‘Ireland’s planning system could be powered by AI’

Artificial intelligence is transforming industries worldwide, from healthcare and transport to finance and manufacturing, writes Edward Timmins TD.

“AI is the most transformative technology since the invention of electricity,” is what Andrew Ng, British-American computer scientist said.

Ireland must now ask whether AI can help solve one of our biggest national challenges: improve the planning system and accelerate housing delivery? I firmly believe the answer is yes.

Ireland’s planning system is under growing pressure. Delays, backlogs, staffing shortages, and rising costs are slowing the delivery of homes and infrastructure. According to The Housing Commission, Ireland needs more than 50,000 new homes annually to meet demand.

A smarter planning system

Planning applications could become faster, more efficient, and more cost-effective through AI-powered digital tools.

Ireland’s Guidelines for the Responsible Use of AI in the Public Service already requires seven-pillar safeguards, including human oversight, transparency, and privacy protections. At the European level, the EU AI Act establishes strict standards for high-risk AI systems, including ongoing monitoring for accuracy and reliability.

This gives Ireland an opportunity to embrace innovation responsibly while protecting public trust.

The UK has already begun moving in this direction. A recently unveiled system known as Extract, developed with Google DeepMind using its Gemini AI model, has demonstrated major efficiency gains. Trials showed planning records and maps could be digitised in under three minutes, compared to one or two hours manually.

AI is already improving efficiency in countries such as Singapore and Australia, where industries use intelligent systems to process data and speed up decision-making.

Reducing delays

Introducing a similar system in Ireland could free up planning staff, reduce administrative burdens, and accelerate housing delivery.

A blog by the property agent Savills explains how planners could use AI tools to compare local development plan policies against national planning frameworks to identify conflicts early. It notes how AI systems could also cross-reference applications against previous appeal decisions, helping planners identify issues faster and make more informed decisions.

According to CSO Information Society Statistics: Enterprises (2024), more than 15 per cent of enterprises used artificial intelligence.

Matching innovation with trust

While the opportunities are significant and exciting, AI must be introduced responsibly. Before any AI system is procured for state use, testing would need to ensure the highest standards of accuracy, consistency, transparency, and safety.

Applicants, local authorities, state bodies, and the public must have confidence that records are reliable. Any use of AI to improve efficiency must also guarantee accountability.

Leading academics, including Federico Cugurullo of Trinity College Dublin, have highlighted the importance of proactively addressing emerging issues linked to AI urbanism and digital governance.

Time to lead

Councils often struggle with recruitment challenges and increasing workloads. Modern technology should support our planners, reduce repetitive tasks, and improve efficiency across the system.

This is not about replacing human decision-making. It is about equipping local authorities across Ireland with better tools to deliver homes and infrastructure faster, while reducing costs for the taxpayer. I have written to the Minister for Housing, James Browne TD, as well as the Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage, to explore how AI technology could be integrated into Ireland’s planning processes.

If implemented responsibly, AI could help modernise Ireland’s planning system, assist in tackling our housing shortage and get better value for the taxpayer.

Edward Timmins is a Fine Gael TD for Wicklow and previously served as a councillor on Wicklow County Council.