Time Limits

Time Scales

The timescale involved in obtaining planning permission depends on the validity of the application and if the local authority decision is appealed. There is a time limit of eight weeks from when a valid application is made to a decision being given by the planning authority. The planning authority may issue a decision on the application or they may request further information. The planning authority then has four weeks from the day the further information is received to make a decision on the application. Any appeal of the decision must be submitted within four weeks of the local authority decision to An Bord Pleanála who has an objective to decide appeals within 18 weeks of receipt.

The following table illustrates the timescale involved in most cases.

Timescale	Action
First stage	Notice published in newspaper and site notice erected
Two weeks later	Latest date for lodging application
Two-four weeks	Application is validated by the planning authority. Submissions or objections are considered.
Five-eight weeks	Planning authority issue notice of their decision on the application. (Alternatively, they may request further information.)
Four weeks after issue of notice of decision.	If no appeal is made, the planning authority will issue granting of permission, or outline permission, except where they have already indicated a decision to refuse.