Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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A comprehensive review of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) was initiated in 2021, led by the Office of the Attorney General. The review culminated in the publication of the draft Planning and Development Bill 2022 in January 2023.

The draft Bill subsequently underwent a very extensive pre-legislative scrutiny process over a three month period, undertaken by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Taking consideration of the same and further stakeholder engagement, the Bill was further updated and on 3 October the Cabinet approved the Planning and Development Bill 2023.

The Bill, which is the third largest piece of legislation in the history of the State, is currently being prepared for publication. I expect it will be published this week along with a comprehensive Explanatory Memorandum. It will then commence before the Houses of the Oireachtas, subject to its timetable.