Fianna Fáil Senator for Louth, Erin McGreehan, has welcomed the passage of the landmark Planning and Development Bill 2023 through both Houses of the Oireachtas.
The Bill, which is the third largest in the history of the State, passed all stages in the Oireachtas on Wednesday 9th October and will now proceed to the President for signing.
Commenting on the matter and setting out what it means for people in Co Louth Senator McGreehan said, “This is a pivotal moment in our efforts to ensure we have a planning system that is fit for purpose, both now and into the future.
“Not a week goes by where I don’t speak to constituents who are deeply frustrated with the delays in the planning system, whether that’s for a single one-off home in rural Ireland or for a large-scale infrastructural project. Now, with this new Bill and with the associated resources accompanying it, I can confidently say that the planning system in Ireland is going to improve dramatically.
“This is an initiative which was spearheaded by Fianna Fáil in Government. The Bill is the culmination of a 15-month review which was ordered by then Taoiseach Micheál Martin who said this was a nettle the Government were determined to grasp.
“First published in January 2023, the Bill has undergone widespread consultation and has been subject to more than 175 hours of debate across both houses of the Oireachtas. I was glad to have my say and to get across what this means for the people of Louth.
Key reforms included in the Bill which will result in a more streamlined process for the people of Louth are the introduction of statutory timelines for all consenting processes,; a significant reorganisation of An Bord Pleanála, to be known as An Coimisiún Pleanála; greater mandatory alignment of all tiers of planning, improvements to the planning judicial review processes; clearer, more consistent policies and guidance; longer term, more strategic, ten year plans for Local Authorities; provisions to deter abuse of planning processes through spurious planning submissions and appeals, as well as a ban on requesting payment for not opposing development and the ability to suspend the duration of a permission while subject to judicial review proceedings, so as not to lose any time available for completing the development.
“Thanks to Budget 2025 we have additional funding to ensure the transition to this new legislation is as smooth as possible. Local Authorities like Louth County Council absolutely do need additional resources so that we can meet the ambitions of this Government for more homes and greater infrastructure”, Senator McGreehan concluded.
For further information reach out to Erin McGreehan.
ENDS
