Training programmes for councillors on the planning process will by provided in early 2020 by the Office of the Planning Regulator (OPR), in association with the Association of Irish Local Government (AILG).

Led by National Planning Regulator, Niall Cussen, the first training sessions on the first module, which took place in Limerick and Dundalk (10 and 12 October respectively) were also addressed by senior planning advisors from the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government.

Training sessions on the second and third modules will take place in early 2020 on the plan-making process, working within the regulatory framework, ministerial guidelines, government policy, European Environmental Directives, planning appeals and judicial reviews, in addition to public participation in the planning process.

The aim is to provide elected members with enhanced knowledge of the planning process, to reaffirm their roles and responsibilities within the planning system and their functions in relation to ensuring proper planning and sustainable development.