Offaly County Council operates effective and robust systems reports Planning Regulator

A report published today November 22 2023 by the Office of the Planning Regulator (OPR) has found that Offaly County Council operates effective and robust systems and procedures in the delivery of its statutory planning functions.

This is the first time that the systems and procedures used by Offaly County Council’s planning department have been reviewed by the OPR. The report considers the Council’s performance across a range of functions and makes ten recommendations as to how existing service levels can be maintained and improved.

Commenting on the review, Planning Regulator, Niall Cussen said:

“Offaly County Council’s planning department operates in a complex and demanding environment that places a high degree of pressure on the resources of its team and despite the challenges and pressures under which it operates, the planning department is delivering all of its statutory planning functions effectively.”

The report also highlights the positive impact of the Council’s dedicated architecture / heritage / conservation team who work closely with planners in the forward planning, development management and regeneration teams. The team has fostered a culture of collaboration, working with other departments across the Council, and external stakeholders including the Heritage Council, local communities, and property owners,  the report states.