Ireland’s new planning and development legislation ‘to boost housing development’

Kevin Collins, real estate and planning expert at Pinsent Masons, was commenting on the new Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2025 (28 pages/443 KB PDF) which is expected to be in force by the end of July or early August, depending on the final stages in the Dáil and Seanad. The new law introduces targeted reforms aimed at improving clarity, efficiency and responsiveness in the planning system.

Ireland’s minister for housing has emphasised that the bill would help unlock over 40,000 residential units on inactive sites, particularly in Dublin.

“This is a huge step in the right direction in helping to protect the housing pipeline and in avoiding further setbacks in meeting national housing targets,” said Collins.

The new law, once in force, would enable developers to apply for an extension of up to three years for housing developments that have not yet commenced but are nearing the end of their permission period. This is especially relevant for projects delayed due to judicial review proceedings. Additionally, the time spend in judicial review will no longer count toward a planning permission’s lifespan. The change is retrospective, meaning it will apply to permissions already impacted by judicial review delays.

The legislation also allows for design flexibility for apartments. Developers will be able make certain design modifications – for instance, to meet updated apartment standards – without needing a new planning application.

The bill is part of a broader government response to a sharp decline in housing commencements this year, with only 6,325 homes started in the first six months compared to 34,581 in the first half of 2024, Collins said.

Collins said: “The bill reflects a push to unlock stalled housing projects and accelerate delivery. The enactment of the new legislation will be pivotal in tackling the issues hindering housebuilding as well as helping to improve the overall planning system in Ireland.”