Planning Permission in Cork
Planning applications in Cork are decided by Cork City Council or Cork County Council. This guide covers what it costs, how long it takes, and how to apply — we track 134,792 planning applications in Cork so you can see what gets approved.
Looking for Cork ePlanning? Each council runs its own register: Cork City Council and Cork County Council, or browse the Cork register here without the council's search form.
Cork planning statistics 2026: Cork's local authorities have received 2,614 planning applications so far in 2026, and 92% of the 1,175 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 — Cork's local authorities logged 98 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 Cork
- 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
Cork City 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 Cork
Recent planning applications in Cork
latest lodged 12 Oct 2026The most recent applications received by Cork City Council or Cork 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.
- 12 Oct 202626/2631Cork County Council
Planning Permission for revisions to the design of the dwelling house previously granted planning permission under Ref. 25/5324, including the change from a two-storey detached dwelling house to a single-storey detached dwelling house, revisions to the floor area, all four elevations, levels, boundary treatments, together with a new site entrance, domestic shed, and all associated site development works at Glór Na Mara, Ballycotton, Co. Cork.
Glór Na Mara,, Ballycotton,, Co. Cork
- 12 Oct 202626/2630Cork County Council
Permission to construct detached bungalow with domestic effluent treatment plant, vehicular site entrance and all associated development works
Corbally South, Lisgoold, Midleton, Co.Cork
- 12 Oct 202626/2632Cork County Council
the construction of the following; 1) a new part single storey, part two storey, detached dwelling; 2) a new single storey detached garage; 3) the installation of a new wastewater treatment unit; 4) a new site entrance; and all associated site works
Kilally,, Kilworth,, Co.Cork
- 10 Oct 202626/2627Cork County Council
Retention permission for (a) elevational changes, (b) plaster quoin stones, (c) plaster finish to western elevation, all to existing dwelling house and (d) detached domestic garage at Rathgoggan South, Charleville.
Rathgoggan South, Charleville, Co. Cork.
- 9 Oct 202626/2614Cork County Council
to carry out development namely for the construction of a new building structure comprising 3 No. apartment dwelling units, ground floor defence/yard areas, bin storage, new site boundary walls, bike and car parking including all associated site development works
Junction of Richmond Street, And Richmond Green,, Buttevant, Co. Cork, P51A8D7
- 9 Oct 202626/2616Cork County Council
Full planning permission for the construction of new single storey extension to northern elevation of existing dwellinghouse to include an accessible bedroom and bathroom, together with all other ancillary site works.
Coolyhane, Macroom, Co. Cork, P12 VN59
- 9 Oct 202626/2619Cork County Council
(A) The subdivision of existing dwelling to facilitate 2 no. 1 bed apartments (B) permission to complete construction of extension to the rear of existing dwelling and install new roof to existing dwelling, (C) Renovations to existing dwelling and commercial unit and the reinstatement of the carriage arch entrance and new gate to the front façade in leu of existing window to allow for vehicle access, alterations to all elevations including revised window and door locations along with all ancillary site works
Laharan West, Boherbue, Co. Cork
- 9 Oct 202626/2613Cork County Council
Construct a two storey dwelling and domestic garage, undertake all associated site works (Change of Plan previously permitted under PL REF 22/004)
Caherdaniel, Bantry, Co. Cork
Browse all 134,792 planning applications in Cork, including this week's lodgements, decisions and appeals.
Planning permission fees in Cork
Application fees are set nationally, so Cork 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 Cork?
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 Cork?
Your local authority (Cork City Council or Cork 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 Cork?
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 Cork as everywhere in Ireland.
How long does planning permission last in Cork?
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 Cork?
Applications go to your local authority (Cork City Council or Cork County Council), online through planning.agileapplications.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 Cork is the same as next door. What changes is the council, its development plan, and how often it grants.
Get help with your Cork application
A local architect or planning consultant who knows Cork's local authorities 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.
