The landmark Planning and Development Bill 2023 will be signed into law by the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, after it concluded in the Houses of the Oireachtas.

A number of once in a generation reform updates have been made as well as the streamlining of a planning system to provide 'clarity, consistency and certainty'.

The passing of the Bill was welcomed by Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD.

"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," he said.

"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.

"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 legislation, which is the third largest piece in the history of the State, is the culmination of a 15-month review ordered by former Taoiseach Micheál Martin and carried out by previous Attorney General Paul Gallagher.

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"First published in January 2023, it underwent widespread consultation and has been subject to more than 175 hours of debate across both houses of the Oireachtas," said Minister O'Brien.

"I want to extend my thanks to all those who have engaged constructively on this Bill and to bringing it to this point."

The key reforms included in the Bill were:

• The introduction of statutory timelines for all consenting processes, to give confidence and certainty to applicants;

• A significant reorganisation of An Bord Pleanála, to be known as An Coimisiún Pleanála;

• Greater mandatory alignment of all tiers of planning, improving consistency;

• Improvements to the planning judicial review processes;

• Clearer, more consistent policies and guidance;

• Longer term, more strategic, ten year plans for Local Authorities;

• More agile local implementation, through the introduction of Urban and Priority Area Plans, including new bespoke plans for Gaeltacht and Island communities;

• Creation of Urban Development Zones, which will facilitate a more plan-led approach to development, increasing certainty at the master-planning stage;

• 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;

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.

Minister O’Brien concluded: "As I’ve always said, once enacted, this Bill will be commenced on a phased basis to ensure a smooth transition from the current to the updated processes.

"This will be supplemented and supported by updated planning regulations; a new resourcing action plan and a programme of communication and training with stakeholders and the public."