Site Access in Ireland — Road Entrances, Sightlines, and the Road Opening Licence
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A new entrance onto a public road needs planning permission and a road opening licence. Adds 8–26 weeks if sightlines are tight.
A new entrance onto a public road in Ireland needs planning permission and a road opening licence from the local authority (or Transport Infrastructure Ireland for national roads). Sightline requirements depend on the speed limit: 90 m on roads with 80 km/h limits, 70 m on 60 km/h roads, 50 m on 50 km/h roads. Trees and hedges often need to be removed to achieve the sightlines. If the sightlines are tight, the road opening licence process can take 8–26 weeks. Some sites need a reduced speed limit, which is even longer (3–6 months through the council). Plan this before you sign contracts on the site — a site with no realistic entrance is not buildable. Narrow lanes with no bellmouth can be a deal-killer.
TL;DR
A new entrance onto a public road needs planning permission and a road opening licence from the local authority (or TII for national roads).
Sightline requirements: 90 m on roads with 80 km/h limits, 70 m on 60 km/h roads, 50 m on 50 km/h roads. Trees and hedges often need to be removed.
If the sightlines are tight, a road opening licence can take 8–26 weeks. Some sites need a reduced speed limit, which is even longer.
When this matters most
Your site has no existing entrance onto a public road, or the existing entrance is too narrow.
When this doesn't apply
Your site has an existing, approved entrance.
Frequently asked questions
How wide does a site entrance need to be in Ireland?
Minimum 3.5 m for a residential driveway. 4.5 m if the site will see regular construction traffic (lorries, low-loaders). Wider if commercial vehicles will use it.
How long does a road opening licence take?
8–26 weeks depending on the local authority and the road's speed limit. National roads (TII) take longer. Sightline failures are the most common cause of delay.
Do I need planning permission for a new site entrance?
Yes. Any new entrance onto a public road in Ireland requires planning permission and a road opening licence. Apply to your local authority (or TII for national roads).
Sources
Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), National Roads Design Standards. https://www.tii.ie/
Department of Transport, Road Opening Licence guidance. https://www.gov.ie/
Frequently asked questions
How wide does a site entrance need to be in Ireland?
Minimum 3.5 m for a residential driveway. 4.5 m if the site will see regular construction traffic (lorries, low-loaders). Wider if commercial vehicles will use it.
How long does a road opening licence take?
8–26 weeks depending on the local authority and the road's speed limit. National roads (TII) take longer. Sightline failures are the most common cause of delay.
Do I need planning permission for a new site entrance?
Yes. Any new entrance onto a public road in Ireland requires planning permission and a road opening licence. Apply to your local authority (or TII for national roads).
When this matters most
Your site has no existing entrance onto a public road, or the existing entrance is too narrow.
When this doesn't apply
Your site has an existing, approved entrance.
Where to go next
Next decision
The next step in your build sequence.