Minister for Housing Eoghan Murphy is expected to seek support from his Cabinet colleagues to extend a provision which allows planning applications for large-scale housing developments of 100 units or more to be made directly to An Bord Pleanála.

The measure, which also applies to large-scale student accommodation projects, was first introduced in 2017 and, under the minister's plan, would be extended for a further two years.

It is understood Mr Murphy based his decision on foot of a review conducted by the Strategic Housing Development Review Group, and the analysis that there remains an under-supply of housing, particularly in urban areas.