IrelandI need planning permission for an extension. What's the process?
Yes, you generally need planning permission for an extension in Ireland, unless it qualifies as exempted development under the Planning and Development Act 2000.
What the Law Says
The Planning and Development Act 2000 is the main law governing planning permission in Ireland. Section 34 sets out when permission is required — including for most extensions — and allows for certain types of development to be exempted by regulation.
Under Irish law, you must get planning permission from your local authority before building an extension — unless it falls within 'exempted development'. Exemptions are set out in the Planning and Development Regulations (not the Act itself), but the legal power to create those exemptions comes from section 34 of the Act.
Even if your extension appears to meet exemption criteria (e.g., size, height, location), you may still need permission if your property is a protected structure, located in a conservation area, or subject to a condition on a previous permission.
The local planning authority has 8 weeks to decide on a standard application — or 16 weeks if additional information is requested. Fees are €34 for a householder application (e.g., single-storey rear extension).
Statutory TextSection 34: (1) Subject to this Act, no development shall be carried out except in accordance with a grant of planning permission.
— Planning and Development Act 2000, s. 34 — Development requiring planning permission
What to Do
Check if your extension qualifies as exempted development using the Planning Authority’s online guide or Form B (Exemption Certificate request).
If not exempt, complete Form A (planning application) and submit it to your local authority with drawings, site map, €34 fee, and any required reports (e.g., structural, heritage).
Display a site notice for 2 weeks and notify neighbours — the council will also publish the application online.
Wait for the decision (usually within 8 weeks); if refused, you may appeal to An Bord Pleanála within 4 weeks.
If granted, ensure all works comply exactly with the permission — including conditions (e.g., materials, height, setbacks).
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.