The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, has welcomed the signing into law of the Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2026 by the President of Ireland.

Minister James Browne TD said: "All of us want an efficient, fair and transparent planning system but I am now demanding that the system is responsive and not needlessly tied up in knots and tripping over itself in processes.

"The changes in this Bill will fast-track necessary reform to our planning system. This is badly needed to speed up home delivery of all types across the country. We have talked a lot about the role judicial reviews play in delays, I am tackling that head on."

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The new Act accelerates the commencement of procedural rules for planning Judicial Review introduced in the 2024 Planning Act and applies them to any remaining acts or decisions taken under the 2000 Act.

Key measures include removing the requirement to seek leave to apply for Judicial Review, allowing courts to remit a case to the point where a procedural breach occurred instead of quashing an entire decision, and eliminating the possibility of further legal appeal to the Court of Appeal. These steps are intended to cut delays and reduce legal costs for all parties.

By introducing these provisions earlier, the government aims to reduce unnecessary hold-ups and speed up critical planning decisions, ultimately supporting faster delivery of homes. Further details are available at: www.oireachtas.ie/en/bills/bill/2026/75/