The Irish Planning Institute (IPI) has today (15th December 2015) welcomed the publication of details of the proposed powers of the Office of the Planning Regulator. The Institute has also noted the publication of an independent review of complaints regarding six planning authorities and welcomed further details of the National Planning Framework.

IPI president Mary Hughes said “It is very important that we have a transparent and credible planning system.  We see the establishment of an Office of the Planning Regulator as a fundamental catalyst in restoring public confidence. The Institute has always called for the Regulator to be independent. While the Institute recognises that the powers of the Regulator have been strengthened compared to the Heads of Bill published earlier this year, the Regulator can be overruled by the Minister meaning it is more advisor than Regulator in some respects and its powers fall short of those originally envisaged by the Mahon Tribunal.”

Hughes continued “We acknowledge that it is difficult to establish an independent regulatory body without compromising the important democratic oversight of the planning system but maintaining public confidence in the planning system is essential and we believe an independent regulator would deliver this.  A properly staffed independent regulatory body remains the best way to ensure that the planning system remains focused and operational for the benefit of society and not for individual gain. We hope to see the power and independence of the regulator further bolstered as the Bill passes through the Oireachtas and hope for its speedy enactment.”

Discussing the report into six planning authorities Hughes said “The publication of this report after a long process is important but the time it has taken confirms the need for an independent planning watchdog. The Institute believes legislative clarity is required around the term ‘planner’ to reinforce public confidence and prevent unqualified people offering planning services to the public. The Institute continues to maintain and enforce a Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct amongst its members who are mainly professional planners working in the public and private sector.”

Discussing the roadmap for the National Planning Framework announced today Hughes said “A successor to the National Spatial Strategy is urgently required to properly coordinate housing, infrastructure and long term strategic growth. We welcome the commitment to making the National Planning Framework a concise and strategic document and we hope the process will engage people in thinking about their long term vision for Ireland. The Planning Regulator’s role in research, education and public information will also contribute to this.”