Micheál Martin says critics of planning reforms need to 'calm it'

Focus of bill is not to refuse 'access to justice', Taoiseach says

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said a key part of the bill is that it 'really prioritises the importance of planning at local level by councils'. File picture: Sasko LazarovRollingNews.ie

Critics of the Government's proposed overhaul of the country's planning laws need to "calm it" and avoid "kneejerk" reactions, the Taoiseach has said.

Housing Minister Darragh O'Brien received Cabinet approval this week for the draft Planning and Development Bill which, if enacted, will introduce sweeping changes to the planning system.