A Local Area Plan (LAP) is a statutory document prepared by the Local Authority in accordance with the requirements of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended). A LAP consists of a suite of policies and objectives to guide the development of an area for a period of 6 years.

A LAP sets out a land use strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development an area and consists of a written statement and maps indicating:

• objectives for the zoning of land for the use solely or primarily of particular areas for particular purposes, or
• other objectives in such detail as may be determined by the Planning Authority for the proper planning and sustainable development of the area to which it applies, including the objective of development of land on a phased basis and, detail on community facilities and amenities and on standards for the design of developments and structures.

As set out in Section 31 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended), a Minister for Local Government and Planning may issue a ‘direction’ to amend a plan where they are of the opinion that a County Development Plan:

• Has failed to implement the recommendations of, or take account of a submission made by, the Minister or the Office of the Planning Regulator;
• Has failed to set out an overall strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development of the area;
• Is not consistent with – the National Planning Framework, the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy or a specific planning policy requirement specified set out in the Section 28 Guidelines;
• Is not in compliance with the requirements of the Act;
• Is not consistent with the transport strategy of the National Transport Authority (within the Greater Dublin Area).

Protected Structures are buildings, features and structures within Dun Laoghaire Rathdown that are protected because they meet one or more of the Categories of Special Interest set out in Section 51 (1) of the Planning & Development Act, 2000 and Section 2.5.4 of the DOEHLG Architectural Heritage Protection Guidelines. These categories are Architectural, Historical, Archaeological, Artistic, Cultural, Scientific, Technical and Social.

The list containing all the structures that are protected within Dun Laoghaire Rathdown is known as the Record of Protected Structures, or RPS for short. Prior to an Act in 1999 these buildings or features were known as Listed Buildings, but this title no longer applies. The RPS is a dynamic record to which structures continue to be added and sometimes deleted. 

Protected Structures are buildings, features and structures within Dun Laoghaire Rathdown that are protected because they meet one or more of the Categories of Special Interest set out in Section 51 (1) of the Planning & Development Act, 2000 and Section 2.5.4 of the Architectural Heritage Protection Guidelines. These categories are Architectural, Historical, Archaeological, Artistic, Cultural, Scientific, Technical and Social.

The list containing all the structures that are protected within Dun Laoghaire Rathdown is known as the Record of Protected Structures (RPS). Prior to an Act in 1999 these buildings or features were known as Listed Buildings, but this title no longer applies. The RPS is a dynamic record to which structures continue to be added and sometimes deleted. 

Protected Structures are buildings, features and structures within Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown that are protected because they meet one or more of the Categories of Special Interest set out in Section 51 (1) of the Planning & Development Act, 2000 and Section 2.5.4 of the Architectural Heritage Protection Guidelines. These categories are Architectural, Historical, Archaeological, Artistic, Cultural, Scientific, Technical and Social.

The list containing all the structures that are protected within Dun Laoghaire Rathdown is known as the Record of Protected Structures (RPS). Prior to an Act in 1999 these buildings or features were known as Listed Buildings, but this title no longer applies. The RPS is a dynamic record to which structures continue to be added and sometimes deleted.

A certificate granted by a building control authority in respect of works on non-domestic buildings and apartments blocks which were commenced or completed  without  the necessary Fire Safety Certificate (FSC). The certificate may be granted with or without conditions or refused. 

An Architectural Conservation Area (ACA) is a place, area, group of structures or townscape that is of special architectural, historical, archaeological, technical, social, cultural, or scientific, interest, or that contributes to the appreciation of a Protected Structure. An ACA aims to identify and protect areas of special significance and promote an awareness of this significance.

All ACA's are listed in Appendix 4 of the Development Plan with links to each of their Character Appraisal documents.

Further details with regard to ACA’s in general can be found here on the Conservation section of our website.

An equipment grant is intended for the purchase or replacement of agreed relevant equipment. It includes the purchase of major and minor equipment.

A Major Equipment Grant provides for the purchase of large items of equipment up to a maximum value of €4,000.

A Minor Equipment Grant provides for the purchase of smaller items of equipment up to a maximum value of €1,500. This does not include Petrol / Diesel or Electrical Gardening Equipment.

An IAD is an identified area of disadvantage in the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County.     

Following the consideration of the Annual Budget each year, the elected members of the County Council (Councillors) determine the Annual rate of valuation  to be levied for the following year.