New Planning Act: The Regulator's Role

The new 2024 Planning and Development Act marks a major turning point for how planning is done in Ireland—but what does implementing it actually look like in practice?Today, we’re diving into how the Office of the Planning Regulator (OPR) is preparing to implement the new Act—from reviewing plans, to more active oversight, and helping embed digital tools and innovation across the system. We also explore the broader work of the OPR, from research to enhancing public awareness and confidence in planning and in resourcing. We also examine the OPR’s role in ensuring the Act delivers real, practical improvements across Ireland’s planning landscape.Joining us to unpack these changes is Niall Cussen, Chief Executive and Planning Regulator at the OPR, who brings over 30 years of experience in Irish planning. THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT● The OPR’s role under the new legislation● Tackling inconsistencies between development plans and the revised National Planning Framework● How digitisation could improve customer service and plan-making efficiency● Transparency, resourcing and updated planning fees● Research and training for long-term system improvementGUEST DETAILSNiall Cussen is the Chief Executive and Planning Regulator at Ireland's Office of the Planning Regulator (OPR). Appointed as the country's first Planning Regulator, Cussen leads the OPR in overseeing the effective delivery of planning services by Ireland's 31 local authorities and An Bord Pleanála, ensuring alignment with national and regional policies, and promoting public awareness and research in planning matters. Before his current role, Cussen served as Chief Planner at the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government from July 2014, having joined the department in January 2000. His earlier career includes planning positions with Clare, Meath, and Dublin City Councils, as well as with An Bord Pleanála. Cussen holds degrees in economics and geography from Maynooth University, a Master's in Regional and Urban Planning from University College Dublin, and a diploma in Environmental Engineering from Trinity College Dublin. He is a Fellow and former President of the Irish Planning Institute. https://ie.linkedin.com/in/niall-cussen-82313a28 MORE INFORMATIONFind out more at ipi.ieIPI Planners Podcast is produced by DustPod.io QUOTESThey're good debates, and they happen within an open and transparent process. - Niall CussenEvery day is a school day in the planning process. We're always dealing with new challenges or new missions that are important from a social or public or political perspective. - Niall CussenThe planning system is very much a late comer to the digital way of doing things. - Niall CussenIt’s really, really important that the planning function is appropriately resourced. - Niall Cussen Notwithstanding the fact there are things that are not quite right, and we have to do better into the future, I take a lot of comfort from where we've come from. - Niall Cussen KEYWORDS#Planning #system #resourcing #nationalplanningframework #development #legislation #innovation, #localauthorities