Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 304 and 305 together.

The National Planning Framework (NPF) is the long-term, 20 year strategy for the spatial development of Ireland to promote a better quality of life for all, with sustainable economic growth and an environment of the highest quality as key underlying principles. The NPF, which was published in 2018, replaced the National Spatial Strategy and is the overall spatial planning and development strategy for Ireland.

The NPF has set out to achieve a new region-focused strategy for managing Ireland’s growth, linking it to the National Development Plan, supported by stronger and more environmentally focused planning at local level.

It is important to note that the Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended) includes in-built mechanisms to allow for regular revision and replacement of the NPF. Such revisions are relevant to reflect changing circumstances that have taken place since the NPF was published.

The Act requires the Government to either revise, replace or state why the Government has decided not to revise, every 6 years after the publication of the NPF. Section 20C (5) specifically states that:

“every 6 years after the date of publication of the National Planning Framework, the Government shall either –

(a) Revise the framework or replace it with a new one, or

(b) Publish a statement explaining why the Government has decided not to revise the framework and include in the statement an indication of a date by which it will be revised or a new National Planning Framework will be published”.

There is also a Programme for Government commitment to the statutory mandate to update the NPF in 2024.

In that context, initial preparatory work for the first revision to the NPF is currently underway. An in-house team has been established within my Department who are tasked with developing a proposed roadmap, determining the scope of the potential revision and examining all of the related governance and operational requirements, should Government make a decision to revise the NPF.

In that regard, it is my intention to submit a Memorandum to Government on this matter in the coming weeks.