Planning Permission in Clare
Planning applications in Clare are decided by Clare County Council. This guide covers what it costs, how long it takes, and how to apply — we track 11,127 planning applications in Clare so you can see what gets approved.
Looking for Clare ePlanning? Search and track Clare County Council applications on eplanning.ie, or browse the Clare register here without the council's search form.
Clare planning statistics 2026: Clare County Council has received 932 planning applications so far in 2026, and 94% of the 555 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 — Clare's local authority logged 21 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 Clare
- 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
Clare 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 Clare
Recent planning applications in Clare
latest lodged 8 Oct 2026The most recent applications received by Clare 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.
- 8 Oct 20262660656
for (a) retention and completion of the partly constructed replacement dwelling house on the site of the former fire-damaged and collapsed dwelling house; (b) reopening of the existing entrance to serve the replacement dwelling house; (c) retention of the installed percolation area and replacement of the existing septic tank with a wastewater treatment system; (d) retention of the relocated agricultural entrance and gravel access track serving the agricultural lands and sheds; and (e) retention and completion of all associated ancillary site development works, boundary treatments, landscaping and works necessary to facilitate completion of the dwelling house
Cappalaheen , Kilkishen , Co. Clare
- 8 Oct 20262660657
to raise the level of the land by landfill in accordance with the details submitted and carry out all associated site works. A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) will be submitted to the local authority with the planning application
Crown , Lissycasey , Co. Clare
- 8 Oct 20262660659
for the change of use of the existing church building to a boxing gymnasium, including internal and external alterations to the existing structure, external repairs, connection to services and all ancillary site works at Cloonlara (Church of Ireland) Church, Cloonlara, Co. Clare, a protected structure. Clare County Council Ref: RPS 119 NIAH 20405302 (Cloonlara Church)
Saint Senan's Church of Ireland , Church Road , Clonlara Co. Clare
- 8 Oct 20262660660
for alterations to the development previously permitted under planning Ref. 25/60539, Consisting of (a) Alterations to the approved external cladding/finishes and (b) minor alterations to the approved internal floor layout, along with any associated elevational changes and ancillary works
Derry , Lahinch , Co. Clare
- 7 Oct 202626275
to retain the alterations and extension to the existing site and ancillary works
Cahermurphy , Kilmihil , Co. Clare V15 TK33
- 7 Oct 202626276
to retain the alterations and extensions to the dwellinghouse, the alterations to the garage & all other associated site and ancillary works
Castlehill , Derry , Ennistymon C.o Clare V95 DV50
- 7 Oct 202626277
to construct an extension to the front and side of existing dwelling, with all associated site works
Ballymaconna , Barefield , Co Clare
- 7 Oct 202626278
to make changes to the existing internal layout and elevations of the dwelling, demolish an existing flat roofed element to the rear, and to construct a single storey extension to the rear, all with associated site works
Attyterrila , Ruan , Co Clare
Browse all 11,127 planning applications in Clare, including this week's lodgements, decisions and appeals.
Planning permission fees in Clare
Application fees are set nationally, so Clare 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 Clare?
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 Clare?
Clare 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 Clare?
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 Clare as everywhere in Ireland.
How long does planning permission last in Clare?
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 Clare?
Applications go to Clare 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 Clare is the same as next door. What changes is the council, its development plan, and how often it grants.
Get help with your Clare application
A local architect or planning consultant who knows Clare 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.
