Pre-Planning Consultation in Ireland — A Free 30 Minutes That Can Save a Refusal
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Most Irish local authorities offer a pre-planning consultation: 30 minutes with a planner, no commitment, no record on the file. Free in most counties, although some charge €100–€300 for a more detailed pre-app meeting with a written response. Use it before you lodge drawings. A planner will tell you the obvious red flags: siting, design statement, rural housing local needs, septic tank design, overlooking of neighbours, access. A pre-app meeting can save a refused application, which would cost 4 weeks of appeal time and €220 to ABP, plus 18 weeks of appeal decision time. On a complex site (rural, sloping, near a SAC, in a designated area), the €300 pre-app meeting is the cheapest €300 you will spend on the planning process.
TL;DR
Most local authorities offer a free pre-planning consultation: 30 minutes with a planner, no commitment, no record on the file.
Use it before you lodge drawings. A planner will tell you the obvious red flags: siting, design statement, rural housing local needs, septic tank design.
Some authorities charge €100–€300 for a more detailed pre-app meeting with a written response. Worth it on any complex site.
When this matters most
You have drawings and a site and are about to lodge planning.
When this doesn't apply
You've already lodged planning or are on site.
Frequently asked questions
Is pre-planning consultation free in Ireland?
Free in most counties for a 30-minute meeting. Some charge €100–€300 for a more detailed pre-app meeting with a written response. Worth it on complex sites.
What is a pre-app meeting?
An informal meeting with a planning officer before you lodge a planning application. Discusses the proposal, the site, the policy fit, and any obvious red flags. No commitment, no record on the planning file.
Can a planner refuse at pre-app?
No. A pre-app meeting is informal. The planner can flag concerns but cannot refuse or approve. The decision happens when you lodge the formal application.
Sources
Citizens Information, Planning permission for a house. https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/housing/planning-permission/planning-permission/
Frequently asked questions
Is pre-planning consultation free in Ireland?
Free in most counties for a 30-minute meeting. Some charge €100–€300 for a more detailed pre-app meeting with a written response. Worth it on complex sites.
What is a pre-app meeting?
An informal meeting with a planning officer before you lodge a planning application. Discusses the proposal, the site, the policy fit, and any obvious red flags. No commitment, no record on the planning file.
Can a planner refuse at pre-app?
No. A pre-app meeting is informal. The planner can flag concerns but cannot refuse or approve. The decision happens when you lodge the formal application.