Fears that new planning bill 'will make system even more difficult'

Darragh O'Brien: Concerns have been raised about a Government amendment that would see planning authorities overruled if they refuse new developments solely on the basis that housing is maxed out in a particular area under a local development plan. Picture: Damien Storan

Concerns have been raised about changes to the new planning bill that would allow local authorities to be overruled if they reject new developments in areas that are already "maxed out" for housing.

The Planning and Development Bill 2023, which is the third biggest bill in the history of the State at over 700 pages long, is seeking to consolidate and reform existing planning laws into one single piece of legislation.