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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- Case Study Case Study 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 areas62, 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 and clustering of uses and infrastructure such as schools and sports facilities, renewable technologies and large energy demand users, land intensive industry and enterprise. Circular Bioeconomy While rural and coastal areas have the potential for, and will develop, many types of economic activities, those activities associated with the bio-economy such as development of new bio-refining technologies represent a competitive advantage. The bio-economy comprises “the production of renewable biological resources - such as crops, forests, fish, animals, and micro-organisms and the conversion of these resources and waste stream residues, by-products or municipal solid waste into value added products, such as food, feed, bio-based products and bioenergy” (European Commission, 2012). The transition to a more circular and bio economy, where the value of bio-based products, materials and resources is maintained in the economy for as long as possible, and the generation of waste is minimised, will provide an essential contribution to our national goal of developing a sustainable, low-carbon, resource efficient and competitive economy. National Policy Objective 67 Support the circular and bio economy including in particular through greater efficiency in land and materials management, promoting the sustainable re-use and refurbishment of existing buildings and structures, while conserving cultural and natural heritage, the greater use of renewable resources and by reducing the rate of land use change from urban sprawl and new development. 62 Refer to ’Improving Energy Efficiency in Traditional Buildings, Guidance for Specifiers and Installers’, DHLGH, 2023. Bio-economy The Shared Island Fund was announced in Budget 2021, with €500 million in capital funding available between 2021-2025 ring-fenced for investment in collaborative North-South projects. As part of the Shared Island Fund, the government has awarded €7 million for a Bioeconomy Demonstration Initiative Scheme to invest in sustainable, innovative, and circular bio-economy development on a shared Island basis, with the aim of transforming the agrifood sector and creating jobs in the rural and coastal economy and sustaining rural and coastal communities. The Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine (DAFM) is working in consultation with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland to develop the opportunity on an all-Island basis to encourage the development of sustainable and circular projects for the agri-bio-economy and blue bio-economy across the Island of Ireland. InterTrade Ireland and All-Island Biomap https://intertradeireland.com/innovation/ synergy/all-island-biomap. The Irish Bioeconomy Foundation (IBF) is a cluster operating in Ireland to promote the conversion of natural resources to highvalue products, for the development of a sustainable bio-economy. The IBF developed a ‘biomap’ with the help of Intertrade Ireland to provide a view of the marketplace and the potential for a bioeconomy in Ireland. The all-island biomap was able to document the value chain of 48 companies with a 50:50 ratio based across Ireland and Northern Ireland. National Planning Framework First Revision | Page 129
- Aggregates and Minerals Extractive industries are important for the supply of aggregates and construction materials and minerals to a variety of sectors, for both domestic requirements and for export. The planning process will play a key role in realising the potential of the extractive industries sector by identifying and protecting important reserves of aggregates and minerals from development that might prejudice their utilisation. Aggregates and minerals extraction will continue to be enabled where this is compatible with the protection of the environment in terms of noise, air and water quality, natural and cultural heritage, the quality of life of residents in the vicinity, and provides for appropriate site rehabilitation particularly with respect to opportunities that may be provided for enhancement or restoration of nature in line with EU policies, such as the Nature Restoration Law, the EU Green Deal and EU Biodiversity Strategy 2020, and legislative instruments. Critical raw materials are of high economic importance for Europe while being also highly vulnerable to supply disruptions. Critical raw materials are confronted with a growing global demand, driven by the decarbonisation of economies. The Critical Raw Materials Act, one of the three key legislative initiatives of the EU Green Deal and provides for a set of Actions to ensure the EU’s access to a secure, diversified, affordable and sustainable supply of critical raw materials. 