Commenting on a planning application
Information
Anyone in Ireland has the right to see a planning application made to a local authority. On payment of a fee, you also have the right to make a written submission or observation on the application. The submission or observation must be made within 5 weeks of the date of receipt of the planning application (by the local authority).
Applicants for planning permission must put up a site notice and advertise in a local newspaper so you may find out about an application that way. Local authorities must prepare weekly lists of planning applications and make them available for inspection for at least 8 weeks in their offices and public libraries.
You are entitled to see all the documents submitted with a planning application, which will be kept at the offices of your local authority. Planning authorities cannot rule on an application until 5 weeks have elapsed from the date of its receipt.
Your comments must be in writing to your local authority. If possible, you should quote the planning application's reference number. You must quote your name and address and postal address (if different).
Your submission/observation must be acknowledged by the local authority and you must be notified of the planning decision. The fee in respect of a submission/observation is 20 euro.
Rules
Your comments must be based on planning considerations, not on personal likes, dislikes or grievances. These planning considerations include:
- National and regional guidelines and ministerial directives
- Policies and objectives of the development plan
- Policies and objectives of any local plan. A local plan shall be consistent with the objectives of the development plan and shall consist of a written statement and a plan or plans indicating the objectives for the proper planning and sustainable development of the area to which it applies. It can include detail on community facilities and amenities and on standards of design in developments and structures. See also the section on local plans in the "development plan" paper.
- Local considerations such as site development density, parking provision, traffic hazards, overlooking, effects on residential amenity, etc.
- Public health
- Environmental, amenity and shopping impacts
- Other material planning matters.
Anyone who has made written submissions/observations and paid the necessary fee must be informed of the decision by the local authority within 3 days of making the decision.
If you made a submission/observation that has been acknowledged by the local authority, you have the right to appeal its planning decision to An Bord Pleanála. You also have the right to be informed of any other appeals that have been lodged to An Bord Pleanála and to receive a copy of the appeal.
Rates
The fee for making a submission/observation on a planning application in Ireland is 20 euro.
Language
Related Documents
- Appealing a planning permission decision
Outlines the circumstances in which you can appeal a planning decision and the rules governing same. - An Bord Pleanála
An Bord Pleanála (The Planning Board) is the Irish national planning appeals board. It is an independent body which was set up by the government to operate an open and impartial planning appeal system. Find out about the role and responsibilities of the Board. - Planning Permission
Introduction to the different types of planning permission in Ireland, including domestic housing. How and where to apply for planning permission.
Contact Us
If you have a question relating to this topic you can contact the Citizens Information Phone Service on 0761 07 4000 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm) or you can visit your local Citizens Information Centre.