Planning Permission in Offaly
Planning applications in Offaly are decided by Offaly County Council. This guide covers what it costs, how long it takes, and how to apply — we track 6,751 planning applications in Offaly so you can see what gets approved.
Looking for Offaly ePlanning? Search and track Offaly County Council applications on eplanning.ie, or browse the Offaly register here without the council's search form.
Offaly planning statistics 2026: Offaly County Council has received 619 planning applications so far in 2026, and 89% of the 238 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 — Offaly's local authority logged 9 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 Offaly
- 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
Offaly 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 Offaly
Offaly County Council
Recent planning applications in Offaly
latest lodged 5 Oct 2026The most recent applications received by Offaly 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.
- 5 Oct 2026Ex26017
FOR 21/320 FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A SINGLE STOREY DWELLING AND A DOMESTIC GARAGE AND A WASTE WATER TREATMENT SYSTEM AND A VEHICULAR ENTRANCE AND ALL ASSOCIATED SITE WORKS
RATHLUMBER , EDENDERRY , CO. OFFALY
- 2 Oct 20262660517
a slatted livestock cubicle shed, slurry and soiled water storage, milking parlor including all ancillary associated areas, resurface existing walled silo floor including all ancillary concrete yard areas and all associated site works
Ballinlough , Roscrea , Offaly.
- 2 Oct 2026EX26016
21/271 FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A FOUR BEDROOM DWELLING WITH GARAGE. THE APPLICATION WILL ALSO INCLUDE A NEW ENTRANCE AND ALL ASSOCIATED SITE-WORKS, BOUNDARY TREATMENTS, CONNECTIONS TO EXISTING SERVICES AND DRAINAGE
CURRAGH ROAD , CLARA , CO. OFFALY
- 1 Oct 20262660516
A new dwelling, site entrance, driveway, septic tank, percolation area and all associated site works
Belfield , Shinrone Birr , Co Offaly
- 30 Sept 20262660513
proposed extension to existing multi-purpose agricultural shed (not for the housing of animals) and all associated site development works. Permission is also sought to vary condition no. 9 of previously granted planning permission reference PL2/21/93 by way of its removal. Retention permission is sought for existing entrances, boundaries & hedgerows as constructed
Doon Demesne , Ballinahown , Co. Offaly
- 30 Sept 20262660514
Revisions to the site boundaries associated with the existing residential building, domestic garage and wastewater treatment system (Previous Planning References: 021352 & 07771). Retention permission is also sought for an existing fuel storage/tool shed within the site boundaries and all ancillary site works
Clonrah and Glaster , Birr , Co. Offaly
- 30 Sept 20262660515
A) demolition of the existing side extension; B) construction of a new front porch; and C) construction of a new two storey extension to the rear and a single-storey extension to the side. Permission is also sought for a new treatment system and percolation area and a new site entrance together with all associated site works
Coologe , Fivealley , Birr
- 29 Sept 20262660510
( A ). CONSTRUCT A SINGLE STOREY , EXTENTION TO EXISTING DWELLING CONSISTING OF A PROPOSED DINING ROOM . ( B ). CONSTRUCT ONE NUMBER SINGLE STOREY GRANNY FLAT TO EXISTING DWELLING CONTAINING PROPOSED KITCHEN/ DINING AREA ,LIVING ROOM ,UTILITY , BATHROOM ,HOME OFFICE AND BEDROOM . ( C ). ALTER AND UPGRADE EXISTING SITE SERVICES AND SITE BOUNDARIES TO ACCOMADATE THE ABOVE DEVELOPMENT AND ALL ASSOCIATED SITE WORKS
CLONMEEN , RHODE , CO.OFFALY
Browse all 6,751 planning applications in Offaly, including this week's lodgements, decisions and appeals.
Planning permission fees in Offaly
Application fees are set nationally, so Offaly 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 Offaly?
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 Offaly?
Offaly 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 Offaly?
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 Offaly as everywhere in Ireland.
How long does planning permission last in Offaly?
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 Offaly?
Applications go to Offaly 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 Offaly is the same as next door. What changes is the council, its development plan, and how often it grants.
Get help with your Offaly application
A local architect or planning consultant who knows Offaly 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.
