Minister Seán Canney TD Welcomes Revised National Planning Framework and Highlights Central Role of All-Island Strategic Rail Review
Minister for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rails and Ports, Seán Canney TD, has today welcomed the publication of the revised National Planning Framework (NPF), noting its strong emphasis on sustainable mobility, regional connectivity, compact urban development, and the delivery of housing at scale.
Minister Canney said: “The revised NPF provides a clear and ambitious framework to guide Ireland’s development to 2040. I particularly welcome the integration of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review (AISRR) across key areas of the framework — recognising rail as a critical lever to support regional growth, cross-border connection, and climate action.”
The NPF refers to the AISRR in multiple sections, highlighting:
• The importance of improving rail access to and within the Atlantic Economic Corridor, including routes such as Galway/Athenry, Tuam–Claremorris and also Sligo–Letterkenny–Derry.
• The need for enhanced inter-urban connectivity linking Galway, Limerick, Cork and Waterford, offering viable alternatives to road-based travel;
• The goal of improved journey times and regional rail services connecting cities and large growth towns across Ireland and Northern Ireland, advancing recommendations from the AISRR;
• The potential for a higher-speed rail connection between Belfast, Dublin and Cork, strengthening the economic corridor along the east coast;
The Minister also highlighted increased focus on freight and logistics, particularly in the West of Ireland: “The NPF recognises the role of Shannon-Foynes Port as a Tier 1 national freight gateway, and Galway Port as a regional asset. Both require stronger rail freight connectivity to meet the demands of a growing economy and our decarbonisation targets. Investment in these corridors supports the wider ambition of the Atlantic Economic Corridor.”
Minister Canney also noted the importance of aligning housing delivery with spatial planning and infrastructure: “The Framework makes it clear that local authorities must ensure they have sufficient land zoned to meet updated population and housing targets.
Where gaps exist, ministers will have the power to direct the review of local development plans. This is a necessary and pragmatic move to enable delivery — particularly in high-demand areas and growing regional centres.”
He added that this approach complements the NPF’s commitment to compact growth and transport-oriented development (TOD): “By integrating housing, transport and services, we create more liveable, sustainable communities. This is about building homes in the right places, connected to jobs, schools, and public transport.”
Concluding, Minister Canney said: “The revised National Planning Framework supports a joined-up, long-term approach to spatial planning, transport, housing and climate. As a Government, we are determined to implement this vision and ensure balanced development for all parts of the country — east and west, urban and rural, north and south.”
ENDS