• Current rural housing policy undermining towns and villages
• New infrastructure models required to unlock development land
• National Planning Framework must take into account Census 2016 trends
• Minister for the Built Environment not necessary, rather full Minister for Planning at cabinet required 
• Independent Planning Regulator must proceed alongside a new Free Planning Advice Service for disadvantaged communities 
• Tightening up on unqualified people acting as planners required

Revising one off rural housing policy, new models for funding infrastructure to unlock land for housing, the new national planning framework, properly resourcing planning authorities and a free environmental advice service for the public should be priorities for the next government, according to the Irish Planning Institute (IPI). 

Discussing the IPI’s priorities for the next Government its newly appointed President Deirdre Fallon said “The planning system is central to the future shape of Ireland and our economic and environmental security. To ensure this, the next government must commit to an evidence based planning framework and reform of the planning system, tackling rural housing issues proactively and reviewing how we fund infrastructure.”

According to Fallon “The development and adoption of a National Planning Framework must continue to be a priority for the next Government to properly coordinate housing, infrastructure and long term strategic growth.  Data is essential to good planning decisions and the next Government must commit to supporting evidence based planning in all matters.  Regrettable delays to the National Planning Framework mean its development coincides with the 2016 Census. Headline census data must be made available as soon as possible to ensure the National Planning Framework is robust and is based on the most up to date population trends possible and not vulnerable to criticism. We believe this can be achieved without delaying its delivery. It is also essential that forthcoming documents such as the next Dublin region transport strategy reflect the 2016 Census.”

Discussing rural planning Fallon said “The next Government must take rural issues seriously, particularly by committing to a new approach to rural development and one off rural housing. We welcome all parties’ commitments to renewing and investing in our towns and villages but this is pointless unless strong, reasonable and viable alternatives to the construction of one off rural housing are put in place and the Rural Housing Guidelines for Planning Authorities 2005 are reviewed to ensure rural Ireland is protected as an asset, not just used as a sprawling commuter belt.”                                

According to Fallon “An effective planning system requires co-ordination across a range of Government departments. We are not convinced a Minister for the Built Environment as called for by some is the best approach as we fear it would divert attention from rural and regional development issues. Instead we recommend that the Minister of State for Housing and Planning role is retained and becomes a full cabinet position. This move would reflect a Government commitment to creating sustainable communities and would ensure that the planning system provides the foundation for the continued sustainable growth and development of the country.”

Discussing infrastructure and housing Fallon continued “We believe how to fund infrastructure to unlock land, particularly for housing, will also be a key consideration for the future government and that this, along with development finance, are the main brakes on housing supply at present. Local authorities should have more powers of active land management with a central fund allowing local authorities to assemble and invest in vacant or underutilised sites, whether through compulsory purchase or funding essential infrastructure. Initiatives such as revolving infrastructure funds which pay upfront for infrastructure with the investment recouped through levies or land sales – should be considered.”

Arguing for a properly resourced planning system and a tightening up of unqualified people calling themselves planners Fallon said “Research conducted by the Institute in 2015 showed that the number of planners in local authorities had decreased by a third. Commitment should be given to ramping up recruitment if planning delays are to be averted and the current opportunities for economic growth not missed. Alongside this we believe clarity is required in legislation regarding the term ‘planner’ to emphasise that professional planners are suitably qualified professionals with high educational standards and are bound by a professional code of ethics.”

Discussing reform of the planning system Fallon said “The Institute looks forward to the report of the An Bord Pleanála Review. Whilst the review is welcome and timely in the context of the projected increase in construction activity in future years it is important to say that change should not occur for the sake of change. We see the establishment of an independent Office of the Planning Regulator as a fundamental catalyst in restoring public confidence. 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. Planning is complicated but there are significant opportunities for public engagement. We call on the next Government for the establishment of a free Planning and Environmental Advice Service targeting communities in disadvantaged areas who wish to use those opportunities and get involved in the process. The publication of a consolidated Planning Act bringing all amendments since the 2000 Planning Act together is also needed to make the planning system more accessible and avoid confusion.”