Our Role in the Planning Process

Overview

Irish planning law plays a central role in protecting our archaeological heritage. Proper planning and sustainable development support the protection of archaeological heritage (both terrestrial and underwater). This means that protection of archaeological heritage will always be an important consideration in planning and permitting decisions.

The potential effect of any particular proposed development on archaeological heritage can vary greatly. We advise that planning and permitting decisions should preferably be informed by a site-specific, comprehensive archaeological impact assessment.

Our Advisory Role

The National Monuments Service has statutory functions within the planning system as part of our wider range of responsibilities. We provide advice on matters relating to archaeological heritage and its protection to:

  • planning /permitting authorities
  • developers
  • any others involved in the planning process.

Planning applications and other permits are regularly referred to us for consultation and comment as part of the decision-making process. Referrals can include large-scale developments (such as large housing developments, solar farms, offshore or onshore windfarms and infrastructural developments) and developments carried out by local authorities as well as more modest proposals.

The Development Applications Unit (DAU) of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage co-ordinates the evaluation of all applications referred to us. Each application is examined with reference to possible impact on both known and as yet unidentified archaeological heritage (terrestrial and underwater). Based on that examination, we may make site-specific and tailored recommendations to the decision-making authority.

The Role of the Planning Authority

The relevant planning or permitting authority is the decision-maker. It will take into account our advice and consider it alongside all other relevant issues when making a decision on any applications.

Conditions to protect archaeological heritage may be included as part of any permission granted. The archaeological works needed to comply with such conditions are subject to regulation by the National Monuments Service (see below). However, we cannot alter conditions imposed by a planning or permitting authority. Though we advise those authorities on matters relating to archaeological heritage, the planning or permitting authority retains its responsibility for enforcement.

Planning Permission and other Licences and Consents

A grant of planning permission does not remove the need to comply with other legal requirements. If a development is in proximity to a National Monument (such as a town wall), for example, Ministerial Consent must still be obtained to undertake the proposed works.

Any regulated archaeological works that may be needed to comply with the conditions of a grant of planning permission, such as archaeological geophysical survey or archaeological test trenching, must be carried out by a competent person, in accordance with the appropriate Licence or Consent.

Find out more

To find out more about archaeology in the planning process, please see:

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