The government is inviting submissions on matters of process and methodology in the preparation of development plans until Friday 8 October 2021.

A development plan sets out the overall strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development of the area of the development plan and consists of a written statement and a plan or plans indicating the development objectives for the area in question.

Peter Burke, minister of state with responsibility for local government and planning, said: “The plan-making function of a planning authority now operates in a much changed and continually changing policy, institutional and regulatory framework to that which prevailed in 2007 when the guidelines were last published and this public consultation is a timely and welcome opportunity to reflect such issues.”

The draft guidelines are intended to provide clarity to assist planning authorities in the preparation of and variation to city and county development plans, and the Office of the Planning Regulator in undertaking the statutory evaluation and assessing plans.

Mr Burke said: “The guidelines will assist in coordinating the approach taken by planning authorities and the Office of the Planning Regulator, to ensure that there is a strong link between national, regional and local planning policies.”

He added: “This consultation process offers the opportunity to all stakeholders to submit their views on the draft guidelines and I urge all interested parties to make a submission.”