63 Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine and the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications 64 The revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) makes zero-emission buildings the new standard for new buildings. Biomethane Biomethane is a carbon-neutral renewable gas made from farm and food waste through a process known as anaerobic digestion. A National Biomethane Strategy has been published63 which requires the development of policies with the primary objective of delivering the ambitious target of producing 5.7 TWh of indigenous biomethane by 2030. It is estimated that over 80% of biomethane will be produced from grass silage and cattle slurry. This will require grass from 120,000ha (3% of total agricultural area) to produce the required feedstock. To meet Ireland’s target of 5.7 TWh of biomethane by 2030, a large number of anaerobic digestion facilities will need to be developed, alongside the related infrastructure necessary to support these facilities. Forestry Ireland’s forests play an important role in helping with climate change mitigation, through carbon sequestration in forests and the provision of renewable fuels and raw materials. Irish forestry is a major carbon sink and afforestation is the most significant mitigation option that is available to Ireland’s land use sector (refer to Chapter 5). Built Environment In relation to residential and commercial buildings, the built environment accounted for 11.1% of Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions in 2022, down from 12.3% in 2021. This reduction reflects significant strengthening of the Building Regulations from 2006 onwards, improved efficiency through retrofit, the adoption of new carbon neutral technologies, modern methods of construction and fuel switching. Since the introduction of the Nearly Zero Energy Building (NZEB) standard in 201964, the proportion of new dwellings that use fossil fuels has their source of space heating has decreased from 50% to 11%.180,000 160,000 140,000 120,000 100,000 80,000 60,000 40,000 20,000 0 NWRAEMRAState Mid East (SPA) Midland (SPA) Border (SPA) West (SPA) South West (SPA) South East (SPA) Mid West (SPA) Dublin (SPA) SRA Retrofit Property upgrades, 2017-2023 157,184 77,067 27,295 52,822 42,061 26,860 8,186 10,813 16,482 13,960 14,162 24,700 Figure 9.1 | Number of Retrofit Property Upgrades 2017-2023 (SEAI retrofitting Programme) Source: All-Island Research Observatory (AIRO), Maynooth University Page 130 | National Planning Framework First Revision
- Heating The National Heat Study Report 2022 identified that a combination of district heating, biomethane and heat pumps in homes, businesses and industry will play a vital role in fast decarbonisation. Through new building regulations, 90% of new build homes are now using renewable heat. The national retrofit programme will play a significant role in making older dwellings more energy efficient and support the deployment of heat pumps in older dwellings. District heating can also play a key role in improving energy efficiency and reducing emissions in Ireland particularly in tandem with the delivery of largescale development and higher densities. It can offer flexibility in fuel choice and could therefore be suited to wide scale decarbonisation of heating systems, and in buildings that are difficult to retrofit. CAP23 has identified a target of up to 0.8 TWh of district heating installed capacity across both the residential and commercial building stock by 2025, and up to 2.7 TWh by 2030. National Policy Objective 68 Support the growth and development of efficient district heating, electrification of heating, and utilisation of geothermal energy. Net Zero Industry and Technology A proposal for the Net Zero Industry Act (NZIA) was published by the European Commission in March 2023, and is a key element of Pillar 1 of the Green Deal Industrial Plan. The aim of NZIA is to scale up net-zero technology manufacturing in the EU to provide at least 40% of the EU’s annual deployment needs for strategic net-zero technologies by 2030. Under the National Planning Framework the Government will support: Integrating climate considerations into statutory plans and guidelines In order to reduce vulnerability to negative impacts and avoid inappropriate forms of development in vulnerable areas. More energy efficient development through the location of housing and employment along sustainable public transport corridors, where people can choose to use less energy intensive public transport, rather than being dependent on the car. The roll-out of renewables and protection and enhancement of carbon pools such as forests, peatlands and permanent grasslands. It is necessary to ensure that climate change continues to be taken into account as a matter of course in planning-related decision making processes. The development of sustainable supply chains in the bio economy. Grey adaptation which typically involves technical or engineering-oriented responses to climatic impacts, such as the construction of sea walls in response to a sea-level rise. Green and Blue adaptation including nature based solutions which seeks to use ecological properties to enhance the resilience of human and natural systems in the face of climate change, such as creation of green and blue spaces and parks and waterways to enable better management of urban micro-climates. National Planning Framework First Revision | Page 131
