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 Planning Framework First Revision | Page 179 National Policy Objectives, 2025 National Policy Objective 38 Plan for a more diverse and socially inclusive society that targets equality of opportunity and a better quality of life for all citizens, through improved integration and greater accessibility in the delivery of sustainable communities and the provision of associated services. National Policy Objective 39 Support the implementation of language plans in Gaeltacht Language Planning Areas, Gaeltacht Service Towns and Irish Language Networks. National Policy Objective 40 Local planning, housing, health facilities and services, transport/ accessibility and leisure policies will be developed with a focus on meeting the needs and opportunities of an ageing population along with the inclusion of specific projections, supported by clear proposals in respect of ageing communities as part of the core strategy of city and county development plans. National Policy Objective 41 Prioritise the alignment of targeted and planned population and employment growth with investment in: A childcare/ECCE planning function, for monitoring, analysis and forecasting of investment needs, including identification of regional priorities; The provision and timely delivery of childcare facilities and new and refurbished schools on well-located sites within or close to existing built-up areas, including in support of infill and brownfield development, that meet the diverse needs of local populations and act as a key enabler for housing development, thereby contributing to the development of sustainable communities; The expansion and consolidation of Further and Higher Education facilities, particularly where this will contribute to wider regional development, and Programmes for life-long learning, especially in areas of higher education and further education and training where skills gaps are identified. National Policy Objective 42 To target the delivery of housing to accommodate approximately 50,000 additional homes per annum to 2040. National Policy Objective 43 Prioritise the provision of new homes at locations that can support sustainable development and at an appropriate scale of provision relative to location. National Policy Objective 44 Support the provision of lifetime adaptable homes that can accommodate the changing needs of a household over time. National Policy Objective 45 Increase residential density in settlements, through a range of measures including reductions in vacancy, re-use of existing buildings, infill development schemes, area or site-based regeneration, increased building height and more compact forms of development. National Policy Objective 46 Continue to develop methodologies and data sources to improve the evidence base, effectiveness and consistency of the planning process for housing provision at regional, metropolitan and local authority levels. This will include standardised requirements for the recording of planning and housing data by the local authorities in order to provide a consistent and robust evidence base for housing policy formulation.
- Page 180 | National Planning Framework First Revision National Policy Objectives, 2025 National Policy Objective 47 A ‘Housing Need Demand Assessments’ (HNDAs) undertaken for each Local Authority Area in order to correlate and accurately align future housing requirements: to be undertaken by Local Authorities with coordination assistance to be provided by the Regional Assemblies, and also at a Metropolitan scale, particularly where inter-county and inter-regional settlement interactions are to be planned for and managed; and to primarily inform housing policies, housing strategies and associated land use zoning policies as well as assisting in determining where new policy areas or investment programmes are to be developed. National Policy Objective 48 Regional, metropolitan and local development plans will take account of and integrate relevant maritime spatial planning issues. National Policy Objective 49 Support the sustainable growth and development of the maritime economy and continue to invest in the seafood sector and our Fishery Harbour Centres, particularly in remote rural coastal communities and islands. National Policy Objective 50 Ensure that the strategic development requirements of Tier 1 and Tier 2 Ports, ports of regional significance, State Fishing Harbours and smaller harbours are addressed as part of Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies, and plans at local level to ensure the effective growth and sustainable development of the city regions and regional and rural areas, in accordance with National Ports Policy. National Policy Objective 51 Support the sustainable delivery of port and harbour infrastructure to facilitate the development, maintenance and operation of off-shore renewable electricity generating developments. National Policy Objective 52 Ensure that Ireland’s coastal resource is managed to sustain its physical character and environmental quality. National Policy Objective 53 In line with the collective aims of national policy regarding climate adaptation and the associated legislative provisions, to take account of the effects of sea level changes and coastal erosion in planning and development management and to support the implementation of adaptation responses to limit risks to communities and coastal ecosystems from the impacts of coastal change. National Policy Objective 54 Support the development of coastal change management plans to address the likely effects of sea level changes and coastal erosion and to support the implementation of adaptation responses. National Policy Objective 55 To support, the progressive development of Ireland’s offshore renewable energy potential, the sustainable development of enabling onshore and off-shore infrastructure including domestic and international grid connectivity enhancements, non-grid transmission infrastructure, as well as port infrastructure for the marshalling and assembly of wind turbine components and for the operation and maintenance of offshore renewable energy projects.
- National Planning Framework First Revision | Page 181 National Policy Objectives, 2025 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, co-ordination of social and physical infrastructure provision and environmental protection and management. 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. 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. National Policy Objective 59 Support cross border cooperation and funding for health and education services and facilities. 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. 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. 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. 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. National Policy Objective 64 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. National Policy Objective 65 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 sphere. National Policy Objective 66 The planning system will be responsive to our national environmental challenges and ensure that development occurs within environmental limits, having regard to the medium and longer-term requirements of all relevant environmental and climate legislation and the sustainable management of our natural capital.
