The Irish Planning Institute, the all-island professional body representing professional planners, has welcomed the appointment of Paul Reid as the new chair of An Coimisiún Pleanála.

Mr Reid’s appointment coincides with the reforms being introduced to the planning system as part of the ongoing implementation of the new Planning & Development Act.

Gavin Lawlor, President of the Irish Planning Institute, said Mr Reid was taking over as chair of An Coimisiún Pleanála at a time of significant change for the organisation.

“I would like to wish Paul Reid the best of luck as he takes up the role as the new chair of An Coimisiún Pleanála. He brings enormous experience to the role. Our planning system is in the midst of a number of significant changes due to the introduction of the new Planning and Development Act, including forthcoming mandatory decision timelines for An Coimisiún Pleanála.

“Ultimately for this to be successful, this needs to be part of a properly funded and resourced national planning authority. This helps ensure a properly resourced planning system that delivers quality outcomes in a timely and rigorous way, contrary to some commentary and demonstrating that planning and planners are not the problem,” Lawlor said.