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 28 Ensure, in providing for the development of rural housing, that a distinction is made between areas under urban influence, i.e. within the commuter catchment of cities and large towns and centres of employment, and elsewhere: In rural areas under urban influence, facilitate the provision of single housing in the countryside based on the core consideration of demonstrable economic or social need to live in a rural area and siting and design criteria for rural housing in statutory guidelines and plans, having regard to the viability of smaller towns and rural settlements; In rural areas elsewhere, facilitate the provision of single housing in the countryside based on siting and design criteria for rural housing in statutory guidelines and plans, having regard to the viability of smaller towns and rural settlements. At a local level, the core strategy of county development plans accounts for the demand for single housing in the countryside. This is related to the local authority’s overall Housing Need Demand Assessment (HNDA) that is required to be undertaken. Quantifying the need for single housing on an evidence basis assists in supporting the preparation of a comprehensive housing strategy and associated land use policies. National Policy Objective 29 Project the need for single housing in the countryside through the local authority’s overall Housing Need Demand Assessment (HNDA) tool and county development plan core strategy processes. 5.4 Planning and Investment to Support Rural Job Creation Creating the environment to support job creation in rural areas will be a key enabler to rejuvenating rural towns and villages, sustaining vibrant rural communities and addressing population decline. Rural areas support a mix of businesses of varying sizes, operating in a wide range of sectors from the traditional, such as agriculture and tourism, to more modern industries such as financial services and creative industries. Rural business also comprises micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), involved in non-traditional agricultural activities. All of these businesses serve a wide range of markets, from local to international level. Local services sectors, including tourism and small- scale manufacturing, are a significant part of the rural economy and are also important local employers. However, supporting the diversification of the rural economy is essential, not just to create additional jobs in rural areas, but also to maximise the opportunity to link employment to issues such as climate change and managing sustainable land use. Advances in technology and improvements in connectivity, particularly in rural areas, have changed how we live and work, opening up new opportunities through enhanced access to education, goods and services. Connectedhubs. ie brings together at least c.340 remote working and enterprise hubs across the country to support remote workers and businesses and the continuing roll-out of the National Broadband Plan, offer significant opportunities for rural communities. For rural Ireland, broadband is essential enabling infrastructure that affords rural communities the same opportunities to engage with the digital economy as it does to those who live in our cities and towns. There are already a significant number of remote working hubs located across the country which provide the State with the opportunity to align these facilities with the development of electric vehicle charging, walking and cycling infrastructure. Alignment between remote working and town centre regeneration, health promotion and community volunteerism also present great opportunities. National Planning Framework First Revision | Page 69
- National Policy Objective 30 Facilitate the development of the rural economy, in a manner consistent with the national climate objective, through supporting a sustainable and economically efficient agricultural and food sector, together with forestry, fishing and aquaculture, energy and extractive industries, the bio-economy and diversification into alternative on-farm and offfarm activities, while at the same time noting the importance of maintaining and protecting biodiversity and the natural landscape and built heritage which are vital to rural tourism. National Policy Objective 31 Support and facilitate delivery of the National Broadband Plan as a means of developing further opportunities for enterprise, employment, education, innovation and skills development for those who live and work in rural areas. gteic@An Termon is a community and enterprise hub in Termon, a small rural village in county Donegal and is part of a thriving community centre that together with a coworking facility, also includes a crèche facility. The co-working hub element opened in 2018 and joined the Connected Hubs platform in May 2021. Hub facilities include private office spaces, hot desks, co-working space and meeting rooms. Since opening in 2018 it has become a thriving hub with a mix of remote workers. One of the key benefits of working in a hub (as opposed to from home) cited by workers, is the social connection, especially in a dispersed rural location where it is difficult to meet other local people. The flexible payment options offered by this hub is also cited as an important factor. A co-working hub in Donegal Case Study Page 70 | National Planning Framework First Revision