- National Policy Objective 69 Reduce our carbon footprint by integrating climate action into the planning system in support of national targets for climate policy mitigation and adaptation objectives, as well as targets for greenhouse gas emissions reductions as expressed in the most recently adopted carbon budgets. Energy Policy and Planning Ireland’s national energy policy is focused on three pillars: (1) sustainability, (2) security of supply and (3) competitiveness. The Government recognise that Ireland must reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the energy sector by at least 80% by 2050, compared to 1990 levels, while at the same time ensuring security of supply of competitive energy sources to our citizens and businesses. Our transition to a zero carbon energy future requires: A shift from predominantly fossil fuels to predominantly renewable energy sources; Increasing efficiency and upgrades to appliances, buildings and systems; Decisions around development and deployment of new technologies relating to areas such as wind, smartgrids, electric vehicles, buildings, ocean energy and bio energy; and Legal and regulatory frameworks to meet demands and challenges in transitioning to a zero carbon society. Increases in population, economic growth, higher levels of food demand, transitioning to a more sustainable energy market and conservation goals will ultimately result in increased competition for suitable land to facilitate these accumulating pressures. Some parts of Ireland are more suitable than others for facilitating particular national sectoral aims by reason of physical factors, environmental sensitivities, land capacity and existing settlement patterns. In the energy sector, transition to a carbon neutral economy from renewable sources of energy is an integral part of Ireland’s climate change strategy and renewable energies are a means of reducing our reliance on fossil fuels. Renewable Hydrogen also has a potential role as a zero-emission energy source in the coming decades. The Government’s National Hydrogen Strategy sets out the strategic vision on the role that hydrogen will play in Ireland’s energy system, looking to its longterm role as a key component of a climate neutral economy and the short-term actions that need to be delivered over the coming years, to enable the development of the hydrogen sector in Ireland. Energy Security in Ireland Government published the ‘Energy Security in Ireland to 2030’ report in November 2023, which concludes that Ireland’s future energy will be secure by moving from a fossil fuel-based energy system to an electricity-led system, maximising our renewable energy potential, flexibility and being integrated into Europe’s energy systems. Energy Security in Ireland to 2030 outlines a new strategy to ensure energy security in Ireland for this decade, while ensuring a sustainable transition to a carbon neutral energy system, by 2050. Informed by the Government’s energy security policy objectives - to ensure energy is affordable, sustainable, and secure - the review considered the risks to oil, natural gas, and electricity. Gas will continue to play a key role to support the secure transition to an energy system, based on electrification and greatly increased renewables penetration. Ireland imports approximately three quarters of its gas from the UK and this is expected to increase as indigenous supply from the Corrib gas field declines. The technical analysis shows that the existing infrastructure and supply sources are largely able to meet Ireland’s gas demand requirements in the medium- to long-term. It also shows, however, that a disruption of gas supplies from the UK, for whatever reason, would have a very significant impact on Ireland’s economic and social well-being. The Package is supported by an Annex “Securing Ireland’s Gas Supplies” that sets out in more detail, the long-term approach to secure our gas security of supply. The report sets out a range of mitigation measures, including the need for additional capacity of indigenous renewable energy, but also energy imports, energy storage, fuel diversification, demand side response, and renewable gases. Page 132 | National Planning Framework First Revision
- Renewable Electricity Government has set ambitious targets to achieve 9 GW of onshore wind, 5 GW of offshore wind and 8 GW of solar by 2030, as well as supporting at least 500 MW of local community-based renewable energy projects and increased levels of new micro-generation and small-scale generation. The accelerated delivery of additional renewable electricity generation is therefore essential for Ireland to meet its climate targets, reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, and improve its energy security by reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels and diversifying its electricity supply. A diversified energy portfolio from multiple sources is required; including onshore wind and solar (and gas will remain a significant contributor for energy security), with dispatchable generation capacity also having a role to play, and this will require the upgrading and development of a range of key infrastructure, offshore and onshore, to support a secure and reliable energy supply amid projections of rapid electricity growth over the decade. Renewable electricity generation