The backlog — attributed to the shortage of board members in 2022 — has been reduced, with the number of cases on hand down by 37 per cent from 2,546 at the end of November 2023.

The new figures, published yesterday, show that 3,464 cases were disposed of in the first 11 months of 2024, an increase of 13 per cent on cases dealt with in the same period for 2023.

Decisions were made on 74 large-scale residential developments (LRDs), which replaced the former strategic housing development (SHD) process in 2022, and all were processed within the 16-week statutory timeline.

The Planning and Development Act 2024, which is likely to be commenced on a phased basis, will introduce statutory timelines for all consenting processes and will see An Bord Pleanála reorganised into a new body called An Coimisiún Pleanála.

Alan Dillon, minister of state for local government and planning, said yesterday: “The progress made by An Bord Pleanála in reducing their backlog of cases going into the new year is a welcome achievement.

“The additional resourcing provided by the department, including an increase in funding, Board members and staffing, has ensured that this work was possible and can follow through to 2025.

“The Board’s ability to deliver timely and fair decisions is critical for Ireland’s planning system, economic growth, and housing supply.

“This reduction in case numbers positions the organisation to meet the challenges of the future with confidence, especially as we move forward with the commencement of the Planning and Development Act and An Coimisiún Pleanála.”

Darragh O’Brien, minister for housing, local government and heritage, added: “I welcome the work achieved by the Board during 2024.

“The Board has been through a challenging period over the past few months and years but the progress shown in reducing the backlog of cases on hand demonstrates the hard work ongoing within the organisation.

“I have no doubt that this trend will carry on into 2025 with a continued focus on reducing the case files and increasing decision making.”