- Castleblayney Enterprise Centre, Co. Monaghan Future employment opportunities in rural areas will require measures to support rural entrepreneurship and innovative rural small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The Ceantair Laga Árd-Riachtanais, or CLÁR, is an investment programme for small-scale infrastructural projects in depopulated rural areas. CLÁR supports the development of identified areas by attracting people to live and work there. Since 2016, the CLÁR Programme has supported a wide range of measures and funding of over €70 million has been approved for almost 2,400 projects. Facilitating the development of enterprises and local economies to allow for the creation of a wider variety of employment opportunities will involve capitalising on local assets, including human, natural and cultural, through improved policy coherence to raise the potential of rural areas and contribute to local and regional growth. Opportunities for upskilling, including through blended on-line, part-time or outreach courses, will be important to securing and accessing employment within rural areas. Ireland’s natural resources are some of our greatest assets and through the development of the agriculture, food, forestry, tourism, bioeconomy and renewable energy sectors, this will not only sustain rural employment, but will also contribute to playing a key role in supporting the national economy. Rural areas have significant potential in these sectors, and as digital links and opportunities for remote working and new enterprises continue to grow, employment is likely to increase in areas such as agritech, ICT, multi-media and creative sectors, tourism, renewable energy and an added value bio-economy and circular economy. Future employment opportunities in the rural economy require measures to support rural entrepreneurship and also innovative rural medium and small and medium enterprises. Building on diversification and modernisation strategies, improving governance models and supporting innovative food and non-food value chains can help boost economic development, ecosystem services and entrepreneurial innovation. The development of a strong enterprise and innovation culture is central to the economic and societal vibrancy of rural communities as underlined by the National Smart Specialisation Strategy for Innovation 2022-2027. The development of micro enterprises (those with less than 10 employees) is particularly relevant to the sustainability of smaller towns and rural areas. The network of Local Enterprise Offices, and national hub network established in recent years, offers dedicated supports to businesses operating in this sector. The Ridge Business, Enterprise and Technology Centre project was approved for RRDF funding of €3,418,127 for a project costing €4,351,484.32 under the first call for applications under the RRDF in 2019. Monaghan County Council was the lead party for the project and Project partners included Castleblayney Enterprise Development Limited, Monaghan County Enterprise Fund, Castleblayney Regeneration Committee. The Ridge Business, Enterprise and Technology Centre project aimed to provide high quality office space and remote working facilities for new and existing businesses. The project site is located in the centre of the town and the project includes the building of a new 1356 sq. /m community run enterprise centre, which will be constructed on a disused site adjacent to the town centre. The centre will provide: 18 Enterprise units between 23 sq./m and 35 sq./m in size; Four 46 sq./m Iight industrial/office units. Case Study National Planning Framework First Revision | Page 71
- National Policy Objective 32 Enhance the competitiveness of rural areas by supporting innovation in rural economic development and enterprise through the diversification of the rural economy into new sectors and services, including ICT-based industries and those addressing climate change and sustainability. Agriculture The agri-food sector continues to play an integral part in Ireland’s economy and is our largest indigenous industry, contributing 165,000 direct jobs and generating 9% of merchandise exports in 202333. Agriculture has traditionally been the most important contributor to rural economies and it remains important as a significant source of income and both direct and indirect employment. However, it must adapt to the challenges posed by modernisation, restructuring, market development and the increasing importance of environmental issues related to climate change impacts and biodiversity loss. There are opportunities from a climate transition perspective for the diversification of farming enterprises to include a focus on areas such as biomethane production and forestry (refer also to Chapter 9). 