National Planning Framework
National Planning Framework: First Revision
The national planning strategy to 2040, as revised in April 2025: where growth goes, and the national policy objectives regional and local plans must be consistent with.
Government of Ireland · April 2025 · 195 pages
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- National Policy Objective 56 Work with the relevant Departments in Northern Ireland for mutual advantage in areas such as spatial planning, development and promotion of the all-island economy, coordination of social and physical infrastructure provision and environmental protection and management. 8.3 Working Together for Economic Advantage Strong economic links and trade, across the island of Ireland and between Ireland and the United Kingdom bring significant benefits to both jurisdictions, helping to create jobs, enterprise and tax revenues that in turn contribute to prosperity and better services to society at large. These strong economic relationships and opportunities are significantly supported and developed through planning, investment and policy cooperation across a range of areas, both North/ South and East/West, and this will remain a strong focus for the Government under the NPF, including through: Investment in Co-Centres for Research and Innovation led by Science Foundation Ireland, working with Northern Ireland and UK partners to bring researchers and industry together to perform world-leading research in areas of mutual economic, societal, health and environmental importance; Continuing and growing all-island research partnerships with the United States, including the US- Ireland R&D Partnership Programme; Supporting the expansion of Higher Education provision and deeper institutional cooperation in the North-West and across the island, including through investment in construction in a new teaching and student services building at Ulster University’s Derry campus; Deepening cooperation between further education institutions and developing crossborder apprenticeship programmes; Developing inclusive exchange programmes for learners, staff, researchers and innovators of institutions in Ireland, Northern Ireland and the Great Britain, to complement Erasmus+ and building on research investment through the Co- Centre and North South Research Programmes; Supporting the work of InterTrade Ireland to help businesses across the island grow all-island trade and investing in inter-agency working on common enterprise policy objectives including female entrepreneurship, clustering and innovation and sustainability investment; and Supporting cross-border approaches to attract investment and pursuing all-island opportunities to promote sustainable development of Agri-Food sector. Dublin-Belfast Economic Corridor and East Border Region 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 c. 39.5 million passengers each year and this is set to continue to rise. The Dublin-Belfast Economic Corridor was given fresh impetus with the launch in March 2021 of an initiative by the eight Councils with two Universities, to work collectively to realise the benefits of further development of the region as a whole. In June 2021, the East Border Region (EBR) Councils agreed and published a Charter of regional priorities for cooperation, with the aim of positioning the East Border Region as “a smart, competitive, sustainable and inclusive cross-border region” and identifying a range of illustrative actions for delivering these priorities. National Planning Framework First Revision | Page 109
- Enterprise, cross-border rail service on the island of Ireland Case Study Enterprise, as the only cross-border rail service on the island of Ireland, provides a valuable public transport link serving the island’s two most populous cities. Currently home to over two million people, the population along the Dublin-Belfast Corridor is expected to grow in the coming decades. The first short-term project under the Shared Island initiative, utilising existing trains on the system, will increase frequency of the service between Dublin and Belfast from roughly every two hours at present to an hourly service. This increased frequency service will be later complemented by the related and more ambitious fleet modernisation project which will enable long-term positive environmental impacts, through a tri-mode and later all-electric service. These projects will complement the Shared Island initiative by assisting travel between regions, boosting economies through faster journey times and offering a more attractive service. The Enterprise Fleet Replacement Project is a collaborative project developed by Iarnród Éireann and Translink Northern Ireland Railways - with funding support from the European Union PEACEPLUS, the Department of Infrastructure (Northern Ireland) and the Department of Transport in Ireland. Ensuring the increased frequency of service and the success of the Enterprise Fleet Replacement project will enable further strengthening of the economic links between Ireland and Northern Ireland, supporting the common travel areas, decongesting roads, reducing carbon emissions and promoting all-island tourism in line with the National Planning Framework and the Climate Action Plan 2024. Page 110 | National Planning Framework First Revision
- As part of the National Planning Framework, the Government will continue 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 and strategic function of the Dublin to Belfast road network from unnecessary development and sprawl; Introducing an hourly-frequency rail service between Dublin and Belfast, examining electrification of the route and investment in a new sustainable Enterprise train fleet, with funding under the PEACEPLUS programme and from the Government and Northern Ireland Executive. Examining the feasibility of a higher-speed rail connection between Belfast and Dublin and Cork, as identified in the All-Island Strategic Rail Review; Protecting distinctive landscapes and rural activities which act as key green spaces and food producing areas between settlements; and Building the landmark Narrow Water Bridge to link the Mourne Mountains and Cooley peninsula, providing tourism and connectivity boosts in the region, and enabling improved cross-border active travel including greenways, walking trails and park amenities. National Policy Objective 57 In co-operation with relevant Departments, Regional Assemblies and Local Authorities 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 all- island economic growth. With Government support in Ireland and Northern Ireland, 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, including through a €600m investment in the A5 North-West transport corridor upgrade and advancing on related N2 and road upgrades in Monaghan and Donegal, and examining relevant recommendations in the All-Island Strategic Rail Review; and Better co-ordination of public services such as health and education facilities. The North West City Region Councils developed an updated statement of regional priorities for the North South Ministerial Council in February 2021. Priorities for the North West City Region as outlined in the National Development Plan include: Enhanced high-quality transport links for the region by road, rail, air and sea; Investment in innovation and skills through strengthened third level education access and collaboration; Implementation of a Green Growth strategy, developing the region’s potential in clean and renewable energies; and Enhanced cross-border healthcare provision including shared patient catchment and e-health opportunities. National Planning Framework First Revision | Page 111
