Last week an AILG delegation led by AILG President Cllr. Hourigan met with the DHLGH in relation to the review of the role and functions of the Office of the Planning Regulator. At the meeting AILG set out a clear and strong position on behalf of elected members across all local authorities. While recognising the role the OPR has in strengthening oversight, consistency, and governance within the planning system, the AILG delegation were very strong on the need to restore the balance in favour of local democratic decision-making. A recurring concern raised was the level of overreach by the OPR, particularly where democratically agreed development plans are challenged, impacting local autonomy and confidence in the system. AILG did acknowledge and highlighted the value of its ongoing training partnership with the OPR and the importance of maintaining this as a collaborative, supportive relationship. The AILG also prepared a formal submission to support the points made during the meeting. Overall, the submission calls for a more proportionate, transparent, and partnership-based approach, ensuring that planning remains both robust and firmly grounded in local democratic mandate and local knowledge, while also supporting effective housing and infrastructure delivery.