- Page 182 | National Planning Framework First Revision National Policy Objectives, 2025 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, t h e greater use of renewable resources and by reducing the rate of land use change from urban sprawl and new development. National Policy Objective 68 Support the growth and development of efficient district heating, electrification of heating, and utilisation of geothermal energy. 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. 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.
- National Planning Framework First Revision | Page 183 National Policy Objectives, 2025 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. 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 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. 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. 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), nonporous 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. National Policy Objective 79 Support the management of stormwater, rainwater and surface water flood and pollution risk through the use of nature-based solutions and sustainable drainage systems, including the retrofitting of existing environments to support nature based solutions.
- Page 184 | National Planning Framework First Revision National Policy Objectives, 2025 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. National Policy Objective 82 Integrated planning for Green and Blue Infrastructure will be incorporated into the preparation of statutory land use plans while maintaining ecosystem services and ecosystem functions and conserving and/or restoring biodiversity. National Policy Objective 83 Identify and strengthen the value of greenbelts and green and blue spaces at a regional, city and local scales, to enable enhanced connectivity to wider strategic networks and prevent coalescence of settlements and to allow for the long-term strategic expansion of urban areas. Promote and support an increase in the provision of green and blue spaces and tree canopy cover in settlements. National Policy Objective 84 In line with the National Biodiversity Action Plan and the European Union Nature Restoration Law, and best available scientific information, regional and local planning authorities shall support the preparation and implementation of the National Restoration Plan. National Policy Objective 85 In line with the National Biodiversity Action Plan; the conservation, enhancement, mitigation and restoration of biodiversity is to be supported by: Integrating policies and objectives for the protection and restoration of biodiversity, including the principles of the mitigation hierarchy of - avoid, minimise, restore and offset - of potential biodiversity impacts, in statutory land use plan. Retention of existing habitats which are currently important for maintaining biodiversity (at local/ regional/national/international levels), in the first instance, is preferable to replacement/restoration of habitats, in the interests of ensuring continuity of habitat provision and reduction of associated risks and costs. National Policy Objective 86 In line with the objectives of the National Biodiversity Action Plan, planning authorities should seek to address no net loss of biodiversity within their plan making functions. National Policy Objective 87 Enhance the conservation status and improve the management of protected areas and protected species by: Implementing relevant EU Directives to protect Ireland’s environment and wildlife and support the objectives of the National Biodiversity Action Plan; Developing and utilising licensing and consent systems to facilitate sustainable activities within Natura 2000 sites; Continued research, survey programmes and monitoring of habitats and species.
- National Planning Framework First Revision | Page 185 National Policy Objectives, 2025 National Policy Objective 88 Facilitate the protection and restoration of biodiversity [including in European sites and the habitats and species for which they are selected] through the preparation of national guidance in relation to Planning and Biodiversity to: Plan and manage for integration of biodiversity protection and restoration in future planning and development; Ensure a consistent and strategic approach to biodiversity protection and restoration across planning authorities and administrative boundaries, and Support the implementation of the National Biodiversity Action Plan (2023-2030) and the forthcoming National Restoration Plan. National Policy Objective 89 Protect, conserve and enhance the rich qualities of natural, cultural and built heritage of Ireland in a manner appropriate to their cultural and environmental significance. National Policy Objective 90 Enhance, integrate and protect the special physical, environmental, economic and cultural value of built heritage assets, including streetscapes, vernacular dwellings and other historic buildings and monuments, through appropriate and sensitive investment and conservation. National Policy Objective 91 Facilitate landscape protection, management and change through the preparation of a National Landscape Character Map and development of guidance on local landscape character assessments, (including historic landscape characterisation and including coastal landscapes and seascapes) to ensure a consistent approach to landscape character assessment, particularly across planning and administrative boundaries. National Policy Objective 92 Ensure the alignment of planned growth with the efficient and sustainable use and development of water resources and water services infrastructure, in order to manage and conserve water resources in a manner that supports a healthy society, economic development requirements and a cleaner environment. National Policy Objective 93 Improve air quality and help prevent people being exposed to unacceptable levels of pollution in our urban and rural areas through integrated land use and spatial planning that supports public transport, walking and cycling as more favourable modes of transport to the private car, the promotion of energy efficient buildings and homes, heating systems with zero local emissions, green and blue infrastructure planning and innovative design solutions. National Policy Objective 94 Promote the pro-active management of noise where it is likely to have significant adverse impacts on health and quality of life and support the aims of the Environmental Noise Regulations through Strategic Noise Maps, Noise Action Plans and national planning guidance. National Policy Objective 95 Metropolitan Area Strategic Plans for the Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford Metropolitan areas and in the case of Dublin and Cork, to also address the wider city region, shall be reviewed by the Regional Assemblies in tandem with the appropriate authorities and as part of a review of the relevant Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy. National Policy Objective 96 Examine the existing governance arrangements for the MASP areas to scope out potential areas for reform that may be necessary to deliver on the co-ordination of strategic planning and development between all stakeholders.
