Ireland's reformed planning code will promote "transparency, openness, and democratic involvement", the Environment Minister has said.

John Gormley, announcing the approved Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill, said the government is committed to its framework for sustainable economic renewal.

The new bill has introduced a number of key changes to the planning code, designed to promote sustainable development, he said.

"It seeks to strengthen and reinforce the extensive rights for public participation already in place," said the Minister.

Mr Gormley said he wanted to maintain the "central role of local government" in the planning process.

"The location, quantum, and phasing of proposed development must be shown, as well as growth scenarios, details of transport plans and retail development and proposals for development in rural areas," he said.

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Under the bill, variations of development or local area plans will require the support of two-thirds of the total number of members of the planning authority, as opposed to a simple majority as is currently the case.

These changes will also become the subject of public consultation, but may only be modified in minor respects.

According to the Environment Minister, this introduces greater transparency for the public into the plan making process by removing the likelihood of significant changes being made to plans at a late stage in the process.

Development plans must now contain sustainable objectives for settlement and transportation strategies in urban and rural areas, including appropriate measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Mr Gormley said.

The life of existing planning permissions for wind energy projects in certain circumstances will also be extended.

Local authorities will be provided with the flexibility to use development levies, if needed, on a broader range of infrastructure such as schools, school sites, broadband provision and flood relief works.

Councils will also be able to refuse planning permission to applicants who have been convicted of serious breaches of planning legislation.

The Minister also plans to introduce new provisions to support the government's target of 40% energy consumption supplied by renewable sources by 2020.

He said this would be done by integrating the foreshore consent process for offshore wind with the consent process under the Strategic Infrastructure Act.

(PR/JM)