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Planning Permission in Meath

Planning applications in Meath are decided by Meath County Council. This guide covers what it costs, how long it takes, and how to apply — we track 17,006 planning applications in Meath so you can see what gets approved.

Looking for Meath ePlanning? Search and track Meath County Council applications on eplanning.ie, or browse the Meath register here without the council's search form.

Meath planning statistics 2026: Meath County Council has received 1,426 planning applications so far in 2026, and 82% of the 681 decided to date were granted. Source: Irish planning statistics, compiled daily from the public register.

€65
Application fee (house)
8 weeks
Decision due within
5 weeks
Public observations
5 years
Permission lasts

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 — Meath'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 exempt

How to apply for planning permission in Meath

  1. 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. 2

    Request a pre-planning consultation

    Meath County Council offers free pre-planning meetings. They flag issues with your site or design before you commit to drawings.

  3. 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. 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. 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 Meath

Recent planning applications in Meath

latest lodged 11 Oct 2026

The most recent applications received by Meath 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.

Browse all 17,006 planning applications in Meath, including this week's lodgements, decisions and appeals.

Planning permission fees in Meath

Application fees are set nationally, so Meath charges the same as every other county:

Application typeFee
New house€65
Domestic extension or garage€34
Outline permission75% of the full fee
Retention permission3× 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 Meath?

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 Meath?

Meath 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 Meath?

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 Meath as everywhere in Ireland.

How long does planning permission last in Meath?

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 Meath?

Applications go to Meath 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 Meath is the same as next door. What changes is the council, its development plan, and how often it grants.

Get help with your Meath application

A local architect or planning consultant who knows Meath 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.