Killarney-based politician Seán Kelly, who is also an MEP for Ireland South, has reiterated his call for major reforms in the Irish planning system, expressing significant concern over the inefficiencies and delays currently hindering the country’s economic and infrastructural development.

"Like many people, I have concerns about the Irish planning system for a long time and it is a problem that we must address," stated Kelly.
Kelly emphasised the detrimental impact the slow and inefficient planning process has on Ireland’s economic growth and development. "The growth and development of our economy is being held up by a planning process that is too slow, inefficient, and at the mercy of serial objectors."

The Fine Gael MEP highlighted the particular challenges faced by vital energy and infrastructure projects, which are frequently stalled by objections: "Vital energy and infrastructure projects are hit with objections at every turn. The result is a slow rollout of renewables and electricity that is more expensive for everybody as a result."

The consequences of these delays extend beyond just higher costs. "More carbon emissions as we are locked into our fossil fuel dependency," Kelly pointed out, "Crucially, investors are less interested in Ireland because we cannot guarantee them a secure supply of energy. This is often overlooked."

At the EU level, efforts have been made to address these issues. "The Repower EU emergency planning laws were agreed in December 2022 and aim to speed up planning for renewable energy and grid projects. It was a direct response to the energy price crisis, yet still, Ireland has not properly implemented it," Kelly said.

Kelly contrasted Ireland’s sluggish implementation with the progress seen in other European countries: "Our system continues to be ridden with delays, while other countries like Germany, France, and Belgium accelerate theirs. This is not acceptable."

"We must urgently reform our planning system, cut out delays and make sure Ireland is open for business, driving down energy costs in the process," added Kelly.