cannot be considered in isolation from its means of connection to both the national electricity transmission and lower-voltage distribution grids. The wholesale electricity market operates on an all-island basis, coordinated by the Single Electricity Market Operator. It is imperative that the national grid is developed and upgraded to accommodate increasing levels of demand and supply. It is also necessary that strong interconnection continues in an all-island context to support a secure electricity supply and facilitate regional development. As well as the national targets for the electricity sector, there are also regulatory and policy developments at an EU level that require Ireland to move towards a rapid reduction in reliance on fossil fuels. These include the REPowerEU Plan proposed by the European Commission, which seeks to support the expansion of renewable infrastructure through a number of measures such as streamlining the permitting processes for wind and solar projects. The recast Renewable Energy Directive III (“RED III”) requires Member States to identify “renewables acceleration areas”. This will have spatial implications in relation to where renewable energy developments can be prioritised for delivery. The Directive also sets out the potential contribution that the repowering of existing renewable energy plants can make to the achievement of the renewable electricity targets and introduces simplified and streamlined procedures for repowering. Rural Areas and Energy Production Rural areas will continue to contribute to the energy needs of the country playing a strong role in securing a sustainable renewable energy supply. Renewable energy is being championed as a significant new source of jobs and rural growth in OECD countries. In planning Ireland’s future energy landscape and in transitioning to a net zero carbon economy, the ability to diversify and adapt to new energy technologies is essential. Innovative and novel renewable solutions have been delivered in rural areas over the last number of years, particularly from solar, and wind energy sources. Development of renewable energy generation can include co-location with agricultural activities that supports both a reduction in carbon emissions and land use diversification options for farmers in line with the carbon budget programme and the Climate Action Plan 2024. Opportunities also exist for co-location of renewable technology in areas, alongside transport infrastructure corridors, within forestry lands, and on industrial and post-industrial peatlands. In addition, the co-location of future offshore renewable energy generation and green industrial demand is signalled as a significant economic development opportunity for rural and coastal communities in the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment’s Powering Prosperity – Ireland’s Offshore Wind Industrial Strategy. While rural areas will continue to play a strong role in ensuring a secure energy future, there is potential to develop renewable energy projects and enabling infrastructure, on urban, commercial, and industrial sites – including on brownfield lands and along transport infrastructure corridors – where they can be successfully integrated with complementary uses in the same site and nearby compatible land uses. Taking this approach can potentially make more efficient use of land and existing infrastructure and unlock underutilised renewable energy potential in areas that are environmentally robust. Renewable energy can greatly stimulate economic growth for communities through job creation, revenue generated through commercial rates, and Community Benefit Funds. Communities can benefit greatly through community benefit funds established by developers of renewable energy projects. Community Benefit Funds are used for the wider cultural, environmental, and economic well-being of the local community. National Planning Framework First Revision | Page 133
- Making a Just Transition - Peatlands In relation to peatlands, some of Ireland’s cutaway bogs are suitable to facilitate the generation of energy, most notably wind/biomass. Considering the significant amount of peatlands in the ownership of semi-State bodies, a medium to longer-term strategic national land use plan for peatlands in State ownership will be prepared in order to manage their most appropriate future use, building on the existing National Peatlands Strategy and other national policy related to peatlands conservation and management. Supporting the Just Transition means that local communities and citizens in particular in the Midlands region can participate in the transformations underway across society, including in the energy sector. Peatlands cover 21%65 of our land area, and 64% of our total soil organic carbon stock; they are the largest store of carbon in the Irish landscape. Accordingly, a careful balance will be required between realising the potential for renewable energy development to meet sectoral emissions targets, and the management of the potential for environmental impacts in terms of the protection and restoration of nature and cultural heritage in peatlands. 