They say it's causing delays in applications.
County councils must be allowed to take the lead with planning applications, according to Sinn Féin.
Laois-Offaly TD Brian Stanley says it's frustrating to see local authorities being bypassed and applications taken to An Bord Pleanála instead.
He says it's leading to major backlogs in the planning process, at a time when we desperately need to free up more land for housing.
Speaking in the Dáil, Deputy Stanley also called for local authorities to implement the Vacant Site Levy more vigorously:
Offaly Prize Bonds Holder Wins €500k
BNM Workshop Reunion Taking Place In Offaly Tomorrow
ICTU Reminds Employees Of The Right To Disconnect
Laois Town To Host Famine Commemoration Event
Plans For Billion Euro Data Centre In Westmeath Face New Appeal
Westmeath Councillor Advocates For More Remote Working Hubs
Midlands Homelessness On The Rise
Hundreds Without Power In Westmeath
Westmeath Domestic Abuse Support Service Reports Rise In Cases
Laois TD Highlights GP Gap
Call Made For 'Cost Of Disability Payment' in Budget 2027
Offaly Coffee Shop Listed Among Top 100 In Europe
Man To Stand Trial Over Midlands Tasering Accusation
Another Report Underlines Midlands House Price Inflation
Midlands Braced For Severe Thunderstorms
Sustainable Livestock Village Programme Launched For Tullamore Show
Offaly Woman Named National Carer Of The Year
Plans Lodged For 40 Year Solar Farm Development In Offaly
Midlands MEP Hosts Online Safety Initiative In Brussels
Oireachtas Report Highlights Planning And Infrastructure Reform Needs