- National Policy Objective 58 In co-operation with relevant Departments and Local Authorities 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 crossborder economic and service roles for their wider rural hinterlands. Significant improvements in digital and physical infrastructure, such as the N2/A5 in particular, will create new opportunities, with the central border area strategically connected, located almost equidistant between the Dublin, Belfast and North West 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. 49 National Development Plan 2021 – 2030, Chapter 17 A Shared Island The Irish Central Border Area Network of eight member Local Authorities published a Framework of Regional Priorities in March 2021, identifying five interlocking strategic pillars of: economic development; infrastructure and connectivity; human capital; liveable communities; and, greening the region. Key Irish Central Border Area Network objectives include the following: Core infrastructure projects including road upgrades, enhanced broadband connectivity and regional digital hubs; Natural infrastructure initiatives and zones, enhancing the sustainable tourism and wellbeing potential of the region including through development of a network of cross-border greenways and blueways; mountain biking, food and heritage trails; and river catchment and water management projects. Enabling infrastructure to harness the region’s capacity and potential, including in the bioeconomy and agri-food sectors and sub-regional sectoral strengths49. 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 such as the North West City Region, 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. Page 112 | National Planning Framework First Revision
- 8.4 Co-ordination of Investment 50 National Development Plan 2021 – 2030, Chapter 17 A Shared Island. 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. The Government’s Shared Island Fund, the EU PEACE PLUS programme, and partnership approaches with the Northern Ireland Executive and UK Government, provide a strong basis for delivery on strategic investment priorities for a shared island to 2030. There is a total all-island investment commitment of more than €4billion through the Shared Island Fund, the Project Ireland 2040 funds and Government’s annual funding for North/South cooperation, and the PEACE PLUS programme50. Healthcare and Education There is the opportunity, in regards to healthcare and social care services, to increase regional access to diagnostic and other services on a cross border basis, deliver eHealth solutions through developing all-island network in digital health, provide specialist health services on an all-island basis and upgrade ambulance services facilities in border regions. Figure 8.2 | Areas for Cross-Border Local Co-ordinationbogs 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. 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 111 National Planning Framework First Revision | Page 113
- Waterways Ireland is currently progressing the restoration of the 13.5 kilometres of the Ulster Canal from Upper Lough Erne in County Fermanagh to the original Canal Stores building in Clones, County Monaghan. Phase 2 was completed and officially opened on 19th June 2024. Funding of €6m was provided from the Shared Island Fund, and €5.6m from the Rural Regeneration Fund. The work on this phase included a sustainable water source, a new slipway and marina infrastructure facilitating access to the canal for small craft, two new access bridges, repairs to an existing masonry arch bridge, flood relief culverts, provision of new service block facility, c.1km of restored canal and towpath with looped walk and amenity area. Waterways Ireland, Fáilte Ireland and Monaghan County Council are collaborating on a visitor experience plan to animate and activate Phase 2. Restoration of the Ulster Canal The ambition is “the development of a Marina that is a unique place to engage with the water and the local heritage: to create a key hub on the waterway, linking directly into the heart of Clones, offering a gateway to Co Monaghan”. The Government, through the Shared Island Fund, has provided funding of €40 million for Phase 3 with match funding from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Completion of all Phases of the Ulster Canal restoration project will deliver a landmark sustainable tourism and recreation amenity for the central border area. Case Study Page 114 | National Planning Framework First Revision
- The Government will seek to work with the Executive, including through the North South Ministerial Council, to together develop an overarching strategy for healthcare cooperation across the island. The expansion and delivery of more all-island education connections is important for our shared island. Opportunities to share experience and resources on educational underachievement, special educational needs, early years and integrated education will be pursued. The Shared Learning Together Programme focuses on collaborative opportunities for disadvantaged education settings, use of technology in the classroom and post-primary school and youth based organization partnerships, in border counties north and south and across the island51. It is critical to continue to support collaboration and co-operation between higher and further education institutions on a cross-border basis. National Policy Objective 59 Support cross border cooperation and funding for health and education services and facilities. 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, and the need to decarbonise the connected transport networks across the island will require significant and joined up planning and investment. Over the life of the NPF, increased transport connectivity, including expanded and improved public transport services and networks, potential for increased air connectivity and facilitation of port expansion and maintenance, promotion of cross- border Electric Vehicle charging networks and infrastructure, blueways, greenways, peatways and walking trails will help to create a more connected island. The Government has committed €600m for the A5 North West transport corridor upgrade, and advancing work on related N2 and road upgrades in Monaghan and Donegal to bring North-West road connectivity on a par with other parts of the island, North and South. 