65 Teagasc, Agriculture and Food Development Authority National Policy Objective 70 Promote renewable energy use and generation at appropriate locations within the built and natural environment to meet national objectives towards achieving a climate neutral economy by 2050. National Policy Objective 71 Support the development and upgrading of the national electricity grid infrastructure, including supporting the delivery of renewable electricity generating development. National Policy Objective 72 Support an all-island approach to the delivery of renewable electricity through interconnection of the transmission grid. National Policy Objective 73 Support the co-location of renewable technologies with other supporting technologies and complementary land uses, including agriculture, amenity, forestry and opportunities to enhance biodiversity and promote heritage assets, at appropriate locations which are determined based upon the best available scientific evidence in line with EU and national legislative frameworks. Griston Bog, Ballylanders, Co Limerick Page 134 | National Planning Framework First Revision
- Regional Renewable Electricity Capacity Allocations In order to facilitate the accelerated roll-out and implementation of renewable electricity infrastructure for onshore wind and solar generation development and to achieve the national targets set out in the Climate Action Plan 2024, this Framework indicates a range of regional renewable electricity capacity allocations. These allocations are to be integrated into the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies and the associated Regional Renewable Energy Strategies and in addition are to be translated to county-level targets that will inform city and county development plans. Having regard to this evaluation, each Region must plan for sufficient wind and solar energy development in order to achieve the targeted regional renewable electricity capacity allocations outlined in Table 9.1, taking into account factors influencing delivery including attrition rates and changes to energised capacity levels, (in addition to current installed energised capacity), in order to facilitate, at a minimum the 2030 national renewable electricity generation targets. The RRES roadmap will provide further guidance in this regard. In order to meet Regional Renewable Electricity Capacity Allocations and to ensure that the electricity can be both accepted on the national grid and brought to demand users, this will require the development and expansion of the electricity grid, at a national and local level, in a coordinated manner. National Policy Objective 74 Each Regional Assembly must plan, through their Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy, for the delivery of the regional renewable electricity capacity allocations indicated for onshore wind and solar reflected in Table 9.1 below, and identify allocations for each of the local authorities, based on the best available scientific evidence and in accordance with legislative requirements, in order to meet the overall national target. Each Regional Assembly will prepare a Regional Renewable Electricity Strategy (RRES), whereby additional detail will be outlined on how the regional renewable electricity capacity allocations for the region can be best achieved in a consistent and sustainable manner, including the identification of specific targets for each of the constituent local authorities. National Policy Objective 75 Local Authorities shall plan for the delivery of Target Power Capacity (MW) allocations consistent with the relevant Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy, through their City and County Development Plans. Table 9.1 | Regional Renewable Electricity Capacity Allocations Region Energised capacity 2023 (MW) Additional Renewable Power Capacity Allocations (MW) Total % of National Share in 2030 Energised Capacity 2023 (MW) Additional Renewable Power Capacity Allocations (MW) Total % of National Share in 2030 Onshore Wind Solar PV Eastern and Midlands 284 1,966 25% 306 3,294 45% Northern and Western 1,761 1,389 35% 0.3 959 12% Southern 2,622 978 40% 138 3,302 43% Total 4,667 4,333 445 7,555 National Planning Framework First Revision | Page 135
- Managing Waste Ireland has actively improved its waste management systems, but we remain heavily reliant on export markets for the treatment of residual, recyclable and hazardous waste66. A population increase of around one million people, alongside economic growth to 2040, will increase pressure on waste management capacity, as consumption is still a key driver of waste generation. While the ultimate aim is to decouple, as much as possible, consumption from waste generation over time, additional investment in waste management infrastructure, and in particular different types of waste treatment, will be required. In managing our waste needs, the NPF supports circular economy principles that minimise waste going to landfill and maximise waste as a resource. This means that prevention, preparation for reuse, recycling and recovery are prioritised in that order, over the disposal of waste67. Soil contamination and degradation and water pollution can occur as a result of unauthorised waste-related activities, historical activities, leakages and accidental spillages of chemicals. Proposals to develop areas with potential or known histories of unauthorised waste related activities should include measures for remediation of these lands and associated waterbodies, and addressing these issues can be a lengthy and costly process. National Policy Objective 76 Sustainably manage waste generation including construction and demolition waste, invest in different types of waste treatment and support circular economy principles, prioritising prevention, reuse, recycling and recovery, to support a healthy environment, economy and society. 