Wicklow Councillors Back Move To Increase Housing By Up To 5,500 Units In Revised Plan Upgrade

Housing Growth Targets for Wicklow have been radically increased following a council vote of members this week

Wicklow County Council members have backed a revised housing target this week, alongside various housing objectives set out in the Wicklow County Development Plan 2022-2028.

This variation is to taking account of Housing Growth Requirements from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage which provides new requirements for planning authorities including Wicklow.

The key element is to facilitate all lands already zoned for residential use, or mixed use of which residential use forms a component, will now be supported for the delivery of housing during the lifetime of the plan.

In particular, both Priority 1 and Priority 2 lands will be considered positively for permission during the lifetime of this plan.

For Wicklow this reflects a positive facilitation of a further 5,500 units across 128 hectares of land.

In addition to the above 5,500 units now available for consideration, Wicklow County Council have commenced and will be progressing a second phase of variation.

A public ‘call for sites’ seeking land owners to submit land parcels that may accommodate further growth and future residential zoned sites for delivery over the coming years will be discussed and progressed with Wicklow County Council Elected members, commencing mid-April.

This variation is expected to be published in September 2026. This in turn will provide additional serviced or serviceable zoned land and further opportunity for additional new housing delivery across the County.

Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, Cllr. Melanie Corrigan said:

 “I welcome the passing of the Variation by the Elected members of Wicklow County Council, and we are in agreement with national policy to increase Housing Growth Targets for the county. Developers of these Priority 2 lands are encouraged to submit applications for advancement of housing delivery for these areas.”

Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council, Emer O’Gorman also added her voice to the news:

“I welcome the additional capacity of 5,500 units now available for submission of planning permission. I look forward to working collaboratively with Elected members, and we are committed to bringing forward the next phase of a call for sites, which will provide additional new increased zoned land.”