The Planning and Development Bill 2023 introduces statutory timelines for all consenting processes and will see An Bord Pleanála reorganised into a new body called An Coimisiún Pleanála.

Billed as the “third largest piece of legislation in the history of our State”, it was introduced following a comprehensive, 15-month legal review of the Planning and Development Act 2000 by the Office of the Attorney General.

It includes new restrictions on judicial reviews, requiring applicants to exhaust all other appeal procedures, and preventing residents’ associations from bringing judicial reviews unless they are formally constituted and have the support of two-thirds of their members.

Housing, local government and heritage minister Darragh O’Brien said: “This is a pivotal moment for government in our efforts to ensure we have a planning system that is fit for purpose, both now and into the future.

“In Housing for All, we committed to overhauling our planning legislation to ensure it was fit for purpose. This legislation does just that by providing clarity, consistency and certainty for all users.

“Because of this legislation we will have a planning system which matches our strong ambitions for housing delivery and critical infrastructure over the coming decades.”

He added: “This legislation is the third largest piece of legislation in the history of our State.

“It is the culmination of a 15-month review which was ordered by then Taoiseach Micheál Martin and carried out by the former Attorney General Paul Gallagher. First published in January 2023, it underwent widespread consultation and has been subject to more than 175 hours of debate across both houses of the Oireachtas.

“I want to extend my thanks to all those who have engaged constructively on this Bill and to bringing it to this point.”

Alan Dillon TD, minister of state for local government and planning, said: “This bill reflects the importance of planning to our country as a whole. It is momentous not only in its size, but in its significance to nearly every aspect of people’s lives, from housing delivery to critical infrastructure to future proof our country.

“I have always said that working hand in glove with this bill will be the additional resources we need to implement it and to that end the extra funding I secured in Budget 2025 will help to make sure our planning system, including An Bord Pleanála and our local planning authorities, has the staff and resources to underpin this transformation.”

Malcolm Noonan, minister of state with responsibility for nature, heritage and electoral reform, added: “Protection of our natural, built and archaeological heritage is vital as our country’s population continues to grow. A robust planning regime with public participation at its core is a cornerstone of how we conserve our shared heritage. This Bill will help us to achieve our common goal.”

The bill will be commenced “on a phased basis to ensure a smooth transition from the current to the updated processes,” Mr O’Brien said.

“This will be supplemented and supported by updated planning regulations, a new resourcing action plan and a programme of communication and training with stakeholders and the public,” he added.