Chief Planning Commissioner Appointed

Chief Planning Commissioner Appointed

17 / 12 / 2025

An Coimisiún Pleanála’s Governing Board appointed Chris McGarry as the first Chief Planning Commissioner on 16 December 2025 following an open competition run by Public Jobs. 

Paul Reid, Governing Board Chairperson, said “I congratulate Chris McGarry on his appointment as Chief Planning Commissioner in An Coimisiún Pleanála. Under our new governance structures, Chris will lead the Planning Commissioners as independent decision-makers and brings a wealth of expertise to the role.” 

Peter Mullan, CEO, said “Chris has been an asset to the organisation for almost 7 years now and I welcome his promotion to this position. I know Chris will work with the Planning Commissioners, staff, and leadership team to deliver on the performance objectives of the organisation as set by the Governing Board.” 

Chris McGarry was An Bord Pleanála’s Deputy Chairperson from 12 January 2023 until 18 June 2025, when he became Deputy Chief Planning Commissioner in An Coimisiún Pleanála. He was first appointed an ordinary Board member in February 2019. Chris has 35 years professional planning experience in Ireland. He is a member and former Chairperson of the Royal Town Planning Institute and a member of the Irish Planning Institute. His previous roles include Head of Planning at the National Asset Management Agency and over 20 years in professional planning consultancy. Read his full biography here.

The Governing Board appointed the Chief Planning Commissioner following a Public Appointments Service selection process, in accordance with the Planning and Development Act 2024 (Sections 506 and 508).