66 National Hazardous Waste Management Plan 2021-2027 67 National Waste Management Plan 2024 – 2030. 68 5th June 2024. 9.3 Protecting Conserving and Enhancing our Natural and Cultural Capital Climate Adaptation A new National Adaptation Framework was approved by Government68. Adaptation requires locally specific, place-based responses, which address not only climate impacts but also integrate coherently with local social, economic and ecological systems. The NAF and existing climate legislation sets out a requirement for sectoral adaptation plans covering priority national level sectors. The recently approved NAF provides for a new iteration of Sectoral Adaptation Plans to be prepared by the relevant Departments for the sectoral areas that are most at risk from climate change impacts. This includes many areas covered in this chapter including water quality and water services infrastructure, flood risk management, built and archaeological heritage, biodiversity, forestry, agriculture and electricity and gas networks. In terms of nationally important priorities, integration of climate risk assessment, and actions to address climate change impacts will be critical to ensure the resilience of communities, housing and infrastructure in the context of more extreme weather events that lead to droughts, floods, heat stress and other storm damage. All Local Authorities have now published Climate Change Action Plans including adaptation and mitigation actions, including plans for a Decarbonising Zone in each local authority. The EPA has commenced work on a National Climate Change Risk Assessment. The planning process provides an established means through which to implement and integrate climate change objectives, including adaptation, at local level, in particular the identification through the zoning of land for appropriate land uses having regard to the risks associated with climate change and through integrating climate resilient practices into development at regional and local level and also through the identification of decarbonisation zones by local authorities. Planning legislation also requires different levels of the planning policy hierarchy to address climate change adaptation (refer to Chapter 7). Page 136 | National Planning Framework First Revision
- Water Resource Management and Flooding Planning is critically important to the management of water resources. The planning system both directly and indirectly influences effective water management. This includes water service provision, river basin management, landscape, flood risk planning, coastal and marine management, source protection and climate change adaptation. Accordingly, statutory regional spatial and economic strategies and development plans must ensure the integration of sustainable water management considerations. The objectives of the National Planning Framework must also be reflected in River Basin Management Plans (RBMPs). The EU Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) (WFD) requires all Member States to protect and improve water quality in all water bodies in order to achieve good ecological status at the latest, by 2027. The Directive’s objectives are delivered in Ireland through the river basin planning process. Ireland is currently developing its third cycle River Basin Management Plan (RBMP)69. Flooding is a cross-sectoral issue that can affect all aspects of life, and that can be influenced, positively or detrimentally, by actions in many other sectors. 69 A Water Action Plan 2023 will be Ireland’s third River Basin Management Plan and it outlines the measures the Government and other sectors are taking to improve water quality in Ireland’s groundwater, rivers, lakes, estuarine and coastal waters, and provide sustainable management of our water resources. It is expected that this plan will be published in Q1 2024 and will be taken into account for this revision. 70 Archaeology and Flood Relief Schemes: Guidelines, National Monuments Service, DHLGH, 2023. 