Hours of behind-the-scenes talks have prevented plans for a major new town in Co Cork from being scuppered.

Environment Minister Alan Kelly has announced a review of An Bord Pleanála, aimed at ensuring that the planning body is adequately supported to meet future challenges.

An Bord Pleanala, in permitting The Port of Cork to move its container port, in Tivoli, to Ringaskiddy, has overturned its own decision of seven years ago not to grant permission, and has now overruled its own inspector, who had recommended refusal.

Tommy Barker says now that Cork harbour has rediscovered its mojo, so too will properties like Simla.

Three schools in the Wicklow town of Greystones have put on hold plans by McDonald’s to build a new fast food outlet there.

Suneil Sharma is a businessman not known to the wider Limerick public. While Limerick has been very good to Mr Sharma, some, specifically Limerick City and County Council, Limerick Chamber of Commerce and the Limerick Business Association are beginning to question if Mr Sharma will be as good for Limerick.

An “earth sheltered dwelling” at Reenbeg, a prominent headland overlooking Dingle harbour, has been refused planning permission by An Bord Pleanála.

Limerick City planners have been left red-faced over their objection to two neighbours restoring their roofs to their original red slate colour.

Wind turbines may be required to be a minimum of 700 metres from residential dwellings under proposals being considered by Environment Minister Alan Kelly.

The minister driving the €1bn re-invention of Cork Harbour as a tourism, research, and innovation hub says waste firm Indaver faces a “real challenge” to convince him and the public of the merits of an incinerator in the area.

Clare County Council recently voted through the incorporation of the Northern Distributor Road and the re-zoning of lands in south east Clare into the Clare County Development Plan.

Property Industry Ireland (PII) has called for the Vat rate on houses to be cut from 13.5% to 9% for two years in order to address the “acute” lack of supply of affordable owner-occupied, rental, and social housing.

Applications for licences to explore for gas using controversial fracking methods are unlikely to be considered for another two years, at least.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has defended the appointment of a pro-fracking company to lead a research study into the practice in Ireland.

A former bookshop in Cork City centre has permission to be changed to a cafe/restaurant, following a recent planning decision.

A multimillion bid to safeguard the future of one of the country’s busiest ports is due to be lodged with An Bord Pleanála.

The Dublin offices of international legal firm Maples and Calder have put on hold plans by Irish Life to construct a €20m six-storey office block on a landmark St Stephen’s Green site.

A new education/arts use is being pencilled in for a high profile Cork city centre building by the proposed events centre/Brewery Quarter, which is being sold for well over €1 million.

The resurrected plan to build a new town with 5,800 houses on the northern outskirts of Cork City will go to An Bord Pleanála again after a number of groups and individuals objected to it.

The Dalata Group has secured planning permission for a €36m plan to transform its Clayton Hotel Dublin Airport into one of the largest in the country.