Planning Conditions in Ireland — What Planners Attach and How to Negotiate
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Most planning grants in Ireland come with 10–25 conditions attached. Standard conditions: hours of construction (typically 07:00–19:00 weekdays, 08:00–14:00 Saturdays, none Sundays), dust suppression, surface water management, retention of existing trees and hedgerows, materials and finishes, and the requirement to lodge a Commencement Notice before construction. Deal-makers: Section 47 developer contributions (a charge towards local infrastructure, often €5,000–€20,000), design changes (e.g. set the house 2 m further from the boundary), or specific materials (e.g. slate roof, not tile). You have 4 weeks to accept or appeal. Read the conditions carefully — some are unacceptable and you should appeal the condition, not the grant. A compliance submission is required to discharge most conditions before construction starts.
TL;DR
Most planning grants come with 10–25 conditions. Some are standard (hours of construction, dust suppression); some are deal-makers (Section 47 contribution, design changes).
You have 4 weeks to accept or appeal. Read the conditions carefully before accepting — some are unacceptable and you should appeal the condition, not the grant.
A compliance submission is required to discharge most conditions before construction starts. €200–€500 for the submission, plus any works the conditions require.
When this matters most
You've been granted planning and need to understand the conditions attached.
When this doesn't apply
You haven't lodged planning or are on site.
Frequently asked questions
How many planning conditions are typical?
10–25 conditions on a one-off house. Standard conditions cover construction hours, dust, surface water, trees, materials, and Commencement Notice. Some are deal-makers (developer contributions, design changes).
Can I appeal a planning condition?
Yes, separately from the grant. You have 4 weeks from the date of the grant to appeal a condition. Fee €220 for a first-party appeal to ABP. Some conditions can be negotiated informally with the planner.
What is a Section 47 contribution?
A developer contribution towards local infrastructure (roads, water, community facilities) charged by the local authority under Section 47 of the Planning and Development Act 2000. Typically €5,000–€20,000 for a one-off house.
Sources
Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), Section 47. https://www.irishstatutebook.ie/