The Planning Authority and Minister would gain sweeping powers — bypassing existing policies, changing building heights, changing ODZ designations, and even reviving expired permits.

New policies would no longer need to follow Local Plans. Any policy issued at the whim of the PA or Minister could take precedence — even if it contradicts all others.

Planning decisions would no longer need to take environmental or sanitary considerations into account.

The right to appeal would be severely restricted. Appeals could only be made on narrow technical and legal points raised during the objection stage, while the application is still being processed.

Citizens would have just 20 days to file an appeal. If an appeal is deemed “frivolous”, a fine of €5,000 could be imposed — with no chance to contest it.

Even if citizens win in court, permits would not be revoked. The case would simply be referred back to the PA’s own tribunal — which is not independent.

If a court appeal lasts more than five months, any construction carried out during that time would automatically become legal.

New so called "vested rights" will obstruct future Governments from improving environmental protections as circumstances dictate.

A non-independent tribunal would gain sweeping discretion, including the ability to alter plans mid-process.

All sorts of illegal development, including sensitive areas such as ODZ and UCA, will be either regularised or given a concession. This will stop any enforcement, making them de facto legal. None of the above illegalities will have to conform to existing planning policies.