Planning Permission in Westmeath
Planning applications in Westmeath are decided by Westmeath County Council. This guide covers what it costs, how long it takes, and how to apply — we track 6,227 planning applications in Westmeath so you can see what gets approved.
Looking for Westmeath ePlanning? Search and track Westmeath County Council applications on eplanning.ie, or browse the Westmeath register here without the council's search form.
Westmeath planning statistics 2026: Westmeath County Council has received 566 planning applications so far in 2026, and 85% of the 266 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 — Westmeath's local authority logged 28 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 Westmeath
- 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
Westmeath 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 Westmeath
Westmeath County Council
Recent planning applications in Westmeath
latest lodged 9 Oct 2026The most recent applications received by Westmeath 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.
- 9 Oct 20262660545
to construct a new storey and a half type dwelling, domestic garage, new vehicular entrance, septic tank and percolation area and all associated ancillary site services
Site G , Greatdown The Downs , Mullingar Westmeath
- 9 Oct 20262660546
to construct an extension, containing three bedrooms bedrooms, an office and extra living space, to their existing dwelling. The application will also include all associated site works and drainage
Lugacaha , Ballymore , Co. Westmeath
- 8 Oct 20262660542
permission to construct 1 No. dwelling, domestic garage and a separate domestic ancillary building comprising a home gym and private golf simulator/recreational room for use solely in association with the proposed dwelling. The development will also include a wastewater treatment system and percolating area, and all associated site works
Catherinestown Gaybrook , Mullingar , Co. Westmeath
- 8 Oct 20262660543
to construct a dwelling house, domestic garage with septic tank and percolation area and all associated site works
Brittas , Glasson , Athlone
- 8 Oct 20262660544
proposed construction of a Bungalow-Type Dwelling with proposed vehicular entrance, Detached residential garage, Proprietary sewage treatment system and percolation area, inclusive of all ancillary site works
Rathganny , Multyfarnham , Co. Westmeath
- 7 Oct 20262660541
to demolish existing garage and to construct an annex to the side of existing dwelling house and all associated site works
Crosshaven , Bonavalley , Athlone
- 6 Oct 20262660538
to construct a dwelling house, detached garage with septic tank and percolation area with all ancillary site works
Rathcore , Dysart , Mullingar Co. Westmeath
- 6 Oct 20262660539
development which will consist of the construction of a Phase 2 Residential Development to previously granted development (ref; 22/484- 22 units). This second phase will comprise the construction of 14 units, comprising 3x 1 Bed units (triplex), 6x 3-bed terraced units and 5x 4-bed terraced units, together with connection to existing services, associated private, communal and public open space, landscaping, street lighting, works to site boundaries, creation of new pedestrian link, roads, paving and parking, and all other associated site works and services
Glenatore , Clonbrusk , Athlone
Browse all 6,227 planning applications in Westmeath, including this week's lodgements, decisions and appeals.
Planning permission fees in Westmeath
Application fees are set nationally, so Westmeath 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 Westmeath?
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 Westmeath?
Westmeath 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 Westmeath?
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 Westmeath as everywhere in Ireland.
How long does planning permission last in Westmeath?
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 Westmeath?
Applications go to Westmeath 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 Westmeath is the same as next door. What changes is the council, its development plan, and how often it grants.
Get help with your Westmeath application
A local architect or planning consultant who knows Westmeath 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.
