Access the OPR's publications, including all reports and statutory documents
EPA - Reframe Landscape Character Assessment
In late 2021 the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a call for research proposals to address certain topics. One of these topics related to the development of a national landscape characterisation toolkit. Landscape character assessment is a tool that is used to describe the character of a landscape in ecological, cultural, social and economic terms. These are the features that give a locality its 'sense of place'. Landscape character assessment aids sustainable development and the protection of biodiversity including the enhancement, restoration and improvement of habitats. The overall objective of this particular research project was to develop a landscape character assessment toolkit that can be used as a decision support tool for land-use planning and environmental management. The intention was to ensure that landscape considerations are recognised as a key environmental component. This research project was funded by the EPA and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
‘Measuring what matters’ - Irish Development Plan Monitoring
As identified in the OPR's second research programme, 2023-2025, this theme builds on the OPR’s first area of planning research in 2020 titled ‘Measuring What Matters: Planning Outcomes’. That research was commissioned by the RTPI and co-funded by the OPR, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH) and governments of Scotland and Wales.
As the first step in developing the theme of Development Plan Monitoring, the OPR held a workshop with key stakeholders in June 2024. The workshop built on the previous research and showcased new and highly innovative methods of communicating the essence of plans into measurable key objectives. An OPR Paper was produced which shares the key findings from the workshop, features case studies presented and identifies the next steps and key action areas in three core themes.
Work is progressing on the development of a practice note based on the findings of the workshop and work to date.
Payments over €20,000 – Q3 2024
As per the Public Sector Reform Plan requirement that all Departments and Agencies publish quarterly reports on-line detailing payments of a value greater than €20,000, please find details of payments made for goods and services valued at €20,000 or more made by the OPR in Q3 of 2024.
'Learning from Litigation' Legal Bulletin Issue 05
This is the fifth issue of a legal bulletin which shares key learnings from the continually evolving planning and environmental case law. The bulletin will be published on the OPR’s website on a quarterly basis.
South Dublin County Council Planning Review
A report published today by the Office of the Planning Regulator has found that South Dublin County Council operates robust systems and procedures in the delivery of its statutory functions.
Payments over €20,000 – Q2 2024
As per the Public Sector Reform Plan requirement that all Departments and Agencies publish quarterly reports on-line detailing payments of a value greater than €20,000, please find details of payments made for goods and services valued at €20,000 or more made by the OPR in Q2 of 2024.
Annual Report 2023
A report on the work, activities and achievements of the OPR during 2023
OPR- Brownfield Land Activation
This Research Series Report 01 (RSR01) is the first in a series of OPR Research Series Reports. It focuses on ‘Brownfield Land Activation’.
'Learning from Litigation' Legal Bulletin Issue 04
This is the fourth issue of a legal bulletin which shares key learnings from the continually evolving planning and environmental case law. The bulletin will be published on the OPR’s website on a quarterly basis.
