The Housing Minister is being urged to consider greater pre-planning engagement between developers, planners, and local communities.

Sinn Féin TD Eoin Ó Broin made the call to Minister Simon Coveney after he adopted plans for new fast track planning procedures.

Mr Ó Broin said: "Undoubtedly, the planning process can be cumbersome and it does need to be streamlined, made more transparent, and user friendly.

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"I also agree that long delays in some projects can cause problems.

"However, local communities have the right to engage in the planning process, especially for big building projects that may have a significant impact in their area.

"The real delay in getting real social housing building off the ground is the laborious procurement process. Reforming this process would be a lot more beneficial for local authorities and the department."

(CD)