UNSIGNED PREVIEW — not a promoted public release.
Actor: Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael coalition
insufficient_evidenceTopic: planning
Office: Government of Ireland
Evidence: 10 events
Sources: 10
This promise by Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael coalition has INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE for a rating. Only 10 evidence events were found. More research is needed before a reliable assessment can be made.
This promise is rated as VAGUE (vagueness score: 65/100). It uses broad language like "Establish a planning and environment court to fast-track major developments" without specific metrics or deadlines. Vague promises are harder to track because success criteria are unclear. Look for concrete numbers, dates, and measurable outcomes to judge delivery.
Issue category: housing
A dedicated Planning and Environment Court division of the High Court was formally launched on 11 December 2023 by President of the High Court Mr Justice David Barniville, with three specialised judges assigned. The court handles planning, development, and environmental judicial reviews.
Minister for Justice Helen McEntee welcomed the establishment of the new Planning and Environment division of the High Court, stating the assignment of three judges was crucial to support increased capacity.
Rules of the Superior Courts (Planning & Environment) 2025 (S.I. No. 246 of 2025) were enacted, setting out formal procedures for the Planning & Environment List of the High Court.
Legal challenges to vital infrastructure projects are being fast-tracked under new High Court rules for the Planning and Environment Court.
The Courts Service reported that the Planning and Environment Court's caseload increased by 73% since its establishment, with plans for up to a 50% expansion of its business.
The Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2025 was enacted, addressing judicial review proceedings and related planning matters, further supporting the court's fast-track mandate.
The number of resolved planning and environmental cases doubled from 129 in 2023 to 253 in 2024 (a 96% increase), according to the Courts Service Annual Report for 2024. Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan welcomed the faster processing.
The Law Society of Ireland reported that reform of the judicial review process is at the centre of the Government's plan to speed up delivery of key infrastructure, with the Fianna Fáil–Fine Gael coalition pushing significant legislative changes.
The Irish Government published the 'Accelerating Infrastructure Report and Action Plan' on 3 December 2025, centering reform of the judicial review process as key to speeding up delivery of infrastructure projects. The 136-page report called for a 'rebalance of rights' towards the public interest.
Establish a planning and environment court to fast-track major developments
A new Practice Direction (HC 137) for the Planning and Environment Court came into force on 13 April 2026, continuing procedural refinements.