33 Annual Review and Outlook for Agriculture, Food and the Marine 2023. Much of the economic benefits in the agri-food sector are dispersed throughout the country making it particularly vital to rural areas and economic development generally. Continued development of the agri-food sector will be supported through the implementation of Food Vision 2030. The Food Vision 2030 Strategy is a ten year Strategy for the Irish agri-food sector (taken to include primary agriculture, food and drink processing and manufacturing, fisheries, aquaculture and fish processing, forestry and forestry processing and the equine sector). The Strategy consists of 22 Goals, grouped into four highlevel Missions for the sector to work toward: 1) A Climate Smart, Environmentally Sustainable Agri- Food Sector; 2) Viable and Resilient Primary Producers with Enhanced Well-Being; 3) Food which is Safe, Nutritious and Appealing, Trusted and Valued at Home and Abroad; 4) An Innovative, Competitive and Resilient Agri-Food Sector, Driven by Technology and Talent. Food Vision 2030 is a strategic framework, within which other policies, plans and programmes are being and will be developed. National Policy Objective 33 Support the agri-food industry in promoting Ireland’s continued food security in a manner that ensures economic, environmental, and social sustainability while ensuring progress in achieving targets in the National Climate Action Plan 2024 and the River Basin Management Plan. Page 72 | National Planning Framework First Revision
- Forestry The forest industry, comprising the growing, harvesting and processing of forest products makes a significant and increasing contribution to the Irish economy. The direct and indirect contribution to the economy has been calculated at just over €2 billion annually with some 9,500 jobs dependent on the sector34. Timber production currently stands in the region of 4.5 m3 per annum. Approximately 50% of the national forest estate is in private ownership. As the quality of land is often a determining factor in the land use decision-making process, lower quality land that currently presents challenges for economic agriculture may represent a resource that might be used for afforestation. It is likely that forest cover will continue to focus on suitable agricultural land which may be easier to convert to afforestation owing to more limited agricultural use. The afforestation of agricultural land, supported by Government incentives, aims to increase longterm timber supply to support the development of a sustainable processing sector and offers significant carbon sequestration potential, thereby contributing to national greenhouse gas mitigation targets and the bio-economy. The Forest Strategy and Implementation Plan, including the Forestry Programme 2023- 2027 produced and implemented by Department Agriculture Food and Marine proposes to incentivise increased afforestation to 8,000 ha per annum. In 2023, the fourth National Forest Inventory (NFI) estimated the area of forest to be 808,848 hectares or 11.6% of the land area. Forest cover is estimated to be at its highest level in over 350 years,35 however current annual planting rates remain significantly below this target with an additional 2,273 ha of new forests created in 2022. 34 COFORD study, 2021 35 Forest statistics Ireland 2023, Department of Agriculture Food and Marine. Increased planting and the attainment of afforestation targets will depend on the availability of land in general and, specifically, a change in land use from agriculture to forestry. The development of attractive, accessible close-tohome woodlands designed for the use and enjoyment of local communities is also encouraged. Access to such facilities and the experiences they provide are shown to have a tangible impact on public health and well-being of both young and old. The woodlands can cater for a wide range of activities, e.g. evening family walks, fitness training, nature studies. The associated involvement of local people in design and management, and the celebration of local heritage using information signs, leaflets, etc., contribute socially to the local community and add to the ‘sense of place’. Funding is available for the establishment of new amenity woodland, the enhancement of existing forest to ensure its suitability for use as amenity woodland, and the installation of various facilities appropriate to the woodland setting, to enable access by people of all ages and abilities. A number of schemes administered by Department of Agriculture Food and Marine, including the Afforestation Scheme, Native Tree Area Scheme, Woodland Creation on Public Lands Scheme, the Environmental Enhancement Scheme Pilot Scheme and the Heritage Forests Pilot Scheme support these objectives. Tourism Tourism and agriculture are inextricably linked in rural areas, given that agriculture, in many places, creates and maintains the landscapes upon which tourism trades. The maintenance of access to our landscapes and the creation of new accesses are dependent on maintaining good links with the agricultural sector. National Planning Framework First Revision | Page 73
