How Irish planning works

The planning route (since late 2021) for larger housing schemes: the application is decided by the local authority, with appeal to An Coimisiún Pleanála.

The former fast-track route (2017–2021) where large housing schemes applied directly to the national planning body. Replaced by LRD, but still appears in historic records.

The route for nationally significant projects — data centres, windfarms, major grid, ports and water — consented directly by An Coimisiún Pleanála, bypassing the local authority.

The procedure a local authority uses to approve its own development — housing, roads, civic buildings and amenities — under Part 8 of the planning regulations.

Works that may not need planning permission if they stay within the limits and conditions set out in the planning regulations.

A formal request asking the planning authority to declare whether something is 'development', and whether it is 'exempted development'.

A statutory building-control notice served before works begin — the clearest public signal a permission is going to site.

An appeal to Ireland's national planning body (formerly An Bord Pleanála) that can confirm, change or overturn a local authority's planning decision.