If you want to build a modular home, you will need to understand Ireland’s planning and development system, as well as possible parties that may be involved. This is essential for anyone involved in construction, property investment, or land use of any kind. Of course, in most cases, it is just better to leave the above in the hands of a capable architect, planning expert or solicitor.
But what if you simply want to educate yourself? Then this post is for you.
Various planning bodies are responsible for regulating and overseeing development to make sure that it aligns with national goals for sustainable growth, community welfare, and environmental protection in Ireland.
So whether you’re a homeowner, developer, or business owner, being aware of these organisations and their functions can help you stay compliant and make well-informed decisions.
In this guide, we will briefly introduce the key planning bodies in Ireland and explain their roles in shaping the country’s development landscape.
1. Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage
The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage oversees Ireland’s housing policies, planning, and heritage preservation. Its goals include increasing housing supply, promoting sustainable communities, and protecting Ireland’s natural and built heritage.
Key Responsibilities:
- Implementing housing and planning policies
- Managing social and affordable housing schemes
- Preserving national heritage and biodiversity
Learn more at gov.ie.
2. Office of The Planning Regulator (OPR)
The OPR ensures that Ireland’s planning system operates efficiently, fairly, and in line with national policies. It monitors the performance of local authorities and provides advice to the government on planning and development matters.
Key Responsibilities:
- Evaluating local authority planning performance
- Providing training and public education on planning
- Reviewing statutory planning documents
Visit opr.ie for more information.
3. An Coimisiún Pleanála
An Coimisiún Pleanála (previously An Bord Pleanála) handles appeals on planning decisions made by local authorities and deals with large-scale projects such as motorways and energy developments. It operates independently to ensure impartiality in planning matters.
Key Responsibilities:
- Deciding on planning appeals
- Reviewing strategic infrastructure projects
- Overseeing compulsory land acquisition cases
Learn more at pleanala.ie.
4. Fáilte Ireland
Fáilte Ireland manages tourism development and the registration of short-term lets, such as Airbnb properties. Its upcoming Short-Term Tourist Letting Register (STTLR) aims to regulate short-term accommodations and ensure compliance with planning rules.
Key Responsibilities:
- Registering short-term tourist accommodation
- Promoting sustainable tourism initiatives
- Supporting businesses in the tourism sector
Find out more at failteireland.ie.
5. Office of Public Works (OPW)
The OPW is responsible for the conservation of heritage sites, flood risk management, and public infrastructure. It plays a vital role in maintaining government buildings and Ireland’s natural landscapes.
Key Responsibilities:
- Managing heritage properties and national parks
- Implementing flood protection projects
- Overseeing public construction projects
Learn more at gov.ie.
6. The Heritage Council
The Heritage Council works to protect, promote, and enhance Ireland’s cultural and natural heritage. It supports community-based projects and advises on heritage policy development.
Key Responsibilities:
- Funding local heritage initiatives
- Advising on national heritage policies
- Supporting education and research projects
Explore more at heritagecouncil.ie.
7. Uisce Éireann (Irish Water)
Uisce Éireann is Ireland’s national water utility, responsible for delivering water services and managing wastewater treatment. Its efforts focus on improving water infrastructure and ensuring safe, reliable water supply.
Key Responsibilities:
- Maintaining water and wastewater infrastructure
- Reducing water leakage across networks
- Ensuring compliance with environmental standards
Visit water.ie for more information.
8. ESB Networks
ESB Networks operates and maintains Ireland’s electricity distribution system, ensuring that homes, businesses, and public infrastructure have reliable access to power. It also handles new connections and network upgrades.
Key Responsibilities:
- Maintaining the electricity distribution network
- Managing new power connections
- Supporting renewable energy integration
Learn more at esbnetworks.ie.
9. Local Council Authorities
Local councils are responsible for implementing planning permissions, social housing, and community services at the local level. They enforce planning regulations and manage applications for property development.
The 31 local authorities in Ireland are made up of:
- 26 county councils
- Three city councils (Dublin, Galway and Cork)
- Two councils that oversee a city and a county (Limerick and Waterford)
Your local council is the authority you will have to deal with the most when you want to build your home.
Key Responsibilities:
- Granting or denying planning permission
- Managing social and affordable housing
- Providing waste management and local infrastructure
For further details, visit lgma.ie.
For more information on Planning Permissions, read HERE.
