Ireland's housing plans stalled by delayed planning framework

Ireland is facing a significant delay in updating its National Planning Framework (NPF), which has been stalled since November 2023. This framework is essential for guiding strategic planning and development in housing. Experts say that without it, the country cannot meet its housing targets. The NPF, initially published in 2018, needs revision to accommodate higher housing goals. The current housing crisis is exacerbated by local councils struggling to obtain planning permissions due to outdated guidelines. Construction consultant Paul Mitchell stressed the urgency of these updates, saying, “Nothing can happen until this changes.” In 2023, a planning application for 98 new houses in Greystones was rejected because the local area had already reached its population limit. This highlights the pressing need for updated regulations amidst a housing shortage. The government had agreed on a draft revision of the NPF in November, promising 303,000 new homes between 2025 and 2030. Although required environmental assessments are complete, the revised document has not yet been finalized for government approval. Senior officials indicated that the Cabinet will discuss the framework next week. The Department of Housing confirmed that once approved, the revised NPF will be introduced in the Houses of the Oireachtas. There are concerns among government members that current housing targets may be unrealistic. Minister for Housing James Browne mentioned that all options, including tax incentives, must be considered to help increase housing supply. Discussions are also underway to adjust regulations on short-term rentals and to encourage banks to ease lending for new housing projects. In addition, Browne plans to move forward with parts of a planning Bill that aim to limit judicial reviews, which could speed up development processes in the future.