Insights from the Webinar on the Draft Revised National Planning Framework – 18th July 2024.

Webinar Insights: Draft Revised National Planning Framework

On July 18th, the Irish Planning Institute hosted a pivotal webinar discussing the draft revised National Planning Framework (NPF). This online CPD event featured an esteemed panel of experts, including Claragh Mulhern MIPI, Colm O'Callaghan from the American Chamber of Commerce, Killian Woods from Business Post (moderator), John Ring from Savills  and Conor O'Connell from the Construction Industry Federation. Key insights and actionable takeaways from the event.

Key Takeaways for Our Audience:

1. Balanced Regional Development:

• The NPF aims to achieve 50% of population growth in the Eastern and Midland
  

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• regions, with the remaining 50% across Southern, Northern, and Western regions. This balanced approach ensures equitable development and resource distribution, crucial for developers and investors targeting growth in these areas.

1. Addressing Climate Transition and Digitalization:

• The NPF revision addresses climate transition goals, including sectoral emission targets and the impacts of digitalization on work and commuting.

1. Updated Population and Housing Projections:

• ESRI projects a population increase to 5.7 million by 2030 and 6.1 million by 2040, necessitating significant housing and infrastructure development.

1. Housing Demand and Supply:

• The ESRI sets structural housing demand at 44,000 per annum by 2030, and 40,000 per annum by 2040 plus existing unmet demand. NPF strategy sees potential requirement to plan for population growth in line with high migration scenario (6.3m as per ESRI estimate).  Public sector planners must streamline processes to facilitate this scale of development, ensuring adequate land availability and expedited planning approvals.

1. Implementation and Institutional Reforms:

• The revision signals potential institutional and governance reforms, focusing on land acquisition, residential zoned land tax, land value sharing, and urban development zones. Developers and investors should stay informed about these changes to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape effectively.

1. Stakeholder Engagement and Next Steps:

• The consultation period for the draft NPF is open until 5pm, Thursday, 12th September 2024. This is a crucial opportunity for stakeholders to provide input and influence the final framework. Active participation can ensure that the interests of developers, investors, planners and public are well-represented.

1. Infrastructure and Funding Needs:

• The webinar highlighted the need for robust infrastructure and funding to support housing development. International investors should look for opportunities to fund infrastructure projects that align with the NPF’s strategic priorities.

1. Urban Planning Challenges:

• Discussions pointed out the lack of development permissions and strategic planning for Transport Orientated Development (TOD) in Ireland’s five Cities in the period between 2030 and 2040

1. Incentivizing Brownfield Development:

• The panel emphasized the need for reduced or zero development contributions for brownfield sites, which has not been effectively implemented at the local level. Developers should advocate for these incentives to make brownfield projects more viable and attractive.

Panel Discussion Highlights: The panel was relieved that the NPF is being revised but expressed concerns about the current planning environment:

• Falling Ratio of Units Under Construction: Due to the lack of available land, the number of units under construction has decreased since 2019. Developers need to secure more land to meet demand.

• Planning Process Challenges: Unpredictable decision timelines and court processes hinder efficient planning. Streamlining these processes is crucial for timely project delivery.

• Infrastructure Resourcing: Challenges in resourcing large infrastructure projects, particularly within local governments, were highlighted. Collaboration between public and private sectors is essential to overcome these challenges.

Action Items for Stakeholders:

• Review Local Development Plans: Ensure alignment with updated population projections and housing targets.

• Publish an Implementation Roadmap: Outline how key aspects of the NPF, like TOD and urban development zones, will be achieved.

• Consider Emergency Measures: Extend validity periods for planning permissions facing expiration to avoid project delays.

The American Chamber of Commerce, represented by Colm O'Callaghan, showcased the immense contributions of American companies to the Irish economy, supporting 210,000 jobs and generating €41 billion in economic output annually. Their active engagement and detailed feedback underline their commitment to Ireland's growth and development.

Conclusion: The revised National Planning Framework represents a significant step towards balanced regional development, sustainable growth, and efficient planning processes. By actively engaging in the consultation process and aligning with the NPF’s strategic priorities, developers, investors, planners, and public sector officers can contribute to shaping a prosperous and sustainable future for Ireland.

Stay tuned for more updates and detailed analysis on the draft revised National Planning Framework. Together, we can build a better Ireland.