51 PEACE PLUS (2021 – 2027) is providing funding, in this regard. National Policy Objective 60 In co-operation with relevant Departments in Northern Ireland, enhanced sustainable transport connectivity between Ireland and Northern Ireland, to include cross-border road and rail, electric vehicle infrastructure, 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 acknowledged by the Irish Government and Northern Ireland Executive, and system operators are progressing this project. Delivery of the North/ South Interconnector will enhance the performance of the Single Electricity Market, and facilitate the integration of renewable electricity into the power system. Ireland is also working with other countries such as France and the United Kingdom to develop electricity interconnection and will continue to support relationships with our European neighbours to enhance our international connectivity. Similarly, increased interconnection to France, United Kingdom and other countries will also require upgrading and strengthening of the grid system. The Transmission System Operator, Eirgrid, are developing an offshore grid system, which will require extensive and ongoing land-sea development to support the National Planning Framework. Realisation of our offshore energy potential requires a joined-up approach between land and marine spatial planning. New economic opportunities looking to capitalise from ORE need to be spatially aligned to ensure mutually supportive business case and investor certainty. 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, solar, biomass and other renewable sources. National Planning Framework First Revision | Page 115
- Cavan County Council on behalf of Cavan Local Action Group (LAG) developed and delivered in partnership with Fermanagh and Omagh District Council on behalf of Fermanagh & Omagh LAG. Cuilcagh Mountain (666 metres) is the focal point for the UNESCO designated Cuilcagh Lakelands Global Geopark, which is jointly managed by Cavan County Council and Fermanagh and Omagh District Council. The Geopark covers a large expanse of West Cavan and West Fermanagh, 3,222km2 in total and was designated the first cross border Geopark in the world. The ethos of Geoparks centres on a bottom up approach where communities are the drivers and benefactors of the designation. This will result in a top class recreational and heritage tourism product for locals and visitors alike. It will encourage visitors to experience these lesser known areas of the Geopark and appreciate the natural heritage of this vast landscape. Central to this application was the development of a business engagement programme for the area. The result will be increased tourism provision, enhanced engagement with local communities, through the Geopark communications strategy and existing ambassador programme, and creation of a tangible and lasting engagement programme with local businesses to promote the sustainable development of this unique cross border location. Cuilcagh Experience Cooperation Project Case Study Page 116 | National Planning Framework First Revision
- 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 northsouth interconnection of electricity grids (refer to Chapter 9). National Policy Objective 61 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, and explore the potential for strategic cooperation on offshore wind energy development. 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 continued rollout of appropriate public policy and investment interventions such as the National Broadband Plan. National Policy Objective 62 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. The three tourism agencies are progressing a multi-year cross-border brand collaboration and marketing initiative supported by the Shared Island Fund. Joint hosting of major sporting events, including of the UEFA EURO2028 Championship by Ireland and the UK, offers major opportunities to internationally showcase the world-class tourism and sports offering of both jurisdictions. Two Cross-Border Greenway projects are expected to be completed in 2024, namely the Carlingford Lough Greenway between Louth and Down and the North West Greenway Network between Donegal and Derry. These projects, funded through Shared Island and EU funding schemes, will be the only longdistance cycling/walking routes which link Northern Ireland and Ireland. In addition, the Ulster Canal Greenway which runs through counties Monaghan, Cavan, Armagh and Fermanagh constitutes 12 sections primarily running adjacent to a disused canal. Sections are at differing stages of delivery with a 11km section between Clones and Clonfad opened in June 2024, funded by Shared Island fund and the Rural Regeneration Development Fund. There is the potential for existing way-marked trails within border areas in Ireland to link into existing established trails within Northern Ireland to create an island-wide greenway network. 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 Planning Framework First Revision | Page 117
- Investment in the built and natural heritage of the island and projects that recognise the diverse community, cultural and linguistic traditions of the island will support a connected heritage tourism offering. A renewed visitor experience for the Battle of the Boyne site is being progressed to raise the heritage and tourism profile of the site which has unique historic and community significance on the island. Cross-border heritage parks like the Marble- Arch Caves UNESCO Global Geopark in Fermanagh and Cavan are being further developed and there is on-going work and collaboration between Irish and Northern Irish Authorities in relation to transboundary Royal Sites of Ireland World Heritage bid and Astronomical Observatories of Ireland transboundary World Heritage Tentative List application. The Government will also continue to grow funding for a wide-range of cross-border initiatives in arts and culture and protect and develop the Irish language and Ulster Scots traditions across the island including through the North South language bodies. National Policy Objective 63 Support the coordination and promotion of all-island tourism initiatives through continued co-operation between the relevant tourism agencies and Tourism Ireland, pursue the further development of sport, and invest in the diverse heritage, arts and cultural and linguistic traditions of the island. Page 118 | National Planning Framework First Revision
Source Government of Ireland: National Planning Framework: First Revision (April 2025) · Licence the publisher's termsText read from the publisher’s PDF; tables, maps and drawings do not survive as text, and page numbers are the PDF’s (its first page is 1). Check the original before relying on a passage.