Chris McGarry

Chris McGarry

Chief Planning Commissioner

Chris McGarry was appointed Chief Planning Commissioner on 16 December 2025. Chris 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. Chris has also occasionally lectured on planning law for the NUI Certificate in Architectural Professional Practice and Practical Experience and is a former Board member and Vice-Chair of Clúid Housing Association. Chris holds a BSc (Hons) in Environmental Planning, a Postgraduate Diploma in Town and Country Planning, a Diploma in Environmental Impact Assessment Management and a Diploma in Judicial Skills and Decision-Making.

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.