Planning Permission in Laois
Planning applications in Laois are decided by Laois County Council. This guide covers what it costs, how long it takes, and how to apply — we track 8,130 planning applications in Laois so you can see what gets approved.
Looking for Laois ePlanning? Search and track Laois County Council applications on eplanning.ie, or browse the Laois register here without the council's search form.
Laois planning statistics 2026: Laois County Council has received 799 planning applications so far in 2026, and 94% of the 289 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 — Laois's local authority logged 19 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 Laois
- 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
Laois 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 Laois
Recent planning applications in Laois
latest lodged 12 Oct 2026The most recent applications received by Laois 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 20262660733
construct a single storey dwelling, new splayed entrance, detached garage, wastewater treatment system & percolation area, rainwater harvesting system and all associated site works
Turra , Ballickmoyler , Carlow Co. Laois
- 12 Oct 20262660734
renovate and extend existing derelict dwelling house to include extensions to front and rear and the addition of a first floor extension and stone cladding to front and sides of house, new site entrance, proprietary treatment system, percolation area and all associated site works
Cremorgan , Timahoe , Co. Laois
- 12 Oct 20262660735
construct a dwelling house, garage, site entrance, and all associated site works. Permission is also sought for a new septic tank to service existing dwelling house at Eircode R32 WK2N. Existing septic tank on site to service new dwelling house.
Ballytegan , Portlaoise , Co. Laois
- 12 Oct 20262660736
construct a new two storey extension to the rear of existing house and construction of a new detached garage to the side of the existing house and all associated site works and services.
Moneyquid , Killeigh , Co. Laois
- 12 Oct 20262660737
demolish existing dwelling house & outbuilding. Permission is also sought to build 20 dwellings including: 4 two-bedroom apartments; 4 two-bedroom dwellings; 6 three-bedroom dwellings; 3 four-bedroom dwellings; 3 one bedroom apartments; bin and bike bays, roads, services and all associated site works.
Shannon Street , Mountrath , Co. Laois
- 12 Oct 20262660738
make amendments to Permitted Development, Reg. Ref. 2259, in the curtilage of the Protected Structure RPS Ref. No. 665: House, Ballyroan. The development will consist of reconfiguration of the permitted rear terrace of 6no. houses to extend westwards and accommodate an additional 4no. two-storey terraced houses (2 Bedroom) within two terraces, increasing the overall permitted scheme from 11no. to 15no. houses; additional car parking spaces; minor modifications to garden walls and rear garden areas of 5no. houses along Main Street; site boundary treatments; revisions to roads and services; an ESB sub-station; and all other associated works.
No. 10 Main Street , Ballyroan , Co. Laois
- 12 Oct 20262660739
retain a boundary wall & planning permission for bungalow type dwelling with access to the site from previously approved Planning Reg Ref 25/60406 and connection to foul sewer & all associated site works.
Cooltederry , Portarlington , Co. Laois
- 9 Oct 20262660729
renovate and extend existing derelict dwelling house to include extensions to front and rear and the addition of a first floor extension and stone cladding to front and sides of house, new site entrance, proprietary treatment system, percolation area and all associated site works
Cremorgan , Timahoe , Co. Laois
Browse all 8,130 planning applications in Laois, including this week's lodgements, decisions and appeals.
Planning permission fees in Laois
Application fees are set nationally, so Laois 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 Laois?
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 Laois?
Laois 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 Laois?
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 Laois as everywhere in Ireland.
How long does planning permission last in Laois?
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 Laois?
Applications go to Laois 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 Laois is the same as next door. What changes is the council, its development plan, and how often it grants.
Get help with your Laois application
A local architect or planning consultant who knows Laois 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.
