Labour party says passage of Planning and Development Bill will do "real damage" to planning system

The Dáil passed the Planning and Development Bill on Wednesday night, 9 October, and the Bill will now be sent to President Michael D. Higgins to be signed into law. 

The Government said that this is "once in a generation" reform will update and streamline planning systems and provide "clarity, consistency and certainty". 

The Bill passed with 72 TDs voting in favour of the legislation and 60 opposing it.

This legislation is a key part of the Government's plans to deal with the housing crisis.

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Under this new legislation, An Bord Pleanála will undergo a major reorganisation and be known as An Coimisiún Pleanála.

Improvements will also be made to the planning judicial review process and there is to be greater mandatory alignment of all tiers of planning to improve consistency.

Other key reforms in this Bill include the introduction of statutory timelines for all consenting processes, to give confidence and certainty to applicants, as well as the creation of provisions to deter abuse of planning processes through spurious planning submissions and appeals. In addition to this, there will be a ban on requesting payment for not opposing development.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD, welcomed the passage of the Bill, saying: "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."

He continued: "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." 

The Bill has been met with criticism from opposition leaders. Labour leader Ivana Bacik said that this legislation will do "real damage" to the planning system as well as delay the delivery of homes and concentrate power in the hands of the minister.

Meanwhile, housing spokesperson for Sinn Féin Eoin Ó Broin said that the Government is progressing with the legislation in an "entirely inappropriate manner". However, Minister O'Brien dismissed the claims that the bill is being rushed, saying that such a stance is "completely and utterly incorrect".