Delay expected before next review of Westmeath County Development Plan as legislation awaited

The timeline for the next review of the Westmeath County Development Plan remains uncertain as local authorities await direction from government under new planning legislation.

The issue was raised by Cllr Niall Gaffney at the May meeting of the Municipal District of Mullingar Kinnegad, where he sought clarification on when the next development plan process would begin, particularly in relation to rural towns and villages across the county.

In response, the Planning Department said it is still awaiting notification from the department regarding review timelines following the introduction of the Planning and Development Act 2024.

Officials explained that under the new legislative framework, a revised Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy has first to be prepared before county development plans can proceed to review stage.

The strategy will outline regional policy objectives aligned with the National Planning Framework and will also determine timelines for future county development plan reviews.

While a full review of the county development plan has yet to commence, the council confirmed that a targeted variation of the existing Westmeath County Development Plan will be carried out following completion of the Athlone Plan Variation.

Officials said this variation is intended to implement recommendations arising from the National Planning Framework Housing Implementation Review for Westmeath and will focus on remaining towns and villages throughout the county.

The update comes amid continuing interest from councillors and communities regarding future zoning, housing development and infrastructure planning in rural parts of Westmeath.