How to support or object to a planning application with a local authority

Anyone has the right to see a planning application made to a local authority. You can also make a submission or observation on the application for €20. Generally, the submission or observation must be made within 5 weeks of when the local authority received the planning application.

People who are applying for planning permission must put up a site notice and advertise in a local newspaper that circulates in the area.

Local authorities must prepare weekly lists of planning applications and make them available for inspection in their offices and public libraries for at least 8 weeks.

You can also view planning applications on your local authority's website.

You can see all the documents submitted with a planning application. These are kept at the offices of your local authority.

You must make comments about planning applications in writing to the local authority where the application was made. You may be able to do this on your local authority's website.

If possible, you should quote the planning application's reference number. You must also give your:

• Name
• Address
• Phone number
• Email address (if you have one)

What happens when your comments are received?

Your submission or observation must be acknowledged by the local authority.

The local authority cannot make a decision on an application until they have had it for 5 weeks. This is so people have time to view and comment on the application.

When the local authority decides on the planning application, you must be informed of their decision within 3 days of them making it.

If your submission is received after the deadline, it will be returned to you along with your fee. You will also be contacted by your local authority to tell you that your submission can't be considered. The deadline for commenting on a planning application is 5 weeks from when the local authority received the planning application.

There are different rules if you want to support or object to a planning application or planning case that is with An Bord Pleanála.

Your comments must be based on planning considerations, not on personal likes, dislikes or grievances. Planning considerations include:

• National and regional guidelines and ministerial directives
• Policies and objectives of the development plan
• Policies and objectives of any local plan
• Local considerations such as site development density, parking provision, traffic hazards, overlooking, effects on residential amenity
• Public health
• Environmental, amenity and shopping impacts
• Other material planning matters

Any comments or observations you make on a planning application are public.

If you make allegations against a person or organisation in your comments, this could be seen as defamatory and you could be sued.

If you made a submission or 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.

An Bord Pleanála has easy-to-read guides with information on making a planning appeal (pdf) and making an observation on a planning appeal (pdf).

The fee for making a submission or observation on a planning application to a local authority is €20.

For more information, you can contact your local authority.