Government planning review must now deliver homes faster in Galway — Noel Thomas

Independent Ireland councillor Noel Thomas has said the Government’s newly announced review of the planning system must now lead to faster housing delivery, clearer rules and a more practical approach to development across Galway. The review of the role and functions of the Office of the Planning Regulator was announced by the Department of Housing on 24 March.

Councillor Thomas said the real test of any planning review is whether it makes it easier to deliver homes, renew town centres and allow communities to grow in a balanced and sensible way.

“Galway does not need more delay dressed up as reform. This review now has to deliver faster housing decisions, clearer planning rules and a system that works for real communities,” said Councillor Thomas.

“For too long, delay, duplication and over-regulation have been choking housing delivery, holding back town-centre renewal and making it harder for small businesses to expand or invest.

“If Government now accepts that the system needs review, then it also has to admit that the current planning culture is getting in the way of the very development Galway needs.”

Councillor Thomas said the planning debate must not be reduced to one type of housing or one type of community.

“In Galway City, we need a planning system that helps unlock housing, supports renewal in built-up areas and makes it easier to bring life back into underused parts of the city and town centres.

“In towns and villages, we need a more practical approach that allows communities to grow and adapt.

“And in the Gaeltacht, in Conamara and in the rural eastern side of Galway City, we need a more consistent and workable approach to backland development where it is well designed and properly serviced.”

Councillor Thomas said that kind of development should be recognised as part of the solution rather than treated as a problem by default.

“There is no single answer to Galway’s housing challenge. We need city renewal, we need sensible town-centre development, and we need practical small-scale housing options in the communities where people want to stay close to home.

“That includes backland development in appropriate locations, particularly where it can help younger people remain in their own area, support family life and keep communities viable.”

Councillor Thomas said the Government should now use the review process to create a planning model based on clarity, consistency and timely decisions.

“We need a system that gives applicants clear guidance early, treats similar applications in a similar way, and reduces unnecessary duplication.

“We also need a planning approach that understands the link between housing, local business and community life. When housing is delayed, communities suffer. When town-centre renewal is stalled, local economies suffer. When business expansion gets bogged down in process, jobs and investment suffer.”

Councillor Thomas said Galway needs planning reform that reflects the full reality of the county and city.

“A one-size-fits-all approach will not solve Galway’s problems. We need a planning system that supports housing delivery in the city, renewal in our towns and villages, and practical development in rural and Gaeltacht communities.

“That is how you deliver homes faster, support enterprise and keep Galway communities strong.”