The Government is preparing to unveil major reforms to the planning system this week, aimed at speeding up the process of critical infrastructure
The proposals form part of a package of 30 actions recommended by the Accelerating Infrastructure Taskforce, to be presented to Cabinet by Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers.
The forthcoming bill will amend the Planning and Development Act 2024, extending new judicial-review rules to decisions made under the older 2000 act.
It is understood that key changes will include abolishing the requirement to seek leave for judicial review, restricting further appeals to the Court of Appeal, and allowing cases to be sent back only to the point of a procedural breach rather than quashed entirely.
The plan may also include exempting large extensions to major infrastructure, such as energy substations, from planning permission requirements to shorten project timelines.
Ministers will also bring separate measures on fee-capping in environmental cases, LNG reserve infrastructure, and strengthening oversight. The reforms are expected to significantly impact large national infrastructure projects.
The author Stephen Robb is currently involved in a family/community proposal for an anaerobic digestion facility in Co Donegal.
SHARING OPTIONS