- Page 186 | National Planning Framework First Revision National Policy Objectives, 2025 National Policy Objective 97 The Metropolitan Area Strategic Plans, shall include provision for large-scale Transport Orientated Development (TOD) opportunities and may target a proportion of planned growth in the metropolitan areas towards the delivery of new sustainable communities at brownfield and greenfield locations in the principal city and suburbs areas and in the wider metropolitan areas focused on opportunities arising from existing and planned major public transport investment, along planned high capacity public transport corridors and in accordance with the principles of Transport Orientated Development. National Policy Objective 98 Statutory arrangements between spatial and transport planning in the Greater Dublin Area will be extended to other cities. National Policy Objective 99 The Government will work to establish the necessary institutional and funding arrangements to support the development and accelerated delivery of Transport Orientated Development at suitable locations in conjunction with the ongoing programme of investment in the public transport network. National Policy Objective 100 Provision will be made for urban area plans and priority area plans, to replace current local area plan provisions; coordinated area plans to be prepared where a town and environs lie within the combined functional area of more than one local authority, and the designation of areas with significant potential for development as Candidate Urban Development Zones and Urban Development Zones in order to facilitate focused investment in enabling infrastructure and accelerated development. National Policy Objective 101 Planning authorities will be required to apply a standardised, tiered approach to differentiate between i) zoned land that is serviced and ii) zoned land that is serviceable within the life of the plan. National Policy Objective 102 When considering zoning lands for development purposes that require investment in service infrastructure, planning authorities will make a reasonable estimate of the full cost of delivery of the specified services and prepare a report, detailing the estimated cost at draft and final plan stages. National Policy Objective 103 When considering zoning land for development purposes that cannot be serviced within the life of the relevant plan, such lands should not be zoned for development. National Policy Objective 104 Planning authorities will use compulsory purchase powers to facilitate the delivery of enabling infrastructure to prioritised zoned lands, to accommodate planned growth. National Policy Objective 105 Planning authorities and infrastructure delivery agencies will focus on the timely delivery of enabling infrastructure to priority zoned lands in order to deliver planned growth and development. In addition, to ensure that infill and brownfield lands are being developed and that the compact growth targets set out in NPO 7 - 9 are being achieved, it is also important to develop and implement new approaches to measuring and monitoring compact growth in cities and larger settlements, aligned to greater digitalisation of the planning system.
- National Planning Framework First Revision | Page 187 National Policy Objectives, 2025 National Policy Objective 106 Develop and implement new approaches to measuring and monitoring compact growth in cities and larger settlements aligned to increased digitalisation of the planning system. National Policy Objective 107 Continue to ensure the alignment of the National Planning Framework and the National Development Plan through delivery of the National Strategic Outcomes. National Policy Objective 108 Develop and implement a new programme of monitoring of the implementation of the National Planning Framework, with a focus on measuring outcomes relative to the key strategic objectives of the NPF including more balanced regional development, city-based growth, compact growth and infrastructure delivery.
- Page 188 | National Planning Framework First Revision Appendix 2: Population and Employment in Urban Settlements, Census of Population 2022 Settlement Population 2022 Resident Workers Total Jobs Jobs: Resident Workers Abbeyfeale, Co Limerick 2206 821 1204 1.47 Abbeyleix, Co Laois 1897 738 521 0.71 Allenwood, Co Kildare 1685 751 262 0.35 Annacotty, Co Limerick 3398 1716 1597 0.93 Ardee, Co Louth 5478 2223 2489 1.12 Arklow, Co Wicklow 13399 5499 3107 0.57 Ashbourne, Co Meath 15680 7565 4690 0.62 Ashford, Co Wicklow 1892 853 439 0.51 Athboy, Co Meath 2596 1135 590 0.52 Athenry, Co Galway 4603 2115 1659 0.78 Athlone, Counties Westmeath & Roscommon 22869 9771 12505 1.28 Athy, Co Kildare 11035 4256 2474 0.58 Baile Chláir, Co Galway 1632 745 411 0.55 Bailieborough, Co Cavan 2974 1227 862 0.70 Balbriggan, Co Dublin 24322 10398 4216 0.41 Ballaghaderreen, Co Roscommon 2387 698 681 0.98 Ballina, Co Mayo 10556 4005 5049 1.26 Ballina, Co Tipperary 2959 1337 551 0.41 Ballinasloe, Co Galway 6597 2288 3020 1.32 Ballinrobe, Co Mayo 3148 1339 1479 1.10 Ballivor, Co Meath 1870 825 273 0.33 Ballybofey-Stranorlar, Co Donegal 5406 2083 2152 1.03 Ballybunion, Co Kerry 1618 564 390 0.69 Ballyhaunis 2773 996 1161 1.17 Ballyjamesduff 2917 1312 646 0.49 Ballymahon 1714 729 743 1.02 Ballymote 1711 698 445 0.64 Ballysadare 1747 872 268 0.31 Ballyshannon 2246 835 953 1.14 Balrothery 2282 1044 358 0.34 Baltinglass 2611 1090 853 0.78 Banagher 1907 771 549 0.71 Bandon 8196 3573 2693 0.75 Bantry 2929 1163 1809 1.56 Bearna 2336 1020 461 0.45 Belturbet 1610 589 284 0.48 Birr 4726 1811 1672 0.92
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