Do I Need Planning Permission in Ireland?

What Counts as Exempted Development?

Most small home improvements in Ireland do not need planning permission, but the exemption only applies where the proposal meets very specific conditions for exempted development. In practice, the main questions are whether the work stays within the allowed size and height limits, remains part of the existing house rather than a separate dwelling, avoids projecting forward of the front wall unless a specific exemption allows it, and does not affect a Protected Structure or a home in an Architectural Conservation Area without the necessary consent. Meet those conditions and many common projects — such as extensions, sheds, solar panels, and heat pumps — are often exempt. Miss one of them, even by a small margin, and you may need to apply to your local authority.

Select a zone on the house to check whether your project is likely to need planning permission. Each zone explains the usual rules in plain language, while the full guide to exempted development in Ireland covers the finer detail, including floor area limits, open space requirements, upper-floor restrictions, and the cases where exemptions stop applying.