Planning Permission Local Authority

What is this licence?

Planning ensures that the right development happens in the right place, at the right time. Our planning system provides the social, economic and physical infrastructure to meet the needs of our people. At the same time, it works to protect our natural and built environment.

Types of planning permission

There are two types of planning permission you can apply for.

Permission

Permission (sometimes referred to as full permission) is the most common type. An application for permission requires full details of the proposed development.

Outline permission

There are circumstances when you may want to apply for outline permission. For example, to see if the authority agrees with your project in principle. This avoids the expense of having detailed plans prepared initially.

You still need full permission before starting work. In most cases, you must apply for full permission within three years of getting outline permission.

When do I need it?

You need to apply for relevant planning permission during the planning phase of your project. This should be after completing your design.

How to apply

Apply for planning permission with the planning authority for your area. This will be one of the 31 local authorities in Ireland (city or county councils). Application forms and information are available from your planning authority either at their offices or on their website.

Planning permission for more complex developments must be obtained from An Bord Pleanála (e.g. strategic infrastructure development).

Fees

There are different fees for various types of projects. You can check with your local authority for up-to-date fees.

What if my application is rejected?

If the local authority refuses your application, it will give you the reasons for this. You have 4 weeks from the date of this decision to make an appeal to An Bord Pleanála.