71 The Planning System and Flood Risk Management Planning Guidelines, 2009. Of particular importance is the consideration of potential future flood risk in the area of planning and development management, and the planning and design of infrastructure and the development of nature-based solutions. Flood risk management and in particular the design and development of flood relief schemes can also address the appropriate integration of archaeological heritage into these schemes70. Urbanisation can increase both the rate and volume of runoff from rainfall events and therefore requires urban storm-water drainage systems to manage and reduce the risk from pluvial (rain) flood events and extreme rainfall events. Core objectives include71: avoiding inappropriate development in areas at risk of flooding; avoiding new developments increasing flood risk elsewhere, including that which may arise from surface run off; ensuring effective management of residual risks for development permitted in floodplains; avoiding unnecessary restriction of national regional or local economic and social growth; improving the understanding of flood-risk and ensure flood risk management in accordance with best practice; and prioritising nature-based solutions to manage water in terms of both quantity and quality and promote climate change mitigation strategies. Environmental Impact Assessment NPF RSES Development Plans Local Economic & Community Plans Local Area Plans RBMP 46 Catchments Sub-catchments (100s+) Water Bodies (1,000s+) Strategic Environmental Assessment Detailed Programme of Measures Environmental Impact Assessment NPF RSES Development Plans Local Economic & Community Plans Local Area Plans RBMP 46 Catchments Sub-catchments (100s+) Water Bodies (1,000s+) Strategic Environmental Assessment Detailed Programme of Measures Figure 9.2 | Hierarchical Structure of RBMP and Planning Policy National Planning Framework First Revision | Page 137
- A separate but related issue is the effects of rising sea levels and its impacts on our coasts. Adapting to and management of this complex and long-term challenge requires a range of integrated responses that planning can contribute to. This issue is considered in Chapter 7 on marine issues. National Policy Objective 77 Enhance water quality and resource management by • Ensuring that River Basin Management Plan objectives are fully considered throughout the physical planning process. • Integrating sustainable water management solutions, such as Sustainable Urban Drainage (SUDS), non-porous surfacing and green roofs, and nature based solutions, to create safe places. National Policy Objective 78 Promote sustainable development by ensuring flooding and flood risk management informs place-making by: • Avoiding inappropriate development in areas at risk of flooding that do not pass the Justification Test, in accordance with the Guidelines on the Planning System and Flood Risk Management; • Taking account of the potential impacts of climate change on flooding and flood risk, in line with national policy regarding climate adaptation. Nature Based Solutions Population increase inevitably requires the necessary expansion of built areas. This can result in increasing pressure on our natural resources. Nature-based Solutions are actions to protect, sustainably manage, and restore natural and modified ecosystems that address societal challenges effectively and adaptively, simultaneously benefiting people and nature72. 72 International Union for Conservation of Nature 73 Refer to Nature Based Management of Urban Rainwater and Urban Surface Water Discharges - A National Strategy https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/ d9a24-nature-based-management-of-urban-rainwater-and-urban-surface-water-discharges-a-national-strategy/ 74 Ecosystem services are the services that an ecosystem supplies and on which humans depend. Ecosystem services from which humans benefit are often categorised as follows: provisioning services such as food, water, wood, fibre and genetic resources; regulating services such as climate regulation, floods, disease and water quality; cultural services such as recreation and ecotourism; supporting services such as soil formation, pollination and nutrient cycling. Nature-based solutions73 must therefore benefit biodiversity and support the delivery of a range of ecosystem services74. Sustainable urban development solutions, such as water sensitive urban design, can help to mitigate the potential for environmental degradation in the form of biodiversity loss, pollution of water bodies, and increased flood risk as the demand for urban development to accommodate a growing population continues to increase. National Policy Objective 79 Support the management of stormwater, rainwater and surface water flood and pollution risk through the use of naturebased solutions and sustainable drainage systems, including the retrofitting of existing environments to support nature based solutions. National Policy Objective 80 Support the retrofitting of existing environments to cater for surface water run-off through the use of nature based solutions. National Policy Objective 81 Support the implementation by Uisce Éireann, Local Authorities and other parties with drainage responsibilities of Integrated Wastewater and Drainage Management Plans on a prioritised risk basis in accordance with the requirements of the RBMP and EU Water Directives. The European Commission defines nature-based solutions as: “Solutions that are inspired and supported by nature, which are cost-effective, simultaneously provide environmental, social and economic benefits and help build resilience. Such solutions bring more, and more diverse, nature and natural features and processes into cities, landscapes and seascapes, through locally adapted, resource-efficient and systemic interventions.” Page 138 | 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.