A senior government adviser in Ireland has called for a significant rollback of environmental legislation, arguing that current regulations are hindering critical infrastructure development.
Sean O'Driscoll, head of the government's taskforce on planning and housing, stated that "gold-plated" environmental laws have been "weaponised" against large-scale projects, creating unnecessary delays and costs.
The adviser emphasized that the current regulatory framework is stifling investment and slowing down the construction of essential housing and transport links.
O'Driscoll's comments highlight a growing tension between climate compliance and economic delivery in Ireland.
He suggested that while key projects should be exempt from certain national climate goals, broader moves are needed to curtail environmental screening processes that he views as overly burdensome.
The adviser emphasized that the current regulatory framework is stifling investment and slowing down the construction of essential housing and transport links.
The push to deregulate comes as the Irish government faces mounting pressure to accelerate housing supply and modernize infrastructure.