OPR continues training seminars for elected members of local authorities

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The Office of the Planning Regulator (OPR) in conjunction with the Association of Irish Local Government (AILG) held its latest training seminar for elected members of local authorities last week on Thursday, 13th February (at the Kilmore Hotel in Cavan) and Saturday, 15th February (Dooley’s Hotel, Waterford) respectively. 

The seminar provided information and guidance relevant to the plan-making process. Through a series of presentations, an interactive multiple choice exercise and comprehensive information packs, elected members were provided with information pertaining to their role in making city and county development plans.

The presentations elaborated upon the various environmental assessments which must be undertaken as part of the plan-making process. Senior technical staff from the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government (DHPLG) provided an overview of the new Development Plan Guidelines which are being prepared for planning authorities. Senior technical staff from the OPR set out in detail the methodology used to evaluate statutory plans and the role of the OPR in the plan-making process.

There was a large attendance from elected representatives from a wide range of different local authorities.

The delegates were addressed by:

  • Jim Keogan, former Deputy City Manager and Manager of the Planning Department at Dublin City Council; “The Role of the Elected Member in making City and County Development Plans.”
  • David L’Estrange, Impact Assessor and Environmental Manager, Conservation and Amenity Advisory Services (CAAS); “Environmental Assessments for Land Use Plans”
  • Stewart Logan, Senior Planning Advisor, Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government; “Development Plan Guidelines”.
  • David Nevin, Senior Planner, the Office of the Planning Regulator; “Evaluation & Assessment of Plans”

The is the second series of training seminars organised by the AILG and the OPR following events held in Dundalk and Limerick last October. Additional sessions are scheduled for the coming months. Copies of the presentations which were used at the seminar are below.

Pictured L-R: Niall Cussen, Planning Regulator with Cllr Kenny Egan, South Dublin County Council at the training seminar for elected members of local authorities in Cavan.


The Role of the Elected Members in Making City and County Development Plans


Environmental Assessments for Land Use Plan


Development Plan Guidelineshere


Evaluation & Assessment of Plans