Planning Permission in Louth
Planning applications in Louth are decided by Louth County Council. This guide covers what it costs, how long it takes, and how to apply — we track 10,790 planning applications in Louth so you can see what gets approved.
Looking for Louth ePlanning? Search and track Louth County Council applications on eplanning.ie, or browse the Louth register here without the council's search form.
Louth planning statistics 2026: Louth County Council has received 809 planning applications so far in 2026, and 86% of the 412 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 — Louth's local authority logged 7 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 Louth
- 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
Louth 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 Louth
Recent planning applications in Louth
latest lodged 12 Oct 2026The most recent applications received by Louth 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 20262660698
Permissin for (1) The construction of a new 2.7m high timber-frame storm porch and link structure with brick plinth connecting the existing dwellings known as Sterlings and Trinity Cottage together. (2) Internal alterations to Trinity Cottage to form two en-suite bedrooms replacing an existing living/dining area, kitchen, bathroom and bedroom. (3) All associated site development works
Sterlings and Trinity Cottage , Old Church Road , Carlingford
- 9 Oct 20262660695
Retention of single storey extensions and alterations to an existing dwelling house, attached domestic garage & wc and associated site development works
180 Greenacres , Dundalk , Co. Louth
- 9 Oct 20262660696
Permission for 1. new storage shed (Floor Area = 472m², height = 7.82m). 2. The following amendments to the development approved under Planning Reg. Ref, no. 2560423: (i) relocation of waste water treatment system ii) revision of site boundaries (iii) revision of internal site layout. 3. All associated site development works
Milestown , Castlebellingham , Co. Louth
- 9 Oct 20262660697
Permission for: (A) The construction of a single storey detached warehouse building (365sqm) located to the rear of the premises, (B) 52 no. additional surface car parking spaces located to the front of the existing buildings, (C) Additional hard standing yard areas located to the rear of the premises, (D) For all hard and soft landscaping works and for all connections to existing and proposed underground services and associated site works
Danann Air Ltd. , Donore Road , Drogheda Co. Louth.
- 8 Oct 20262660692
Permission for extension and conversion of existing single storey attached domestic garage into independent living accommodation, associated elevational changes and associated site development works
Whiterath , Dromiskin , Co. Louth
- 8 Oct 20262660693
Permission to construct part single story/part two-storey dwelling with detached domestic garage/store, install a wastewater treatment system and percoulation area and all associated site development works
Littlemill , Ballybarrack Dundalk , Co. Louth
- 8 Oct 20262660694
Permission for modifications to the existing house including a side and rear extension and all associated siteworks
11 Highfield , Drogheda , Co Louth
- 7 Oct 20262660687
Retention permission for: 1. The widening of road opening entrance onto county road Ref No L-5199-40. 2. The hard surfacing of the existing approx. 490m laneway with a new “Bitmac” layer. 3. The use of part of the lands for a storage yard. 4. All associated site development works
Tullykeel , Ardee , Co. Louth
Browse all 10,790 planning applications in Louth, including this week's lodgements, decisions and appeals.
Planning permission fees in Louth
Application fees are set nationally, so Louth 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 Louth?
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 Louth?
Louth 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 Louth?
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 Louth as everywhere in Ireland.
How long does planning permission last in Louth?
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 Louth?
Applications go to Louth 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 Louth is the same as next door. What changes is the council, its development plan, and how often it grants.
Get help with your Louth application
A local architect or planning consultant who knows Louth 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.
