Consultation opens on proposed variation to CDP

Variation No. 1 looks to align the county's planning framework with the revised national guidelines

Cavan County Council has launched a four-week public consultation on a proposed variation to the Cavan County Development Plan 2022–2028, incorporating a Local Area Plan for Cavan Town.

The proposed Variation No. 1, published on June 4, seeks to align the county's planning framework with the revised National Planning Framework (NPF) and the Housing Growth Requirements Guidelines for Planning Authorities, both published in 2025.

According to the council, the variation will amend sections of the written statement contained within the County Development Plan and make changes to land-use zoning maps.

The proposal will also incorporate Compact Settlement Guidelines into the development plan.

A range of supporting documents has been prepared alongside the proposed variation, including a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Environmental Report, an Appropriate Assessment (AA) Screening Report, an addendum to the Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA), and a Settlement Capacity Audit.

The consultation documents are available for public inspection at Johnston Central Library in Cavan Town, as well as municipal district offices in Ballyconnell, Cootehill and Virginia. They can also be viewed online through the council's consultation portal.

The consultation period runs from Thursday, June 4, until Thursday, July 2, 2026.

Members of the public, community groups and stakeholders are invited to make submissions online, by email or by post to the council's Forward Planning Section.

As part of the process, Cavan County Council has determined that the proposed variation is not likely to have significant effects on any European site and has concluded that a Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment is not required.

All submissions received before the closing date will be considered before a final decision is made on the proposed variation.