Planning bill won’t pass before Dáil break.

Despite previous assurances from Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien, the Planning and Development Bill will not be enacted until after the Dáil’s summer recess. The bill, which aims to streamline the planning process and accelerate decision-making, has faced criticism from Sinn Féin for being overly complex.

Last night, the bill completed the report stage in the Dáil, but it still needs to undergo further consideration in the Seanad. Senators were informed via email today that the final stages of the bill will not be addressed until the autumn, raising concerns about the limited time for scrutiny.

The Bill, spanning over 700 pages, is one of the largest legislations in the state’s history and plays a crucial role in the Government’s housing policy. The Seanad will convene on 27 June to discuss the bill, with amendments expected by 2 July, followed by scheduled committee stage sessions from 15-17 July.

While the Department of Housing maintains that the majority of amendments are technical, the delay in enacting the bill emphasizes the complex nature of the legislation and the need for thorough examination.