Planning Permission in Carlow
Planning applications in Carlow are decided by Carlow County Council. This guide covers what it costs, how long it takes, and how to apply — we track 4,642 planning applications in Carlow so you can see what gets approved.
Looking for Carlow ePlanning? Search and track Carlow County Council applications on eplanning.ie, or browse the Carlow register here without the council's search form.
Carlow planning statistics 2026: Carlow County Council has received 329 planning applications so far in 2026, and 92% of the 146 decided to date were granted. Source: Irish planning statistics, compiled daily from the public register.
First: you may not need planning permission
Rear extensions under 45 sq m, most sheds and garages, and rooftop solar panels are usually exempted development — Carlow's local authority logged 18 exempted development notifications in 2018-2022. Two minutes with our free checker could save you months and thousands of euro.
Check if your project is exemptHow to apply for planning permission in Carlow
- 1
Check if you need permission at all
Many small projects - rear extensions under 45 sq m, sheds, rooftop solar - are exempted development and need no application. Check before you spend anything.
- 2
Request a pre-planning consultation
Carlow County Council offers free pre-planning meetings. They flag issues with your site or design before you commit to drawings.
- 3
Prepare drawings and documents
You will need site location maps, layout plans, elevations, and sections - almost always prepared by an architect, engineer, or architectural technician.
- 4
Publish notices
Place a notice in an approved local newspaper and erect a site notice. The application must be lodged within 2 weeks of the newspaper notice.
- 5
Submit and wait for a decision
Lodge the application with the fee. The council checks validity, the public has 5 weeks to comment, and a decision is due within 8 weeks.
Full details in our step-by-step application guide and pre-submission checklist.
Where to apply in Carlow
Carlow County Council
Recent planning applications in Carlow
latest lodged 9 Oct 2026The most recent applications received by Carlow County Council, from the public planning register. Seeing what your neighbours are applying for, and what gets granted, is the quickest way to judge your own chances.
- 9 Oct 20262660310
demolish an existing single storey ruin and 2no. sheds and construct a 2-storey dwelling, new mains water and sewage connection, new boundary treatments and all associated site works
Athy Road , Carlow
- 8 Oct 20262660309
the construction of single storey building to be used for storage and meeting room, permission for new fencing to part of Northern and Western boundaries, new car parking spaces, connection to services and all associated site works
Askea , Carlow.
- 7 Oct 20262660308
change of use of premises from existing English language teaching facility to use as office space, new signage, and all associated site works
Unit 8 , Strawhall Industrial Estate , Carlow
- 6 Oct 20262660306
a new single storey four bedroom dwelling, a new residential site entrance (replacement of existing agricultural site entrance), a new single storey domestic garage, new waste water treatment system plus all associated site works including all over ground / underground services to facilitate the development
Ballyteigelea , Borris , Co. Carlow
- 6 Oct 20262660307
A) Construction of a new first floor mezzanine of 58.2 m² within the existing Empower Fitness gym premises. B) Provision of a new internal staircase connecting the ground floor to the mezzanine level. C) Internal alterations including removal of walls, and all associated site works and services. D) Change of opening hours: Monday to Friday from 6 am – 9:30 pm to 6 am – 10 pm; Saturday from 9 am – 6 pm to 8 am – 6 pm; and Sunday from 9 am – 3 pm to 8 am – 5 pm
O'Brien Road , Rathnapish , Co. Carlow
- 5 Oct 20262660302
1) Erection of a portal frame shed for machinery storage of contracting equipment, 2) Reinforced concrete boundary wall and 3) New entrance and all associated site works
Mallannagaun , Ballymurphy , Co. Carlow
- 5 Oct 20262660303
garage and home workshop entrance to rear of existing and all associated site works
Mullannagaun , Ballymurphy , Co. Carlow
- 5 Oct 20262660304
the construction of a single storey dwelling, connection to services, new entrance and all associated site works
Tinryland , Carlow
Browse all 4,642 planning applications in Carlow, including this week's lodgements, decisions and appeals.
Planning permission fees in Carlow
Application fees are set nationally, so Carlow charges the same as every other county:
| Application type | Fee |
|---|---|
| New house | €65 |
| Domestic extension or garage | €34 |
| Outline permission | 75% of the full fee |
| Retention permission | 3× the standard fee (€195 for a house) |
| Appeal to An Coimisiún Pleanála | €220 |
Professional fees for drawings and managing the application are the real cost — see the fees guide or estimate yours with the fee calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How much does planning permission cost in Carlow?
The statutory application fee is the same across Ireland: 65 euro for a new house and 34 euro for a domestic extension or garage. Retention permission costs three times the standard fee. On top of that, most applicants pay a professional (architect, engineer, or planning consultant) for drawings and the application itself - typically 1,500 to 5,000 euro depending on the project.
How long does planning permission take in Carlow?
Carlow County Council must decide within 8 weeks of receiving a valid application. There is a 5-week period for public observations, and a 4-week appeal window after the decision. A request for further information restarts the clock, so 3 to 6 months end to end is common.
Do I need planning permission for an extension in Carlow?
Not always. Rear extensions up to 45 square metres are generally exempt from planning permission, subject to conditions on height, remaining garden space, and previous extensions. The same national exemption rules apply in Carlow as everywhere in Ireland.
How long does planning permission last in Carlow?
A grant of planning permission normally lasts 5 years from the date of the decision. If you have not substantially completed the work in that time you must apply again or seek an extension of duration.
Where do I submit a planning application in Carlow?
Applications go to Carlow County Council, online through eplanning.ie or on paper at the council offices. You must also publish a newspaper notice and erect a site notice before applying.
Related guides
Planning permission in neighbouring counties
The fees, timelines and exemptions are set nationally, so the process in Carlow is the same as next door. What changes is the council, its development plan, and how often it grants.
Get help with your Carlow application
A local architect or planning consultant who knows Carlow County Council can prepare drawings, handle notices, and manage the application for you.
Need help with your application?
Tell us about your project and we'll connect you with an architect or planning consultant in your county. Free, no obligation.
