A new implementation plan for the Planning and Development Act 2024 says the relevant part of the legislation will be commenced in “early Quarter 2”.

An Coimisiún Pleanála will have a revised organisational structure overseen by a new governing board and a chief executive officer.

The majority of the remaining parts of the Act will be commenced over the rest of 2025, with a particular focus on the provisions relating to the National Planning Framework and development plans as well as those relating to planning consents including the introduction of mandatory timelines for An Coimisiún Pleanála.

The Act, one of the largest pieces of legislation in the history of the State, is being commenced on a phased basis. The existing provisions in the current Act will remain in place until the relevant provisions in the new Act are commenced.

Housing, local government and heritage minister James Browne said: “The Planning and Development Act 2024 will have a significant impact on our planning system and will create an improved environment to deliver more homes.

“To date the government has contributed significant resources and funding to significantly boost housing output. However, the government can only directly deliver so much.

“If we are to accelerate homebuilding to the levels we need, we need to create the right conditions for the private sector to ramp up delivery. We need to build houses but also create the foundations for others to build homes as well.

“The significant changes in this planning legislation will contribute to creating the right environment to provide the additional homes we need.”

John Cummins, the minister of state with responsibility for planning, added: “This legislation is a vital part of this government’s approach to boosting construction and delivering more homes. We are taking a phased approach to its implementation due to the size and complexity of the changes involved.

“Great care will be taken to ensure a smooth transition to the new legislation with the least amount of disruption possible to the planning system. These are very significant reforms and it is vital that we ensure this implementation plan delivers for all stakeholders.

“We are committed to a dynamic approach to introducing this legislation. We will actually bring forward the commencement of some elements ahead of schedule where we can — ensuring that the sector and those who engage with our planning system are prepared for their introduction.”