Planning Permission in Galway
Planning applications in Galway are decided by Galway City Council or Galway County Council. This guide covers what it costs, how long it takes, and how to apply — we track 22,652 planning applications in Galway so you can see what gets approved.
Looking for Galway ePlanning? Each council runs its own register: Galway City Council and Galway County Council, or browse the Galway register here without the council's search form.
Galway planning statistics 2026: Galway's local authorities have received 1,844 planning applications so far in 2026, and 83% of the 1,187 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 — Galway's local authorities logged 20 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 Galway
- 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
Galway 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 Galway
Recent planning applications in Galway
latest lodged 12 Oct 2026The most recent applications received by Galway City Council or Galway 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 20262660366Galway City Council
Permission for development which consists of: Planning permission and Retention permission. Permission for alterations to dwelling house including widening front windows and one rear window, replace existing front lawn and concrete driveway with permeable paving creating an additional parking space. Retention permission is sought for already removed 1,370mm wide section of front boundary wall, and already removed chimney
67 Monivea Park , Ballybane , Galway
- 12 Oct 20262660367Galway City Council
Permission for development which consists of: planning permission is sought for alterations to the plans approved under pl. ref no. 23199, including the subdivision of the house into two separate residential units, alterations to the bicycle and bin store, minor changes to the elevations and all ancillary site works & services
NO.5 , SAINT HELENS STREET , GALWAY CITY
- 9 Oct 20262661687Galway County Council
to construct a dwelling house and garage with treatment plant and percolation area
Clough , Gurteen , Ballinasloe
- 9 Oct 20262661688Galway County Council
for the consruction of a single dwelling house, domestic garage, proprietary wastewater effluent treatment unit, percolation area and all associated site services
Park , Corrandulla , Co. Galway
- 9 Oct 20262661689Galway County Council
of existing calf rearing shed, retention of the roof structure over the existing holding / waiting area, construction of an agricultural building to include cubicles and underground slatted storage tanks and all associated site works
Moylough Beg , Ballinasloe , Co. Galway
- 9 Oct 20262661690Galway County Council
for the demolition of 3 No. existing domestic garages/stores and the construction of a new 1 No. two-storey serviced dwellinghouse and all associated services
Pigott's Street , Loughrea , Co. Galway
- 9 Oct 20262661691Galway County Council
for construction of an agricultural shed to include a new milking parlour, dairy & ancillary rooms, erection of a meal bin & water storage tank, drafting & handling facilities, waiting yard & underground slatted slurry storage tanks; decommissioning of existing uncovered slurry storage tanks and construction of a replacement agricultural shed comprising cubicles, a feed area, underground slatted slurry tanks, and all associated site works
Rinkippeen , Tuam , Co. Galway
- 9 Oct 20262660363Galway City Council
Permission for development which consists of: retain widening the entrance, removing the front garden and structure to the rear of the dwelling house
134 Castlelawn Heights , Headford Road , Galway
Browse all 22,652 planning applications in Galway, including this week's lodgements, decisions and appeals.
Planning permission fees in Galway
Application fees are set nationally, so Galway 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 Galway?
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 Galway?
Your local authority (Galway City Council or Galway 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 Galway?
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 Galway as everywhere in Ireland.
How long does planning permission last in Galway?
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 Galway?
Applications go to your local authority (Galway City Council or Galway 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 Galway is the same as next door. What changes is the council, its development plan, and how often it grants.
Get help with your Galway application
A local architect or planning consultant who knows Galway'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.
