Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

It would not be the case that it would be done on a whim. That temporary suspension derives from an assessment.

Section 75(3) states:

In carrying out an assessment of an urban area plan, priority area plan or coordinated area plan under subsection (1) or (2), the Office of the Planning Regulator shall, for the purposes of forming an opinion under subsection (8), in particular, consider ...

A range of considerations are then listed in paragraphs (a) to (g), inclusive. The objective is to ensure a plan is suspended while this deliberation takes place. The suspension is grounded in careful consideration until a formal official recommendation is made by the office to the Minister.