Meath County Council has approved Variation No. 5 to the Meath County Development Plan 2021-2027, a move aimed at accelerating the delivery of new homes across the county.
The variation follows Section 28 Ministerial Guidelines issued in July 2025 under the revised National Planning Framework. The guidelines require local authorities to identify and bring forward lands suitable for residential development to help meet national housing targets by 2027.
In response, Meath County Council carried out a review of lands across the county with the potential to deliver housing during the lifetime of the current Development Plan.
The review included an assessment of existing zoned lands as well as lands that had previously been de-zoned, with a focus on identifying sites that are feasible and capable of being developed within the required timeframe.
Following engagement with elected members, the council agreed to bring forward a total of 92.44 hectares of land across 11 settlements.
The lands have the potential to deliver approximately 3,444 homes. Together with existing zoned lands, they could support the delivery of up to 15,000 homes over the remaining lifetime of the County Development Plan.
An Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council Cllr. Sarah Reilly said: “This is a really important step in supporting the delivery of homes in our towns and villages. By bringing forward lands that are ready and feasible for development, we are helping to ensure that housing can be delivered where it is needed most across County Meath.”
Chief Executive of Meath County Council, Kieran Kehoe added: “This variation ensures that the County Development Plan remains aligned with national policy and updated housing targets, while focusing on lands that can realistically be developed within the lifetime of the plan. It reflects a proactive and coordinated approach between the Planning Department and the elected members to support housing delivery.”
This variation will play an important role in strengthening housing supply across Meath, supporting sustainable growth in key settlements, and ensuring alignment with national planning policy.
The Council will now progress the formal statutory process associated with the variation.
