The updated laws will see a faster decision process for planning applications.
Cabinet has approved a major overhaul of the country's planning laws.
The updated Planning and Development Bill will see An Bord Pleanála renamed, and will also see the introduction of stricter timelines for planning decisions.
As part of the Bill, fewer people will be able to take judicial reviews of planning decisions.
Laois Offaly Fianna Fáil TD Barry Cowen says it was a much-needed change: