Planning

Can I erect a gate within my property without permission?

Yes, subject to a maximum height of 2m.

(Page 157 Class 5, page159 Class 9)

Do Statutory Undertakers need permission for routine works in the provision/maintenance/overall of their facilities (e.g. Local Authorities, ESB, Telecoms, Iarnrod Eireann, Bord Gais, etc.)?

Generally, No. Refer to exempted development regulations for limitations.

(Page 163).

How many vacant sites are registered with dlrcoco?

There are currently 12 sites registered as vacant with dlrcoco. Please see the the full list here.

Will there be information sessions?

Yes, there will be two public information sessions in St. Gerard's School, Thornhill Road on:

  • Thursday, 18th of May from 4:00pm - 8:00pm
  • Monday, 29th of May from 4:00pm - 8:00pm.
Can I build an extension to my home without having to seek planning permission?

Broadly speaking, the construction of an extension or conservatory does not require planning permission when it is to the rear of the house; however, any query from the public of this nature should be dealt with subject to the provisions of Part 1 of the 2nd Schedule to the Planning and Development Regulations, 2001.

The following should be seen only as general guidelines:

  • Terraced and Semi-Detached Houses: If the house has not been previously extended, the floor area of the proposed extension cannot exceed 40 sq metres.  This exemption also allows for extensions above ground-floor level (if the house is semi-detached or terraced, the area of the above ground extension cannot exceed 12 sq. m). This means, for a typical semi-detached house, one could have a ground floor extension of 28sq. m & 2nd floor extension of 12sq m without applying for planning permission.  Any above ground floor extension shall be a distance of not less than 2 metres from any party boundary.
  • Detached Houses: As with terraced and Semi-detached above, the overall area of extension must be less than 40 sq. metres. This exemption also allows for extensions above ground floor level, the are above ground floor are cannot exceed 20 sq. m. One could therefore have a ground floor extension of 20 sq. m., and a 2nd floor of 20 sq. m.  Any above ground floor extension shall be a distance of not less than 2 metres from any party boundary.
  • Both Cases: If the proposed extension is in addition to an existing extension (post 01-10-1964), overall areas of all extensions must not be more than 40 sq. m. - including extensions which needed permission, e.g. to side of house.
Can I provide car parking in my garden without permission?

Yes. To the front or side for not more than 2 cars.

(Page 157, Class 6, Part B(ii))

NB. The widening of vehicular entrances is not exempt. (3.5 meters max with permission)

Does the Council need permission to do its own work?

No, not in the normal way, but, is subject to the consultation procedures contained in Part VIII of the 2001 Planning Regulations as amended.

Can I cover my entire back garden with an extension of 40sqm?

No.
The extension shall not reduce the "Private Open Space" of the back garden to less than 25 sq. m. Hard surface areas to the rear of a house are exempted development, providing they are used for a purpose incidental to the enjoyment of the house and not used for the parking of cars.
 

N.B. Existing or proposed garden shed/s are not reckoned as private open space.

Can I convert 2 or more dwelling to use as a single dwelling without permission?

Yes.  But only if the structure was previously used as a single dwelling. e.g. a house which was used as a single dwelling when built, later converted to flats can convert back to single dwelling use under this exemption.

How long does an applicant have to lodge additional information?

6 months.  From 31/03/2003 an additional 3 months can be granted where agreed.

Can I build a window to the side of my extension?

Yes, providing the following guidelines are applied;

  • Terraced and Semi-Detached Houses: Windows at ground floor level shall not be less than 1 metre from the boundary they face. Windows at above ground floor level shall not be less than 11m from the boundary they face.  The above applies to terraced s/d dwellings.
  • Detached Houses: Where the dwelling is detached and the floor area of above ground floor extension is greater than 12sqm windows shall not be less than 11m from the boundary they face.
Does a For Sale sign on a dwelling need permission?

No, subject to:max area of 0.6sqm in case of a house/letting max area 1.2sqm in case of any other structure/land.
Not more than 1 sign.  Remove not later than 7 days after sale/letting.

Under the Planning regulations how long do the public have to lodge objections to additional information?

Use our Planning Deadline Calendar to calculate the last date for making an objection. 

In accordance with Article 35 of the Planning and Development Regulations, persons who made a submission or observation on a planning application will only be notified of the receipt of Further Information or Clarification of Further Information, where that FI or CFI is considered significant and requires new public notices.  Objectors have 2 weeks ( 5 weeks in case of applications accompanied by an EIS) from the date of receipt by the Planning Authority of the revised notices, to make further submissions/observations.  No further fee is required.  Other persons wishing to make a submission/observation will be required to pay the prescribed fee.

If I build an attic conversion do I need permission?

Normally no.  However, if work involves dormer windows, permission is needed.  If velux windows proposed to the rear, it is exempt.  If velux windows proposed to the side/front elevation it is not exempt.

Can I build a pond, path, decking or landscaping works without permission?

Yes.  Provided that the ground level not be altered by more than 1 metre above or below the level of adjoining ground.  Alteration of ground level to front of house is not permitted other than for landscaping.

(Page 158, Class 6)

Can I demolish a habitable home without permission?

No, you can demolish part of a habitable home to provide a domestic extension.

Is the area of an attic conversion reckonable in assessing the 40sqm exemption limit for domestic extensions?

No.

Can I build a tennis court without permission?

Strictly speaking, yes, to the rear.  However, the provision of lighting and fencing over 2m would not be exempted.  The 1 metre raising/lowering of ground levels also applies.

(Page 158, Class 6 & Page 159, Class 11)

What is a Declaration and Referral on Development & Exempted Development (i.e. what is a Declaration of Exemption)?

If a query arises as to whether a proposal requires Planning Permission or whether it is exempted development, a submission may be made, in writing with proposals or maps - the more information the better accompanied by a fee (€80.00).  The planner will consider submissions & we reply within 4 weeks as to whether it does require planning permission or not.  The applicant can refer the decision to An Bord Pleanala accompanied by a fee (€150.00).

(Section 5, Planning & Development Act, pg 28)

Can I convert my garage to living accommodation without permission?

Yes.  Subject to the provisions of Part 1 of the 2nd Schedule to the Planning & Development Regulations 2001 N.B. Garage must be attached to the dwelling.

(Page 156 - 157).

Can I paint my house without permission?

Yes, except for a mural and providing the house is not a Protected Structure.

(Page 159, Class 12)

Can photocopies of maps be given out to the public?

Photocopies of maps on planning applications registered before 11-Mar-2002 cannot be issued. Any photocopies of maps on files registered after 11-Mar-2002 must be individually date stamped and a declaration under Section 74 (4) of the Copyright and related Rights Act, 2000 must be signed by the purchaser of the maps and placed on the planning file.

What is a Protected Structure?

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.

Can I build a balcony/roof garden on my extension without permission?

No - specifically excluded from exemption by Part 1, Schedule 2, Column 2, Condition 7. (see page 156).

Can I keep a caravan/campervan or boat in my garden without permission?

Yes, subject to:

  • Not more than 1 caravan / campervan or boat;

  • No commercial / advertising use;

  • Not used as a dwelling while stored;

  • Storage not greater than 9 months in any year.

    (Page 158, Class 8)

Under the Planning regulations how long do the public have to lodge a submission/observation to additional information?

Use our Planning Deadline Calendar to calculate the last date for making an objection. 

In accordance with Article 35 of the Planning and Development Regulations, persons who made a submission or observation on a planning application will only be notified of the receipt of Additional Information or Clarification of Additional Information, where that AI or CAI is considered significant and requires new public notices.  Objectors have 2 weeks ( 5 weeks in case of applications accompanied by an EIS) from the date of receipt by the Planning Authority of the revised notices, to make further submissions/observations.  No further fee is required.  Other persons wishing to make a submission/observation will be required to pay the prescribed fee.

Please note that anyone other than the applicant can make an objection/observation on a planning application. 

 

Why are you adding a new structure to the RPS?

Section 54 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended), states that a planning authority may add to or delete from its record of protected sturtures if it considers that an addition is necessary to protect a structure (or part of a structure) of special architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical interest.

The Red Brick (former) Chapel is considered to be of:

  • Architectural Interest
  • Historical Interest, and
  • Artisitc Interest.
Can I build a garden shed on my property without permission?

Yes provided that:

  • It is not forward of the front wall of the house;
  • Not greater than 25sqm total area (not floor area) (or no. of sheds aggregated);
  • 25sqm of garden space is left. N.B. extensions attached to house are not reckoned as private open space;
  • Shed finish is in keeping with the house;
  • Shed height: max 4m pitched roof; 3m flat roof;
  • It is not lived in or used for keeping of animals (pigs, ponies, horses, pigeons).

    (see page 156 - 157, Class 3)
Can I erect a Wind Turbine, Solar Panel, Heat Pump within the curtilage of my house?

Yes. From 28/02/2007 these are exempted under new Class 2 to exempted regulations, subject to limitations. 

The Planning and Development (Amendment) Regulations 2007 give effect to exempted development provisions in respect of renewable energies for dwellings and refer to the installation or erection of a solar panel on or within the curtilage of a house, or on any buildings within the curtilage of a house is exempt subject to compliance with the following conditions and limitations:

 

Solar Panels:

The installation of solar panels on domestic properties is now exempt from planning permission . Since the 7th of October 2022, there is no longer a limit to the area of solar panels which can be installed on rooftops of homes .The 12sqm or 50% roof limit which previously applied to houses has been removed nationwide .

 

There are still some rules that apply .It is advisable to check with the local authority if ; .

  1. Your home or building is a protected structure. 
  2. Your home or building is located in a protected  area , for example in an architectural conservation area .
  3. Your home or building lies near an aviation site.

For more information please click Here    

 

Wind Turbines:

The construction, erection or placing within the curtilage of a house of a wind turbine is exempt subject to the following Regulations (Class 2)

1.   The turbine shall not be erected on or within the curtilage of a house of a wind attached to the house or any building or other structure within its curtilage.

2.   The total height of the turbine shall not exceed 13 metres.

3.   The rotor diameter shall not exceed 6 metres.

4.   The minimum clearance between the lower tip of the rotor and ground level shall not be less than 3 metres.

5.   The supporting tower shall be a distance of not less than the total structure height (including the blade of the turbine at the highest point of its arc) plus one metre from any party boundary.

6.    Noise levels must not exceed 43db(A) during normal operation, or in excess of 5db(A) above the background noise, whichever is greater, as measured from the nearest neighbouring inhabited dwelling.

7.   No more than one turbine shall be erected within the curtilage of a house.

8.   No such structure shall be constructed, erected or placed forward of the front wall of a house.

9.   All turbine components shall have a matt, non-reflective finish and the blade shall be made of material that does not deflect telecommunication signals.

10. No sign, advertisement or object, not required for the functioning or safety of the turbine shall be attached to or exhibited on the wind turbine.

FYI - The Planning and Development (Amendment) Regulations 2008 (SI 256 of 2008) give effect to exempted development provisions in respect of renewable energies for industrial buildings, business premises and agricultural holdings.     

Please refer to Regulations for further information. 

 

I have planning permission, how is this affected?

Planning permission has no impact on the need for a Disability Access Certificate. If the works began on a building (other than dwellings houses) on or after January 1st 2010, then the Disability Access Certificate is required. 

What are the fees at stage 1?

There are no fees at stage 1.

Can I build a porch without permission?

Yes, provided that:

  • Not less than 2 metres from roadway;
  • Not more than 2sqm Height: 3m max for a Flat Roof, 4m max Pitched Roof.

    (see page 158, Class 7)
If my property is a Protected Structure, do these exemptions apply?

No.  Most works to a Protected Structure are not exempted.  A declaration of what is / is not exempted is needed to clarify issues.

What does a 'new or greater contravention' of the Building Regulations mean?

Material alterations or Extensions should not give rise to any ‘new or greater contravention’ in the existing building. That is, a material alteration or an extension (vertical or lateral) to an existing building should not make the existing building any worse in relation to Building Regulations.

The following examples are given by way of clarification:

The erection of an extension to an existing building whereby the extension is to be served for access and escape purposes by an existing staircase within the existing building:

•        If the existing staircase was adequate for the occupancy capacity of the existing building but inadequate for the extended building, this would constitute a ‘new contravention’ of Building Regulations.

•        If the existing staircase was inadequate for the existing building and rendered more inadequate due to the additional occupancy of the extended building, this would constitute a ‘greater contravention’ of Building Regulations.

Note, therefore, that Building Regulations as they apply to works in connection with existing buildings being materially altered or extended, require solely that the 'status quo' be maintained in the existing building. Where an existing building contravenes Building Regulations, the material alteration or extension of such a building does not carry with it the requirement to make good such contravention, but merely that the contravention is not worsened, i.e. that no new or greater contravention arises. Building Regulations do not apply retrospectively to existing buildings where such buildings are being extended except to the extent that any new or greater contravention is not permitted.

What are the fees at stage 2?

The fee at stage to is €1,500,, that would be submitted through the planning portal.

Can I build an extension to the side of my house?

No. Not  an exempted development. However an existing garage to the side may be converted (see Section 6).

Do bus shelters need permission?

Yes, not exempted development.

Where the design of a building or work on a building is changed (eg: unforeseen site conditions demand layout changes), what is expected?

A revised Disability Access Certificate is required where significant revision is made to the design or works or a material alteration to or a material change of use of a building in respect of which a Disability Access Certificate has been granted by a Building Control Authority. You may apply to the Building Control Authority for the revised certificate.

What are the fees at stage 1?

There are no fees at stage 1.

Can I build an extension to the front of my house without permission?

No.  This is not exempted development (except the porch - for exemptions see page 158, Class 7 and Section 9).

Can I erect a roadside shrine without permission?

Yes, subject to maximum area of 2sqm, max height is 2m above the centre of the road opposite, and it is not lit.

What options has the building owner where the application is refused or granted subject to conditions?

There is provision for an appeal to An Bord Pleanála in such cases. The appeal must be lodged within 1 month of the date of the decision on the application –see Part VI of the Building Control Regulations.

What are the fees at stage 2?

The fee at stage two is €1,500, that would be submitted through the planning portal.

Can I install a chimney, boiler house or oil tank for central heating without permission?

Yes.  The capacity of oil tanks shall not exceed 3,500 litres (Page 156,Class 2).
Note: from 28.02.07 exemption widened to flue, fuel storage tank or structure. 3.5k capacity still applies.

Is permission needed for a crèche childcare facility?

Yes, unless the number of children, including carers is not more than 6 and caring is in carers own house.

Note 2 requires a “certified” set of drawings. Who can ‘certify’ drawings?

It is expected that drawings will be certified by a person qualified to do so as a building professional- this would be expected to be the professional who completed the drawings.

What are the fees at stage 3?

The fees for stage 3 are as follows:
There is a charge of €130 per housing unit.
Other structures are charged at €7.20 per square metre to a max of €32,400

There is a retention charge of €390 per housing unit.
Other structures are have a retention charge of €15 per square metre to a max of €65,000

Submission of EIS at €10,000
Submission of NIS at €10,000

Can I erect a T.V. antenna on my roof without permission?

Yes.  The height of the antenna shall be no more than 6m above the roof.

Note: These notes are for guidance only. The relevant Planning Regulations should always be consulted where doubt exists. 

Change of use

(Page 160, Class 14).

Will the building owner or a person so authorised sign the statutory declaration in respect of works for which a Regularisation cert is sought?

This is a matter between the building owner and the builder/professional engaged by the building owner.

How can I find out further information about the mapping and submissions process?

If further information is required on the draft map process or on making a submission please check ‘Your Questions Answered’ which can be found here. If your query relates to a particular area of land or if the answer is not contained in the FAQ’s contact the Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council Planning Department.

Further information on the process is also available in the ‘Residential Zoned Land Tax - Guidelines for Planning Authorities’. 

As outlined above, the RZLT process has two parts.  Local authorities are required to undertake the mapping which identifies the land which is subject to the tax, including an annual update of the final map which will be published on 1 December 2023. Thereafter, the administration of the tax will be undertaken by the Revenue Commissioners.

As Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council do not administer the tax we are unable to answer any queries regarding the administration of the tax. All queries regarding the administration of the tax should be directed to the Revenue Commissioners

Having regard to the respective roles of local authorities and the Revenue Commissioners in the RZLT process, queries on the mapping should be made to Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown. This includes queries on;

• Criteria for inclusion on Draft map
• Submissions on Draft Map
• Determinations on Draft Map
• Supplemental map
• Submissions on supplemental map
• Determinations on Supplemental map
• Zoning submissions
• Appeals (which must be submitted to An Bord Pleanála)
• Final map
• Annual revised Final map

Queries on administration of the tax should be made to the Revenue Commissioners website –This includes queries on;

• What constitutes a relevant site for the purpose of RZLT
• Liable persons
• Amount of residential zoned land tax
• Obligation to register
• Obligation on liable person to prepare and deliver return
• Abatements
• Deferral of residential zoned land tax

Can I erect a Satellite Dish without permission?

Yes provided that: 

  • Only 1 per house.
  • Max. Diameter 1 metre.
  • Not to be erected on, or forward to the front wall of the house.
  • Not to be erected on the front roof slope or higher than the highest part of the roof.

    (see page 157, Class 4, 1 - 4).
Occasional Use

Occasional use for recreational, social purposes of any school, hall, club, art gallery, museum, library, reading room, gym or structures normally used for public worship.

(Page 160 Class 15).

What height can I build my extension without permission?
  • The highest point to which the wall of an exempt extension can be built is eaves level.
  • If the proposed extension has a flat roof, it must not exceed the eves or parapet level
  • If the proposed extension has a pitched roof, it must not exceed the ridge of the existing pitched roof. 

 

What do I do if I am a Homeowner?

My house and garden is contained on the map. What is the consequence?
Your house and garden is identified on the map because it meets the criteria for the tax, which is based on residential led zonings and servicing by infrastructure suitable for provision of housing.  The house and garden are not liable for the tax, as long as the house is subject to Local Property Tax (LPT).

Do I need to make a submission?
While anyone may make a submission, it may not be necessary, as a home owner, to make a submission.  Even if your house is identified on the maps, residences shall not be chargeable to the Residential Zoned Land Tax.

What if my garden is greater than 0.4047ha (1 acre)?
If your garden is greater than this size, then you need to register for the RZLT with the Revenue Commissioners, however your house and garden will not be liable for the tax. You will be able to register for RZLT from late 2023 onwards. No action needs to be taken to register at this time.  Please see revenue.ie for details closer to the time.

Can I build walls around my house without planning permission?

Yes, subject to: 

  • Not more than 2m high to the rear.
  • Not more than 1.2 metres to the front or forward of the front of the house.

    (Page 157, Class 5).

    NB: Metal palisade or other security fencing is not exempt.

 

Is permission needed for a telephone kiosk?

No, provided not situated with 10m of the curtilage of any dwelling house save with the consent in writing of the owner/occupier.

(Page 167, Class 31 (c)).

If I wish to make a submission or observation on a Planning Application, when can I do so?

Use our Planning Deadline Calendar to calculate the last date for making an objection. 

Submissions/observations must be made within 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt of the planning application. The five week period commences on the day that a planning application is received, such that the last day for receipt for an objection to an application received on Tuesday 1 November is Monday 5 December. If the last day of this five week period falls on a Saturday, Sunday or Public Holiday, submissions/observations can be accepted on the next working day.

Please note that anyone other than the applicant can make an objection/observation on a planning application. 

For more information on the objections process please visit our Planning Objections Page

What is a Local Area Plan?

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.

County Development Plan

What is an Architectural Conservation Area (ACA) and where can I find more details on new ACA's?

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.

 

When will planning applications be assessed under the new Plan?

Proposed development (planning applications) will be assessed upon the provisions of the development plan in force at the time of making a decision in accordance with Section 34(2)(a) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), which states:

“(2) (a) When making its decision in relation to an application under this section,
the planning authority shall be restricted to considering the proper planning
and sustainable development of the area, regard being had to—
(i)   the provisions of the development plan, …”

The Plan came into force on 21st April 2022 therefore all decisions are now being assessed having regard to the policy objectives of the new plan.

What is a Development Plan?

In simple terms, a Development Plan is a spatial plan that guides the future development of a County for a six-year period through a suite of policy objectives, land use zoning objectives and development management guidance.

A Development Plan must ensure that there is enough land zoned in the County to meet our housing requirements which are set at a regional level. Chapter 1 of the Plan sets out more detail in relation to the legislative context and structure of the Development Plan.

A short video was prepared at the Draft Plan stage which provides an overview of what a Development Plan is and the vision for the County for the period 2022-2028 (note: the Draft Plan consultation ended in April 2021 - submissions can no longer be accepted). 

Section 10 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended) sets out the statutory content of a Development Plan – these requirements are summarised in Appendix A of the pre-draft ‘Have Your Say’ document.

Not all Candidate Architectural Conservation Areas are proposed to be designated as part of the Draft Plan – Why?

In order to designate an ACA, a Character Appraisal for the area must be completed. At the time of preparing the Draft County Development Plan 2022-2028, the Character Appraisal Reports for the 5 proposed ACA’s had been carried out.

When and where can I view the adopted Plan?

The Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Development Plan 2022-2028 is available to view above. Hardcopies are available to view at Planning Department, County Hall, Marine Road, Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin Mon-Fri (excluding Bank Holidays) between 10.00a.m. and 4.00p.m. and at the Council Offices, Dundrum Office Park Main Street, Dundrum, Dublin 14 Mon-Fri (excluding Bank Holidays) from 9.30a.m. to 12.30p.m. and 1.30p.m. to 4.30p.m.

Hardcopies of the Plan will not be available to purchase until the process relating to the Draft Ministerial Direction is complete.

 

Can I still view the Draft Plan, Amendments to the Draft Plan and Chief Executive's Reports?

All plan documents and Chief Executive's Reports associared with each stage involved in the preparation of the County Development Plan 2022-2028 is set out above.

The Draft Plan can also still be viewed within the virtual room that was prepared for its consulation phase.

 

Can changes be made to the boundary of a proposed ACA?

If you consider that further adjustment to the boundary of a proposed ACA is required, please make a submission on the Draft Plan.
Details on how to make a submission to the Draft Plan can be viewed here.

What amendments to the Draft Plan have been agreed?

A number of amendments were made to the Draft Plan as agreed during the Special County Development Plan  meetings on the 9th and 10th of March 2022. During this meeting the elected members either:

  • Agreed to accept proposed amendments that went on public display in November 2021,
  • Agreed to minor modifications to some of the proposed amendments or,
  • Agreed to omit some of the proposed amendments.

In order to ascertain which proposed amendments were agreed, modified or omitted, the webcast for each meeting can be viewed online.

As per Section 31AM(6) of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended), the Planning Authority have notified the Office of the Planning Regulator (OPR) of the making of the Plan. 

Where the Office of the Planning Regulator is of the opinion that the development plan has not been made in a manner consistent with the recommendations of the office, and fails to set out an overall strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development of the area concerned, the office shall issue a notice to the Minister containing recommendations that the Minister exercise his function to rectify the matter
As per Section 31(3) of the Act, in the event that the Minister decides to issue a direction, the Minister is required to issue a notice to the Local Authority that contains a draft direction, no later than 6 weeks after the plan is made.

A draft direction could affect the content of the adopted Plan. In this regard, the adopted Plan documents cannot be made available prior to the 21st April, 2022 (i.e. 6 weeks after the plan was made).

Can I download documents?

Yes – all Development Plan documents are provided on our webpage as downloadable PDFs.

Each Volume of the Chief Executive’s Report is provided on our webpage as a downloadable PDF.

Note: The Ministerial Direction effects certain parts of the adopted Plan that is currently available to download. The Planning Authority are updating all relevant sections which will be available to download in due course. 

If my query isn’t listed here, who should I contact?

In the event that your query has not been covered here, please contact E: planning@dlrcoco.ie / T: 01 2054700.

What is a Ministerial Direction?

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).
Where can I view the Material Amendments to the Draft Plan?

All proposed amendments and associated environmental reports are available to view online.

In order to ascertain which proposed amendments were agreed, modified or omitted, the webcast for each council meeting held on the 9th and 10th April can be viewed online.

DISCLAIMER

The list of FAQs do not purport to be a legal interpretation of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) and are simply for information purposes.

Why has the Minister issued a Direction?

As per Section 31AM(6) of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended), the Planning Authority notified the Office of the Planning Regulator (OPR) of the making of the Plan within 5 working days of its adoption.

The OPR was of the opinion that the development plan was not made in a manner consistent with the recommendations of the office and failed to set out an overall strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development of the area concerned. The OPR therefore issued a notice with recommendations to the Minister for Local Government and Planning.

The Minister exercised his function to rectify the matter by issuing a Draft Direction in accordance with Section 31(7) of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended), to the Planning Authority with regard the making of the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Development Plan 2022-2028.

In accordance with Section 31 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended), the Minister issued the Planning and Development (Dún LaoghaireRathdown County Development Plan 2022-2028) Direction 2022 to the Planning Authority on 28th September 2022. 

Why is the plan being put on display rather than just being available online?

Planning legislation requires a Draft Plan to be put on display.
Section 12(2)(a) of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended) requires a Draft Plan to be available for inspection at a place or places for not less than 10 weeks.
In addition to the requirements of the Act, it is recognized that not everyone has access to the internet or can operate online resources.

Can I get a hard copy of the Plan?

The Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Development Plan 2022-2028 is available to view above. Hardcopies are available to view at Planning Department, County Hall, Marine Road, Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin Mon-Fri (excluding Bank Holidays) between 10.00a.m. and 4.00p.m. and at the Council Offices, Dundrum Office Park Main Street, Dundrum, Dublin 14 Mon-Fri (excluding Bank Holidays) from 9.30a.m. to 12.30p.m. and 1.30p.m. to 4.30p.m.


Hardcopies of the Plan will not be available to purchase until after the process of updating plan documents and maps, to incorpoarte the requirements of the Ministerial Direction, is complete.

What impact does the Ministerial Direction have on the Development Plan?

In accordance with the Planning and Development (Dún LaoghaireRathdown County Development Plan 2022-2028) Direction 2022, the following sections of the County Development Plan 2022-2028 did not come into force on 21st April 2022 and will be deleted from the Adopted Plan:

  • The 0/0 objective including the symbol, boundary of objective area* as set out on Land Use Zoning Maps 3, 4, 7 and 10.

  • The text “No increase in the number of buildings permissible” in the legend of Land Use Zoning Maps 1-14.

  • The policy section on ‘Notable Character Area Exclusions’ under section 4.3.1.1 of Chapter 4 (pg. 84) of the Written Statement.
    Section 12.3.7.8 ‘0/0 Zone’ of Chapter 12 (pg. 246-248) of the Written Statement.

  • The second paragraph of Section 12.3.3 ‘Quantitative Standards for All Residential Development’ of Chapter 12 (pg. 236) of the Written Statement, which states: “That the requirement for certain percentages of 3-bed units in apartments shall apply to Build To Rent developments to accord with mix on page 237.”

*An objective area boundary will be retained on Land Use Zoning Maps 3, 4, 7 and 10 for Specific Local Objective (SLO)130.

Only those sections listed above are affected by the Direction, the remainder of the County Development Plan 2022-2028 came into force on 21st April 2022.

The Planning Auhtority are now making the necessary changes to the Adopted Plan documents and maps which will be published online and made available to view and/or purchase thereafter.

Will the Development Plan tell me what is happening in my area?

A Development Plan sets out the land use zoning objectives for an area.

The land use zoning objectives for the County are set out over a series of 14 maps and an interactive webmap.

Certain uses which may be permitted in principle or open for consideration within each land use zone is set out Chapter 13 of the Development Plan.

Proposed development within an area occurs when a developer (public or private), or an individual, proposes and obtains the relevant planning permission. This ‘development management’ process is separate to the Development Plan making process. Proposed development is required to accord with the provisions of a Development Plan.

My property appears to be within a flood zone – why is this?

Flood Zone Maps are maps of areas predicted to be at risk of flooding in the 1.0% annual exceedance probability (AEP) event (1 in 100 year - Flood Zone A) and the 0.1% AEP event (1 in 1000 year - Flood Zone B).
The Flood Zone Maps were produced as an output of the Eastern Catchment Flood Risk Assessment & Management (ECFRAMs) project (2010 -2017) and were subject to statutory consultation and approval during that period.


For specific flood risk considerations of an area, please Appendix 15 Strategic Flood Risk Assessment of the Development Plan.

I’m not sure which map is relevant to my area, is there another way to find out what land use objectives are relevant to me?

Yes – our interactive map has an address search function.  To zoom into your desired location, simply enter your address or Eircode, in the ‘find’ bar located at top left of the map.

If you want to download the map relevant to your area, the easiest way to find the correct map is to visit the map area in our virtual room where a map index shows all map numbers and the areas they cover.

The interactive map isn’t working properly – what can I do?

The interactive map may not function properly for a number of reasons, often a simple refresh of the page will reload it without issue. Some other suggestions that may remedy your issue include:
• The interactive map works best and should be opened on one of the following web browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Safari or Edge.
• Please ensure that you have accepted the terms and conditions by ticking the box upon opening the map.
• Some layers will not load until you zoom into an area.
• The mapping service provider esri may be carrying out essential updates – this is usually a very limited time only and the map may load successfully again in 10-15 minutes time.

Land use mapping for the entire county is available to download as separate PDF documents from our webpage.
In the event that you continue to have difficulty accessing the interactive map, please contact us planning@dlrcoco.ie with details of the issue.

Who can make a submission?

Anyone or any group.

How do I find the response to my submission in the Chief Executive’s Report?

In order to navigate the Chief Executive’s Report, it is recommended that you first open Volume II to locate your submission number (B0001-B1263). This can be done by searching for your name or organisation using ‘Ctrl’ & ‘F’ on your keyboard, or by using the search function in your PDF software.

All submissions are summarised in Volume II and submission numbers are hyperlinked to view the submission, including any attachments, as received by the Planning Authority (Note: some details may have been redacted before publishing online).

Under each submission summary, the location of where the issues raised are located in Volume I is stated, i.e. Chapters 1-15, Appendix 1-17, Land Use Mapping, Miscellaneous, or, it may state that no issue was raised.

Issues raised are summarised and the Chief Executive’s response and recommendations are set out in Volume I under the relevant Chapter heading of the Draft Plan. Where more than one submission / observation raised the same issue, these are grouped together, and all submission numbers are listed along side the summary of the issue.

The quickest way to find where your issue is located in Volume I, search using your submission number using ‘Ctrl’ & ‘F’ on your keyboard, or by using the search function in your PDF software.

Will my submission be published for others to see?

Yes. Every submission will be published, in full, online here.

Where can I view the Chief Executive’s Report?

The Chief Executive’s Report can be viewed in full on our webpage and by appointment at the planning counter in County Hall.

When will the outcome of my submission be known?

The Draft Plan is currently in its Public Consultation phase which must run for a minimum of 10 weeks.  We will be accepting submissions/observations on the Draft Plan up to and including Friday 16th April 2021. 
A Chief Executive’s Report on all submissions received must then be prepared within 22 weeks of when the display period commenced.  Once completed, this report is issued to the elected members who then have a further 12 weeks to consider the report and its recommendations. 
At this point the elected members may make further amendments to the Plan or may adopt the Plan.
If further material amendments are made there is another shorter round of public consultation for 4 weeks when the public and interested parties would again have an opportunity to make a submission.

Why was the Draft Plan amended?

During the Special Development Plan Council meetings on 12th, 13th, 14th,18th 19th, 20th and 21st of October 2021, the Elected Members, by way of resolution, agreed to amend the Draft Development Plan.
The proposed amendments, or material alterations, resulted from:
• A recommendation in the Chief Executive’s Report on Draft Plan Consultation,
• A motion proposed by an Elected Member, and/or
• A combination of the above.

Why have I received a letter / more than one letter?

All owners and occupiers of properties or structures added to or deleted from the Record of Protected Structures (RPS) in the adopted Plan are legally required to be notified as per Section 12(13) of the Planning and Development Act (as amended).

The requirements of Section 12(13) of the Act may result in you receiving two letters if the owner is also occupier the structure added or deleted from the RPS.

The Record of Protected Structures is set out in Appendix 4 of the Development Plan and are shown in a dark yellow colour on land use zoning maps

Will there be someone available to answer queries during the public consultation?

Members of the planning team will be available to answer queries at the following times / locations (subject to public health guidelines):

  • Tuesday 16th November, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm, County Hall, Dún Laoghaire.
  • Thursday 25th November, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm, Dundrum Civic Offices.
  • Tuesday 30th November, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm, Dundrum Civic Office.
  • Wednesday 8th December, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm, County Hall, Dún Laoghaire.
  • Thursday 16th December, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm, County Hall, Dún Laoghaire.
  • Tuesday 11th January 2022, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm: Dundrum Civic Office.

For queries outside of these times, please contact E:  devplan@dlrcoco.ie / T: 01 2054700.

Why was my property added to the Record of Protected Structures (RPS)?

Your property / structure was been recommended for inclusion onto the Record of Protected Structures “in order to protect a structure, or part of a structure, of special architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical interest” (Section 54 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000, as amended).

A notice was issued to owners/occupiers of properties/structures recommended to be added to the RPS at Draft Plan stage. The notice issued states whether the recommendation was made by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage or by the Planning Authority.

Properties / structures recommended for addition by the Minister resulted from surveys carried out for part of the County. More specific details for a particular structure can be found in the surveys of the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage: here.

Properties / structures recommended for addition by the Planning Authority were as a result of either - submissions received at pre-draft stage (see pre-draft CE Report for details), Motions from Elected Members (see Special Meetings from December 15-18th 2020), the property / structure was brought to our attention during the preparation of the current County Development Plan 2016-2022 or when dealing with planning applications since the adoption of the current Plan.

Further details with regard to Protected Structures can be found here on the Conservation section of our website.

Can further amendments now be made to the Draft Plan?

The Elected Members may make the Plan with our without the proposed material alterations (amendments) that are currently on display. Only amendments that are minor in nature may be considered for further inclusion in the plan.
Amendments that would be deemed to be material cannot be considered at this stage, these would include, for example a changes to land use zoning or the addition / deletion from the record of Protected Structures.

I have received a letter in error – who should I contact?

If you have received a letter in relation to the addition of property / structure to the Record of Protected Structures in error, please advise the Planning Department as soon as possible using the contact details at the top of the letter.

Why has the Marlborough Road ACA been extended?

During the Special County Development Plan meetings in October 2021, the Elected Members agreed to extend the boundary of the Marlborough Road ACA to include the Adelaide Road area.

I don’t agree or I think an amendment is required, can I do anything about the addition of my property / structure to the RPS?

If you do not agree with the addition of your property / structure to the RPS or if you think an amendment is required to the name / address / description of the structure or the extent of the structure on the land use maps, please make a submission on the Draft Plan. Please ensure to clearly identify the structure in question in your submission.
All submissions / observations received in relation to properties / structures recommended by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage will be sent to the Minister for their consideration.
Details on how to make a submission to the Draft Plan can be viewed here.

Why has the public consultation been extended?

The public consultation period has been extended to Monday 17th January, 2022.

This extended period is to facilitate members of the public to view additional mapping associated with the Strategic Flood Risk Assessment contained in ‘Appendix B’ as referred to in amendment no. 438 in the Proposed Amendments document.

These maps were inadvertently omitted from the amendments documentation which went on display on 11th November 2021. The Planning Authority apologise for any inconvenience caused in this respect.

Why was my property not added to the RPS previously?

The surveys carried out by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for part of the County were not fully completed prior to the adoption of the current County Development Plan 2016-2022.

When did the new Development Plan come into force?

The County Development Plan 2022-2028 was made / adopted, with amendments, by the elected members during Special County Development Plan meetings on the 9th and 10th March 2022.

Section (12) (17) of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended), states:

"A development plan made under this section shall have effect 6 weeks from the day that it is made."

The new plan came into force on the 21st April 2022.

Forward Planning

How do I find my submission / response to issues in the Chief Executive’s Report?

Volume I of the Chief Executive’s report summarises the issues raised in the Draft LAP chapter sequence together with the Chief Executives response and recommendation.

 

Volume II of the Chief Executive’s report summaries every submission and lists the persons who made a submission. Each summary contains a submission number, the person / organisation name (where provided) and the chapter of the Draft LAP to which the issues raised relate.

 

The easiest way to locate your submission is to search your name / organisation in Volume II (hold ‘Ctrl’ & ‘F’ together to open the search bar in the document). Take a note of the submission number, prefixed with the letter ‘B’.

 

Open Volume I and search this document using the relevant submission number. Note, that the submission number may be listed under more than one issue – use the next/previous buttons in the search bar to navigate to other issues as required.

 

You may also view your submission in full by clicking on the submission number within the Chief Executive’s report.

Planning Applications

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