- Likewise, the built, cultural and natural assets which constitute the ‘raw material’ of the tourism industry are also essential to the ‘production capability’ of the sector36. Tourism has the capacity to directly and indirectly sustain communities, create employment and deliver real social benefits for rural Ireland. The development of greenways, blueways and peatways offer a unique alternative means for tourists and visitors to access and enjoy rural Ireland. The development of a strategic national network of these trails is a priority and will support the development of rural communities and job creation in the rural economy, as well as the protection and promotion of natural assets and biodiversity. A Strategy for the Future Development of National and Regional Greenways was published by the Department of Transport, and Sport in 2018 and a complementary Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme was established by Department of Rural and Community Development in 2022, which provides funding for the development of new outdoor recreational infrastructure and for the necessary repair, enhancement or promotion of existing outdoor recreation infrastructure in countryside areas across Ireland. Due to the cross-sectoral nature, extensive reach and elements of land take associated with a national greenway, blueway and peatway strategy, the support and buy-in of local communities, landowners, local authorities and State agencies is critical to successful implementation, which must also be supported by an investment and co-ordination plan. Such a network would allow for greater access to more remote parts of the country and presents opportunities for associated tourism development to take place in rural areas. As a result of the projected population growth, there is a need to plan for the associated recreation spaces that will be needed into the future, as well as the need to address the pressures arising from recreational activity on existing areas, in particular Natura 2000 sites. Improved site management, habitat restoration measures and the provision of additional facilities to complement and enhance the existing recreation offerings are some of the measures that can be implemented to reduce such pressures. In line with the National Outdoor Recreation Strategy 2023-2027, the preparation of County Outdoor Recreation Plans by local authorities aim to increase the levels of participation in outdoor recreation. Additionally, all county/city development plans should include a strategy for the provision of an integrated hierarchy of public open spaces and corridors across the plan area to meet the needs of the planned population in line with the Sustainable Residential Development and Compact Settlement Guidelines 202437. As stated in the Guidelines, public open spaces must be accessible, part of a wider network, and of high quality, in addition to being of sufficient quantity. Another type of tourism attraction that demonstrates how the potential of all areas can be harnessed, are ‘Dark Sky’ Parks and Reserves, focused on areas “possessing an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment that is specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational, cultural heritage, and/or public enjoyment”.38 This is particularly true of mountainous and peatland areas where there is 36 Fáilte Ireland Regional Development Strategies https://www.failteireland.ie/regionalstrategies.aspx 37 Section 4.4 (iv) – Sustainable Residential Development and Compact Settlements Guidelines for Planning Authorities 2024 38 International Dark Sky Association. little or no light pollution, serviced by adjoining rural communities. There are currently two internationally recognised Dark Sky areas in Ireland, a Park located in County Mayo and a Reserve located in County Kerry. National Policy Objective 34 Continue to facilitate tourism development and in particular a the Strategy for the Future Development of National and Regional Greenways, and a Blueways and Peatways Strategy, which prioritises: A coordinated approach to the sustainable management of outdoor recreation sites; Projects on the basis of their environmental sustainability, achieving maximum impact and connectivity at national and regional level while ensuring their development is compliant with the National Biodiversity Action Plan, the national climate change objective and requirements for environmental assessments. 5.5 Rural Investment Coordination Investment coordination, together with research and innovation coordination, is an important issue to prevent duplication of effort and inefficient use of resources. Rural development is a multifaceted policy area and accordingly there are several funding and investment structures that exist to support national, regional and local priorities. At EU level, the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) has a significant role to play in the development and maintenance rural Ireland. Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan 2023 – 2027 with an allocated €2.3 billion in national funds, underpins the sustainable development of Ireland’s agriculture sector by: (i) supporting viable farm incomes and enhancing competitiveness (ii) contributing to the achievement of environmental and climate objectives at national and EU levels, and (iii) strengthening the socio-economic fabric of rural areas. Since the publication of NPF 2018 significant investment programmes for rural areas have been established. The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) as administered by the Department of Rural and Community Development, provides funding for the development and construction of large scale and transformative capital projects in towns, villages and rural areas across Ireland. Under RRDF applications to date, funding of €413 million has been approved towards 215 projects costing €565 million. Page 74 | National Planning Framework First Revision
