Proposed Variation No. 1 - Longford County Development Plan 2021-2027

Notice of Proposed Variation No. 1

Longford County Council has prepared a Proposed Variation (No.1) of the Longford County Development Plan 2021 – 2027.  The Proposed Variation consists of the amendment to the ‘Strategic Residential Reserve’ Zoning Objective text contained in Volume 2: Appendices.  

Reason for Proposed Variation no. 1

The reason for Proposed Variation no. 1 is in light of the updated policy objectives and growth projections set out in the First Revision of the National Planning Framework (2025) and associated guidelines, acknowledging the constrained delivery of housing in recent years.  As such the Proposed Variation of the Development Plan now seeks to facilitate appropriate development proposals on lands zoned ‘Strategic Residential Reserve’.  Activation of these lands will be subject to the principles of infrastructure-led compact growth, as well as the environmental considerations that underpin the Development Plan.

Content and Display of Proposed Variation no. 1

• Click here to view the Proposed Variation no. 1 of the Longford County Development Plan 2021-2027
• Click here to view the Initial Draft Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Screening Report
• Click here to view the Initial Draft Appropriate Assessment (AA) Screening Report

Documents can be viewed or downloaded by clicking on the links above and are also available for public inspection at the Planning Department, Longford County Council, Aras an Chontae, Great Water Street, Longford, N39 NH56 from Friday 20 March, 2026 to Friday 17 April 2026 inclusive, from 10am to 1pm and from 2pm to 4pm, Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays). 

Making a Submission / Observation

Written submissions or observations may be made in respect of the Proposed Variation and associated environmental reports by 4.00pm on Friday 17 April, 2026 and will be taken into consideration before the making of the Variation.  Your name or address should be stated in your submission, and where relevant, the body or organisation represented. Children or groups/associations representing the interests of children are welcome to make submissions.  

Please make your submission in one of the following ways:      

Online:  At Longford County Council’s consultation portal. Click here to access the portal

In writing: Written submissions or observations should be marked ‘Proposed Variation no. 1’ and submitted to the Forward Planning Department, Longford County Council, Aras an Chontae, Great Water, Longford, N39 NH56.

Submissions will be published on the Council’s Consultation Portal.  A report will be prepared on submissions received and will include the names of those who made submissions.  This report will be published on our website.  Details of your privacy entitlements and obligations under GPDR are available on the Council website longfordcoco.ie

Deadline for Submissions

Submissions MUST be received by 4pm on Friday 17 April, 2026