Chris McGarry

Chris McGarry

Deputy Chief Planning Commissioner

Chris McGarry was appointed ordinary Board member on the 1st of February 2019 to the 11th of January 2024. On the 12th of January 2023 he was appointed Deputy Chairperson until the 31st of January 2024. He has since been reappointed for an additional 5 years to the 31st of January 2029.
In accordance with section 495(5) of the Planning and Development Act 2024, the Deputy Chairperson in office immediately before the date of commencement of this section of the Act of 2024 on 17 June 2025, shall on and from this date, continue in office as Deputy Chief Planning Commissioner of An Coimisiún Pleanála, in accordance with the terms and conditions of his appointment, as in force immediately before that date, under the Planning and Development Act of 2000.
He is a member and former Chairperson of the Royal Town Planning Institute and a member of the Irish Planning Institute. He has a Bachelor of Science (Hons) Degree in Environmental Planning, a Post Graduate Diploma in Town and Country Planning, a Diploma in Environmental Impact Assessment Management and a Diploma in Judicial Skills and Decision-Making and has over 33 years professional planning experience in Ireland.
Previous roles include: Head of Planning at the National Asset Management Agency, Head of Planning at Glenveagh Properties Plc, along with roles in planning consultancy. Chris has also occasionally lectured on planning law for the NUI Certificate in Architectural Professional Practice and Practical Experience. He has also served as a former Board member and Vice-Chair of Clúid Housing Association.