Planning Bill threatens to limit access to justice, environmental lawyer warns

Housing Minister Darragh O'Brien said that planning reforms announced this week would make the system 'efficient and effective' and 'fit for purpose for a modern-day Ireland'. Picture: Sam Boal / RollingNews.ie

The newly proposed Planning Bill aimed at overhauling current obstacles in the system instead threatens to limit access to justice, one of Ireland's leading environmental lawyers has warned.

Donnchadh Woulfe said he had grave concerns about the planning reforms announced this week which Housing Minister Darragh O'Brien claimed would make the system "efficient and effective" and "fit for purpose for a modern-day Ireland" in the midst of the housing crisis.