Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD and Minister of State for Planning and Local Government John Cummins TD have welcomed the enactment of the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2026.
The legislation was signed into law by the President of Ireland and is intended to accelerate the introduction of reforms to the planning judicial review process originally provided for under the Planning and Development Act 2024.
Minister Browne said the changes were necessary to create a planning system that was efficient, fair and transparent, while avoiding unnecessary procedural delays.
“The changes in this Bill will fast-track necessary reform to our planning system,” he said. “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, and I am tackling that head-on.”
The new Act will apply updated judicial review procedures to outstanding acts or decisions made under the Planning and Development Act 2000.
Among the reforms is the removal of the requirement for applicants to obtain leave before beginning judicial review proceedings.
The legislation will also allow a case to be returned to the stage at which a procedural breach occurred, rather than requiring the entire decision to be quashed. It also removes the possibility of a further appeal to the Court of Appeal in certain cases.
The Department said these measures are intended to reduce delays and unnecessary legal costs while accelerating decisions relating to housing and other developments.
Minister Cummins, who guided the Bill through all stages of the Oireachtas, said planning reform was central to increasing housing supply.
“This Government is committed to ensuring our planning system supports, rather than hinders, delivery in this country,” he said.
“By reducing avoidable delays in the judicial review process, we can provide greater certainty for communities, local authorities and all stakeholders.”
In addition to the judicial review reforms, the Act provides further clarity and policy direction on the introduction of 10-year development plans.
It also addresses a number of measures assigned to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage following the Government’s approval of the Accelerating Infrastructure Taskforce Report and Action Plan 2025, which aims to support the timely delivery of critical infrastructure projects.
Further information on the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2026 is available on the Oireachtas website.
