The ability for entities to apply directly to An Bord Planeala is being scrapped.
Accountability for large scale planning decisions should be returned to local authorities, according to Sinn Féin.
The Strategic Housing Development Scheme, which allowed projects creating more than 100 homes to apply directly to An Bord Pleanála, is being scrapped.
Laois/Offaly TD Brian Stanley says its replacement needs to get projects moving quickly:
                            
            Revenue Seize Over €570k In Contraband
        
            Westmeath Volunteers Recognised At Water Safety Awards
        
            Westmeath Hospital Among Top Earners Of Public Health Funds
        
            Calls For Accountability Over State Covered Tax Errors
        
            Government To Support Workers Affected By Fastway Receivership - Peter Burke
        
            Major Oil Spill In Offaly
        
            Growing Industry Driving Rise In Property Prices - Laois Auctioneer
        
            Half A Million Granted For Midlands Outdoor Recreation Projects
        
            New Objection To Midlands Hospice Site In Offaly
        
            Developers To Address Oireachtas On Housing Challenges
        
            Westmeath Residents Move Against Major Housing Development 
        
            Median House Prices Rise In Midlands
        
            Literary Festival Kicks Off In Laois Tomorrow
        
            New Entrance To Laois Shopping Centre Gets Green Light 
        
            Midlands Winners For Family Carer Of The Year Announced 
        
            INTO Survey Reveals Job Vacancies In Over Half Of Special Schools 
        
            Offaly Mother Raises Almost €2k for Down Syndrome Ireland
        
            Laois TD Urges Stronger Support For Tillage Sector
        
            Midlands Agricultural Land Prices Surge 10% In A Year
        
            People Weren't Happy With The Choice - Spoil The Vote Campaign