Planning applications for large-scale housing developments of 100 units or more, and large scale student accommodation projects are now to be made directly to An Bord Pleanála.

Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy, TD signed a Commencement Order and associated supporting Regulations.

The introduction of the temporary new fast-track planning arrangements for large-scale housing developments delivers on a key commitment under Pillar 3 of the Government's Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness - Rebuilding Ireland.

Minister Murphy said: "The intention behind the planning related provisions of the 2016 Act is to facilitate the provision of increased housing supply through greater streamlining efficiencies in the planning system."

Under the new Regulations, developers will – with effect from Monday 03 July 2017 - be able to submit planning applications for large housing developments, known as strategic housing developments, directly to the Board, instead of to local planning authorities, as is currently the case. The new arrangements will apply initially for the period until December 2019, and, subject to review, may be extended to December 2021.

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Under the new fast-track planning procedures which will essentially involve a two-stage process, the Board will be required to complete pre-application consultations in relation to a proposed development with the developers and the relevant planning authority within a maximum period of nine weeks, this is primarily to determine whether a proposed development is broadly consistent with the development plan or local area plan for the area concerned. Where a planning application is subsequently submitted to the Board, it will be required to make a final determination on the application within 16 weeks of receipt of the application.This will potentially result in planning decisions in respect of such strategic housing developments being decided within an overall period of 6 months of the commencement of formal pre-application consultations with the Board as against the current arrangements where planning applications for large housing developments are initially required to be submitted to the local planning authority and generally end up being appealed to the Board, thereby taking in certain circumstances up to 18 months from initial application to securing ultimate approval .