Timeline for Planning and Development Act 2024 Implementation

With the commencement of the Planning and Development Act 2024 to be rolled out in increments over the next 12 months and beyond, our Planning & Environment team explains the transitional period and when the new provisions are expected to take effect.

The Planning and Development Act 2024 was signed into law on 17 October 2024. Since our last insight where we highlighted points of interest for developers, we have published a quick-reference guide that simplifies the key aspects and implications of the new legislation.

In this update, we review the Government’s implementation plan for the 2024 Act, setting out an indicative timeline for commencement of the new provisions.

Repeal of 2000 Act and transition to new provisions

While the 2024 Act has been signed into law, the Planning and Development Act 2000 (the 2000 Act) will continue to apply until repealed and the new provisions commenced by way of Ministerial Order.

The first commencement order[1] came into effect on 2 December 2024 and commenced Part 26 as well as some preliminary procedural matters. Part 26 relates to the acquisition of certain NAMA assets and the establishment of owners’ management companies by the Land Development Agency.

Timeline for commencement

The Government published its implementation plan for the rollout of 2024 Act in March 2025. The 2024 Act is proposed to commence in four blocks, A - D.

Block A

Block A is expected to commence in early Q2 2025 and will see the transition of An Bord Pleanála to An Coimisiún Pleanála and all associated administrative and organisational changes. This phase will also see the commencement of provisions relating to judicial review and decision-making with the exception of the amended costs provisions. Block A will also see the introduction of new enforcement and appeal procedures.

Block B

Block B is anticipated to come into effect in mid-2025 and will see the commencement of Part 3 of the 2024 Act which relates to plans and policies. Block B will include:

• The new National Planning Framework
• National Planning Statements
• Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies
• Housing Strategy and Development Plans

The establishment of Urban Development Zones provisions will also form part of this phase.

Blocks C and D

The commencement of the remaining provisions will take place in Block C and Block D following the progression of Blocks A and B. The timeline for commencement of these phases has yet to be determined and remains subject to further consultation with the sector. Block C will comprise provisions primarily relating to consents. Block D will incorporate Strategic Development Zones, compulsory acquisition, judicial review costs and any remaining sections.

Transitional provisions

Broadly speaking, any planning process commenced under the 2000 Act will continue under that Act even after the relevant provision has been repealed under the 2024 Act. For example, where an application or appeal has been made before the repeal of the 2000 Act, the 2000 Act will continue to apply.

Developers should be aware that there are certain exceptions. For example, a planning application for a “Chapter 4” development may be lodged under the 2024 Act, even if the Strategic Infrastructure Development pre-application process was completed under the 2000 Act before the repeal of that Act.

Next Steps

There will be some complexity involved in navigating the applicability and interaction of provisions under the 2000 Act and the 2024 Act during this transitional period. The implementation plan has been described as a “living document” with timelines for commencement subject to change.

Developers should be alert to the commencement of the new rules to ensure they follow the correct procedure and time their planning processes to take advantage of any beneficial changes introduced in the 2024 Act.

For more information, please contact a member of our Planning & Environment team.

The content of this article is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute legal or other advice.

[1] S.I. No. 662/2024 - Planning and Development Act 2024 (Commencement) Order 2024