireland to North America, provides critical telecommunications infrastructure to towns and cities throughout the border region. Further action to strengthen communications links in an island and border context will support the NPF, such as further enhancement of links between the North American continent and the island of Ireland and Europe, direct access to international backbone data systems and the roll-out of appropriate public policy and investment interventions such as the National Broadband Plan. National Policy Objective 48 In co-operation with relevant Departments in Northern Ireland, develop a stable, innovative and secure digital communications and services infrastructure on an all-island basis. Tourism Both Ireland and Northern Ireland are attracting the same top four markets from visitors outside of domestic markets, with Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Northern Ireland and Tourism Ireland seeking to capture greater international interest by promoting strategic attractions of scale and signature tourist attractions such as the Wild Atlantic Way and the Titanic Quarter in Belfast. Further opportunities to maximise market exposure exist through co-operation and themed ‘branding bundles’ including linking the Causeway Coast with the Wild Atlantic Way and the lakelands border region with Ireland’s Ancient East brand. Development of blueways, such as the Shannon- Erne Blueway and greenways such as the Ulster Canal Greenway also offer potential for an enhanced tourism offering throughout the border area. There are currently no dedicated long-distance cycling/walking routes which link Northern Ireland and Ireland, although INTERREG V EU funding is assisting with their development. There is the potential for existing way-marked trails within border areas in Ireland to link into existing established trails within Northern Ireland. Natural assets and landscapes such as the uplands and lakeland amenities stretching along the border, literary trails and the historic towns networks are also important not just for tourism but also for a shared built and natural heritage. The enhancement of these places and features is important for regional and local development in the border areas and the network of smaller towns and villages and hidden communities on both sides of the border. National Policy Objective 49 Support the coordination and promotion of all-island tourism initiatives through continued co-operation between the relevant tourism agencies and Tourism Ireland. 113Project Ireland 2040 | Building Ireland’s Future | National Planning Framework
- 8.5 Managing our Shared Environment Responsibly National and other administrative boundaries do not reflect the trans-boundary nature of the environment and its stewardship. Catchmentbased strategies require management by both jurisdictions and a number of jointly funded North-South Implementation Bodies have roles and responsibilities in these areas in addition to co-ordination through the North South Ministerial Council. As an example, the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD) requires Member States to coordinate their efforts in relation to international river basin districts. On the island of Ireland: substantial areas lie within cross-border river basins; some waters in each jurisdiction flow into or through the other jurisdiction; the rivers and lakes of the island of Ireland are designated as being within a single eco-region (eco-region 17) requiring a high degree of coordination between the authorities in both jurisdictions, to ensure consistent management of the entire aquatic environment; all coastal and transitional waters surrounding the island of Ireland are also included in one eco-region (eco-region 1) and their management must be closely coordinated; and there are also 37 cross-border groundwater bodies which are shared between the two jurisdictions and require coordinated management. North West Strategic Growth Partnership The North West Strategic Growth Partnership, which held its inaugural meeting in December 2016, is the first of its kind on the island of Ireland and represents a new approach to joined-up government that has the potential to bring about real and positive change for the region. Jointly led by Donegal County Council and Derry City and Strabane District Council, the Partnership has been endorsed by both governments through the North South Ministerial Council and is made up of senior government officials from all Government departments in Ireland and Northern Ireland, working together to collectively resource the region’s key priorities for growth and development with a commitment to building a more resilient economy in the North West City Region. CASE STUDY 114Project Ireland 2040 | Building Ireland’s Future | National Planning Framework
- In supporting environmental responsibilities under the National Planning Framework, shared action on our shared environment will ensure coordination between the two jurisdictions by: Aligning planning policies and river basin catchment management plans for whole river systems under the Water Framework Directive; Co-ordination in landscape character assessment including management and marketing of world heritage sites and candidate world heritage sites; Protection and enhancement of nationally important habitats including adjoining and cross-border protected sites; and Co-ordination of relevant planning policies affecting shared coastal waters and seas.. National Policy Objective 50 In co-operation with relevant Departments in Northern Ireland, ensuring effective management of shared landscapes, heritage, water catchments, habitats, species and trans-boundary issues in relation to environmental policy. 8.6 Ireland and England, Scotland and Wales Further to the European Spatial Development Perspective in 1999, Ireland was one of the first countries in Europe to publish a national-scale spatial plan through the National Spatial Strategy in 2002. Since then, such an approach to national planning has become the norm across Europe. Each of our closest neighbours in the UK has spatial plans for their constituent administrative areas or is in the process of producing new plans. These include the Regional Development Strategy in Northern Ireland, and Planning Frameworks in Scotland, Wales and England. In the face of multiple global challenges, crossborder working is of importance to greater territorial cohesion and highlighting opportunities for future growth and development. At a national level, the Irish Government is committed to working with our neighbours on national issues of common interest. From a national planning perspective, the work of the British-Irish Council40 provides an important forum through which practical co-operation and information sharing amongst the respective Governments and devolved administrations is helping to co-ordinate development in areas such as spatial planning, infrastructure connectivity, transboundary environmental issues and renewable energy. National Policy Objective 51 In co-operation with the United Kingdom Government and devolved Governments of Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, Ireland will support mutually beneficial policy development and activity in the areas of spatial and infrastructure planning and other related spheres. 115Project Ireland 2040 | Building Ireland’s Future | National Planning Framework
