Legislation which will overhaul the judicial review process has been published by the Minister for Justice.
Jim O'Callaghan pledged that it would result in greater transparency and a more streamlined process.
He added that the State faces significant challenges around housing shortages, energy deficits, inadequate water supplies and climate changes.
"We can no longer delay on reform of the judicial review system," he said.
"The measures in this Bill will not only deliver this reform, they will also support the Government's Accelerating Infrastructure Action Plan, which addresses a range of barriers to developing the infrastructure required to sustain a growing society."
Under the changes a judicial review cannot be sought on purely technical grounds.
The legislation is also aiming to cut the legal bills the State faces after a successful judicial review.
It will stipulate that costs may only be awarded to an applicant where the final decision of the court provides a significant benefit to them.
Only those directly affected and people who have a sufficient interest in the matter will be able to seek a judicial review according to the initial outline of the legislation.
"Through the forthcoming legislation, I will make clear that judicial review is a process whereby someone who has suffered harm or prejudice because of an unlawful action of a public body may seek a remedy from the courts," the minister said.
"However, any remedy will consider the public interest as well as the interests of the applicant."
