Planning Permission: Harris Unveils New Plan to Cut Red Tape and Tackle Building Blockers
Struggling with delays in planning permission? A government crackdown aims to speed up approvals and reduce bureaucratic hurdles.
The Irish government is launching a decisive strategy to combat “building blockers” and simplify planning permission processes. Minister Stephen Harris revealed a new plan focused on cutting red tape and streamlining approvals that have delayed key housing scheme approvals and other developments nationwide.
Central to the plan is reducing delays caused by protracted objections and appeals that stall essential projects. The government aims to tighten timelines and increase transparency, ensuring that An Bord Pleanála decisions are delivered more swiftly, thereby accelerating the construction of vital housing and infrastructure.
Harris highlighted reforms to address challenges related to environmental impact assessments and flood-risk development. These revisions promise clearer guidelines and more efficient handling of complex cases, reducing uncertainty for developers and communities alike.
The initiative also targets material contravention issues, where planning permissions deviate from local development plans. By providing a clearer framework for resolving these cases, the government hopes to prevent unnecessary legal battles that prolong project delivery.
This comprehensive approach aims to balance sustainable development with the urgent need for more homes. By slashing bureaucratic backlogs and improving planning permission procedures, the government expects to unlock stalled projects and better support Ireland’s housing targets.
Key components of the plan include:
- Shortening decision timelines for planning authorities and An Bord Pleanála
- Introducing digital tools to manage applications and public consultations
- Enhancing coordination between local authorities and environmental bodies
- Improving clarity around flood-risk development rules
- Streamlining processes for approvals involving material contravention
Minister Harris expressed confidence that these measures will lead to faster, fairer decisions while protecting Ireland’s environment and communities. The reforms target decades of delays blamed for holding back the building sector and increasing pressure on housing supply.
While some stakeholders are cautious about speeding approvals, the government stresses that rigorous environmental impact and flood-risk considerations remain integral to the planning process under the new system. This balance aims to foster sustainable growth without sacrificing quality or safety.
With this plan, the government hopes to bring clarity and certainty to developers, planners, and the public, helping to resolve long-standing issues around planning permission. The initiative is expected to increase approvals for both housing schemes and critical infrastructure, supporting Ireland’s economic and social development goals.
Overall, the government’s strategy represents a significant shift toward addressing the root causes of planning delays through legal and procedural reforms, digital innovation, and stronger inter-agency cooperation across the planning system.
Originally reported in on Mon, 08 Dec 2025 08:04:32 +0000. Full story
