Ibec has welcomed the government's revisions to the National Planning Framework (NPF) and called for its "swift and effective implementation" at regional and local level.
The employers' group emphasised the revised NPF's role in supporting Ireland’s economic and social progress amid demographic, digital, and environmental changes.
The government approved the updated NPF earlier today following a nearly three-year revision process, and the changes will be subject to Oireachtas approval.
The framework has been altered to accommodate faster population growth and greater housing requirements, the development of necessary infrastructure and renewable energy projects, and overhaul regional strategies and local authority development plans.
Ibec believes putting the framework into practice will be crucial, particularly in delivering required housing.
The Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) estimated last July that between 35,000 and 53,000 new homes will be required every year until the end of the decade to meet demand for housing.
An estimated 40,000 new homes per year will be required in the decade to 2040, according to the ESRI.
“The NPF is central to delivering over 300,000 homes by 2030, which requires enough zoned and serviced land and accelerated infrastructure delivery. Regular monitoring and removal of barriers to critical infrastructure are essential," said Aidan Sweeney, head of infrastructure and environmental sustainability at Ibec.
Sweeney said that future development must be "infrastructure-led," and that alignment between the NPF and the upcoming review of the National Development Plan would be required for "balanced regional growth."
"To unlock regional potential, the NPF must focus on enterprise, housing, and population targets. Targeted investment in areas like housing, education, transport, and broadband is key to addressing regional imbalances and revitalising urban centres," he continued.
"The NPF’s success depends on a functioning planning system, robust infrastructure investment, and full implementation of the Planning and Development Act (2024).
"Adequate resourcing, performance monitoring, and the removal of delivery barriers are critical.”
(Pic: Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
