Planning Permission in Dublin
Planning applications in Dublin are decided by Dublin City Council, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, Fingal County Council or South Dublin County Council. This guide covers what it costs, how long it takes, and how to apply — we track 116,920 planning applications in Dublin so you can see what gets approved.
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 — Dublin's local authorities logged 148 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 Dublin
- 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
Dublin 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 Dublin
Dublin City Council
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council
Fingal County Council
South Dublin County Council
Planning permission fees in Dublin
Application fees are set nationally, so Dublin 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 Dublin?
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 Dublin?
Your local authority (Dublin City Council or Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council or Fingal County Council or South Dublin 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 Dublin?
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 Dublin as everywhere in Ireland.
How long does planning permission last in Dublin?
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 Dublin?
Applications go to your local authority (Dublin City Council or Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council or Fingal County Council or South Dublin County Council), either through the national ePlanning portal (planning.localgov.ie) or directly. You must also publish a newspaper notice and erect a site notice before applying.
Related guides
Get help with your Dublin application
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