Landscape the Outside — Driveways, Boundaries, Planting and Wastewater Setbacks
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When this matters most
House is weathertight, second fix planned, time to bring in the landscaper.
When this doesn't apply
You've already moved in and you only need maintenance.
Frequently asked questions
How much does landscaping cost?
Typical 1-acre site landscaping: €15,000–€45,000. Bigger sites with mature planting: €60,000+.
What are the wastewater setbacks?
EPA Code of Practice (2018): minimum 10 m from a dwelling, 3 m from a boundary, 50 m from a well serving another house, 10 m from a public road, 20–30 m from a watercourse.
Do I need planning permission for a new driveway entrance?
Yes, for any new entrance onto a public road. Apply to your local authority (or TII for national roads). 4–8 weeks.
When should landscape works happen?
After the house is weathertight but ideally before internal second fix, so the site team isn't working around landscapers.
Sources
EPA, Code of Practice: Domestic Wastewater Treatment Systems 2018 (updated 2021). https://www.epa.ie/
Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), National Roads Design Standards. https://www.tii.ie/
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- Landscaping Cost in Ireland 2026 — Typical 1-Acre Site, What's Included, and How to Budget
- Outdoor Kitchen in Ireland — Cost, Cover, and the Practicalities of Cooking Outside Year-Round
- Planting in Ireland 2026 — Hedging, Trees, and the Cost per Linear Metre
- Wastewater Setbacks in Ireland — EPA 2018 Distances, the Rules, and How to Plan the Site