- 116Project Ireland 2040 | Building Ireland’s Future | National Planning Framework 9.1 Environmental and Sustainability Goals Ireland’s environment and its diverse landscapes form part of our ‘green’ persona and we have much to be proud of. While the overall quality of our environment is good, this masks some of the threats we now face. Key national environmental challenges include the need to accelerate action on climate change, health risks to drinking water, treating urban waste water, protecting important and vulnerable habitats as well as diminishing wild countryside and dealing with air quality problems in urban areas. It is also important to make space for nature into the future, as our population increases. The manner in which we plan is important for the sustainability of our environment. Our planning system has influence across a wide range of sectors, both directly and indirectly and interacts with many common issues related to effective environmental management, including water services, landscape, flood risk planning, protection of designated sites and species, coastal and marine management, climate mitigation and adaptation, and land use change. As part of the National Planning Framework, in line with the EU vision of living well, within our limits and in support of environmental policy at European and national level41, Government will address our environmental challenges through the following overarching aims: REALISING OUR SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
- National Policy Objective 52 The planning system will be responsive to our national environmental challenges and ensure that development occurs within environmental limits, having regard to the requirements of all relevant environmental legislation and the sustainable management of our natural capital. Resource Efficiency and Transition to a Low Carbon Economy Sustainable Land Management and Resource Efficiency Adopting the principles of the circular economy to enable more sustainable planning and land use management of our natural resources and assets. Low Carbon Economy Our need to accelerate action on climate change. Renewable Energy Our transition to a low carbon energy future. Managing Waste Adequate capacity and systems to manage waste in an environmentally safe and sustainable manner. Protecting, Conserving and Enhancing Our Natural Capital Sustainable Water Management Consideration of flood risk in planning and development management and treating urban waste water. Green Infrastructure Planning Protecting and valuing our important and vulnerable habitats, landscapes, natural heritage and green spaces. Creating a Clean Environment for a Healthy Society Water Quality Recognising the links and addressing on-going challenges between development activity, water quality and our health. Promoting Cleaner Air Addressing air quality problems in urban and rural areas through better planning and design. Noise Management Incorporating consistent measures to avoid, mitigate and minimise or promote the pro-active management of noise. 117Project Ireland 2040 | Building Ireland’s Future | National Planning Framework
- 118Project Ireland 2040 | Building Ireland’s Future | National Planning Framework Ireland is advancing its development as a circular economy and bio economy where the value of all products, materials and resources is maintained for as long as possible and waste is significantly reduced or even eliminated. 9.2 Resource Efficiency and Transition to a Low Carbon Economy Sustainable Land Management and Resource Efficiency Ireland has experienced a relatively high rate of land use change since the early 1990s. Recent population growth has led to an increase in the extent of dispersed residential and commercial development and new infrastructure, which have resulted in pressure on agricultural land, designated nature conservation areas and water quality. In catering for an additional one million people and a move towards alternative energy sources, increased demand for land is likely to include suitable locations for bioenergy supply, waste management, food production, forestry and other land services alongside the need to build more houses, schools and other facilities. Competition for land resources needs careful management and the nature and rate of land use change indicates where future environmental pressures are likely to arise. Ireland is advancing its development as a circular economy and bio economy where the value of all products, materials and resources is maintained for as long as possible and waste is significantly reduced or even eliminated. Further developing the circular economy will require greater efficiency with raw materials, energy, water, space and food by constantly reusing natural resources wherever possible and where smartly-designed products based on alternative plastic feedstock and recyclable materials will form the basis of smart material cycles, in order to create less waste and reduce resource consumption. A recycling rate of 65% has been proposed by the European Commission for 2030 for the Circular Economy Package. Bio-based material, such as wood, crops or fibres, can be used for a wide range of products and energy uses. Apart from providing an alternative to fossil-based products, bio-based materials are also renewable, biodegradable and compostable. At the same time, using biological resources requires attention to their lifecycle, environmental impacts and sustainable sourcing. The Circular Economy Package indicates that in a circular economy, a cascading use of renewable resources should be encouraged together with its innovative potential for new materials, chemicals and processes. This circular economy approach is also applicable to land use management. This Framework sets out recycling rates for the reuse of brownfield land by requiring 40% of new housing to be built within infill and brownfield lands and encourages reuse of existing building stock. The extent to which we prioritise brownfield over greenfield use, encourage the use and reuse of buildings in urban and rural areas, and reduce sprawl, will all help to increase the efficiency of land use and the pace of soil sealing i.e. the covering of the ground by an impermeable material which can result in soil degradation. Other examples include co-location of uses and infrastructure such as schools and sports facilities, carpooling and car-sharing. National Policy Objective 53 Support the circular and bio economy including in particular through greater efficiency in land management, greater use of renewable resources and by reducing the rate of land use change from urban sprawl and new development.
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