- Town Centre First: A Policy Approach for Irish Towns, published in 2022, seeks to align policies and coordinate a suite of supports and funding streams to re-imagine and revitalise rural towns. Under the policy, local communities are enabled to prepare a Town Centre First Plan, with the support of a dedicated local authority Town Regeneration Officer, which will set out specific actions and interventions and help unlock national funding such as the RRDF and the Town and Village Renewal Scheme. The third round of URDF funding support, which is a key action in the Government’s Vacant Homes Action Plan 2023, is specifically designed to address long term vacancy and dereliction across eligible cities and towns, and the acceleration of the provision of residential accommodation. This initiative is also in support of objectives under the revised Housing for All and Town Centre First Policy. The focus of the RRDF fifth call in early 2024 is to support projects that help revitalise our rural towns and villages, in line with the Town Centre First policy approach. This will drive greater footfall and address vacancy and dereliction, and support projects to assist in attracting people back to live in rural areas and support local economic development. The CLÁR programme and the Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) also support the regeneration of rural towns and villages. Two schemes under the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund are delivered by local authorities. The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant provides people with a grant to support the refurbishment of vacant and derelict properties. Under the Ready to Build scheme, local authorities make serviced sites available to individuals or households who want to build their own home in a town or village, to provide a viable and attractive alternative for people who want to build their own home and live in a rural area, while still being able to walk or cycle to a range of local services and amenities, including schools, shops, community hubs and sports clubs. This, coupled with the refurbishment scheme for vacant properties, is supporting towns and villages across Ireland in delivering new homes that respond to the varying needs and aspirations of their communities. LEADER will also continue to be an effective tool for supporting the economic and social development of rural communities, and for strengthening the socio-economic fabric of rural areas, by providing the resources necessary for communities to support their own sustainable development. The Built Heritage Investment Scheme, Historic Structure Fund, and the Community Monuments Fund are investing essential capital in our archaeological heritage to help owners and custodians of archaeological monuments safeguard them into the future for the benefit of communities and the public all contribute to support our rural areas and historic structures. National Policy Objective 35 The Department of Rural and Community Development, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and other relevant Departments and Agencies will continue to invest in rural Ireland, including through the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, and will work together to establish a mechanism to co-ordinate structures for funding rural development to align with other national strategies. Sational Planning Framework First Revision | Page 75
- The Ireland’s Global Garden - Mount Congreve Estate project was awarded RRDF funding of €4,975,838 for a project costing €6,859,406. The project was delivered by Waterford City and County Councils in partnership with Fáilte Ireland. Aim The project creates an iconic and immersive visitor experience bringing the story of Mount Congreve to life through guided tours, a new interactive visitor experience, wetland garden trail, along with illustrated multi-lingual interpretation and wayfinding. The works carried out consisted of: Refurbishment of the ‘eastern wing’ of the existing house creating a retail/visitor centre that will attract visitors year-round; Development of ancillary supporting visitor services to include world-class food and beverage and retail spaces. Creating a food and retail destination drawing local visitors, generating income, footfall and employment; Up-grading site infrastructure to include an improved visitor access, a new waste-water treatment facility and provision of new car/ coach park for 200 cars and 10 coaches; and Reinvigoration of the gardens and restoration of the ornate Georgian Glasshouse (700m²). The Georgian Glasshouse is a key addition to the visitor experience, offering an immersive insight into the gardens and the unique plants grown there. Outcomes The number of paying garden annual visitors has risen to 70,000 (an increase on the previous pre- Covid high of 40,000 paying visitors in 2019). The overall numbers (i.e. including those visiting the retail/café only) for the period March to November 2023 is close to 150,000. There are currently 28 full time employees, up from 12 prior to the commencement of the project. There are also 16 Horticultural students partaking in a newly established Level 6 Course. Ireland’s Global Garden Mount Congreve Estate, Co. Waterford Before After Case Study Page 76 | National Planning Framework First Revision
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- People, Homes and Communities6 Page 78 | 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.