Draft Variation No. 5 to the Meath County Development Plan 2021-2027 (as varied) is on Public Display until 4pm on Friday 1 May, 2026

This variation has been prepared to align the Meath County Development Plan 2021-2027 (as varied) with the NPF Implementation: Housing Growth Requirements Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2025), which were published to give effect to the National Planning Framework-First Revision (2025). In addressing the new housing growth requirements for the county this proposed variation includes a number of amendments to the Development Plan which can be viewed here: https://ow.ly/hq1950YJRw0

Written observations or submissions regarding proposed Variation No. 5 amendments only must be received by 4pm Friday 1 May, 2026.

Further information on the submission process can be found here: https://ow.ly/hq1950YJRw0

PROPOSED VARIATION NO. 5 AMENDMENTS 

Proposed Amendment No. 1: Meath County Development Plan 2021-2027 Volume 1 – Written Statement

To update the County Development Plan to take account of the National Planning Framework Implementation: Housing Growth Requirements Guidelines published by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in July 2025 and issued under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended.

Proposed Amendment No.2: Meath County Development Plan 2021-2027 Volume 2 – Written Statement for Settlements

In order to ensure consistency with the Written Statement of the Development Plan (Volume 1) and the revised housing targets, the Written Statements for the settlements that contain lands proposed for rezoning are required to be amended as part of this variation. The amendments primarily relate to adjustments to the household allocation for the relevant areas and projected population growth having regard to Census 2022 data and the new annual housing growth requirements for the county as set out in the NPF Implementation Housing Growth Requirements Guidelines 2025.  

Proposed Amendment No.3: Meath County Development Plan 2021-2027 Volume 2 – Maps for Settlements

In order to ensure consistency with the National Planning Framework and accommodate revised housing targets for the County, it is proposed to amend land use zonings as shown on the County Development Plan Map Sheets. It is also proposed to amend the development / settlement boundaries accordingly to ensure that any lands that have been identified for development within the lifetime of the Plan fall within the development boundary of the relevant settlement.

The proposed rezonings are illustrated individually through updated land use zoning map sheets for the relevant settlements / areas with the proposed variations clearly marked on each sheet. Where no zoning changes are proposed under this Variation, the current map sheets remain in effect.

Lands within the following settlements have been identified for rezoning:

• Dunboyne/Clonee/Pace
• Southern Environs of Drogheda
• Navan
• Kilcock Environs
• Dunshaughlin
• Enfield
• Bettystown/Laytown/Mornington East/Donacarney/Mornington (East Meath)
• Duleek
• Stamullen
• Athboy
• Carlanstown

Proposed Variation No. 5 can be viewed here

Proposed Variation No. 5  Book of Maps can be viewed here.

Further information on the submission process can be found here: https://ow.ly/hq1950YJRw0