Environment Minister John Gormley is to review the planning policies of six local authorities.
The councils coming under the spotlight are: Dublin City, Carlow, Galway, Cork City, Cork County and Meath.
This Department of the Environment review follows submissions on various planning issues from non-governmental organisations and members of the public.
It will determine whether the six local authorities in question are acting in a consistent and transparent manner.
It will also focus on their preparation of and adherence to development plan policies.
The relevant councils will now be asked to examine the issues that have been raised with the department.
Once they respond, the Environment Minister will appoint independent planning experts to identify any issues of concern.