Relevant Matter
Public policy or programme
Public Policy Area
Development and Zoning
Period
1 May. 2026 to 31 Aug. 2026
Specific Details
National Planning Framework
Intended results
To welcome the development of the National Planning Excellence Framework and supports its objective of creating a planning system that is sustainable, efficient, transparent and responsive to the needs of communities, businesses and the wider public.
To emphasise that a high-performing planning system must recognise that vibrant rural communities, a productive agricultural sector and sustainable economic development are complementary objectives. Planning policy should support appropriately located rural housing, modern agricultural development and farm diversification, while ensuring development is aligned with national and local planning objectives.
To stress that IFA's submission identifies the need for a planning system that delivers greater clarity, consistency and certainty for all applicants. Greater consistency in the interpretation and application of planning policy across local authorities, improved resourcing of planning authorities, enhanced pre-planning engagement and more timely decision-making would significantly improve confidence in the planning process while reducing delays, costs and unnecessary appeals.
To highlight the importance of a citizen-centred planning service that is accessible, transparent and proportionate. While digital innovation has an important role in improving efficiency and service delivery, digital transformation must remain inclusive and continue to provide appropriate offline supports for those who require them.
To highlight the need for planning policy to better reflect the realities of rural Ireland. This includes recognising the importance of one-off rural housing, supporting generational renewal in agriculture, facilitating investment in farm infrastructure and diversification, and ensuring planning costs and regulatory requirements remain proportionate to the scale and impact of development.
To recommend a number of practical reforms to improve the operation of the planning system, including reviewing agricultural planning exemptions, improving consistency between local authorities, addressing unnecessary delays arising from vexatious objections and litigation, and introducing a more proportionate planning framework for lower-risk rural and agricultural development.
To highlight that the National Planning Excellence Framework presents an important opportunity to strengthen Ireland's planning system by delivering a more consistent, efficient and transparent approach that supports sustainable development while recognising the essential contribution of agriculture and rural communities to the country's social, environmental and economic wellbeing.
Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity
Francie Gorman IFA President, Teresa Roche IFA Farm Family Chair, Claire McGinley IFA Policy Executive
Did any Designated Public Official(DPO) or former Designated Public Official(DPO) carry out lobbying activities on your behalf in relation to this return? You must include yourself, and answer Yes, if you are a current DPO or a DPO at any time in the past. (What is a Designated Public Official?)
No
Did you manage or direct a grassroots campaign?
No
Was this lobbying done on behalf of a client?
No
Lobbying activity
The following activities occurred for this specific Subject Matter Area.
Designated public officials lobbied
The following DPOs were lobbied during this return period on this specific Subject Matter Area. These DPOs were involved in at least one of the Lobbying Activities listed above, but not necessarily all of them.
As returns are specific to a Subject Matter Area the above Lobbying Activities may be associated with multiple returns.
John Cummins
Minister of State (Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage)