Updated for 2025 | Source: Louth County Council Planning Department
Planning Application Fees (Indicative Guide)
While Louth County Council does not publish a dedicated fee schedule, most Irish councils follow a similar national structure. The guide below provides a general reference as seen on other council websites – verify final fees directly with Louth County Council before submission.
| Permission Type | Category | Indicative Fee (€) |
|---|---|---|
| Full Permission | House | €65 |
| Extension / Alteration | Residential | €34 |
| Outline Permission | House | €48.75 |
| Retention Permission | House | €195 or €2.50 per m² (whichever is greater) |
| Retention Permission | Extension | €102 or €2.50 per m² (whichever is greater) |
| Permission to Demolish | House | €80 |
| Granny Flat | Residential | €65 |
| Garage / Shed | Domestic | €34 |
| Agricultural Building | Up to 200m² – €80; Over 200m² – €1 per m² | |
| Change of House Type | — | €34 |
| Change of House Location | — | €65 |
| Septic Tank / Percolation Area | — | €34 |
| Commercial Development | €80 or €3.60 per m² | |
| Signage / Advertisement | €80 or €20 per m² | |
| Access Road | — | €80 |
| Commencement Notice | — | €30 |
| Extension of Duration | — | €62 |
| Observation / Submission | — | €20 |
Where Do I Apply for Planning Permission?
Applications for County Louth should be made directly to the local planning authority:
Planning Section – Louth County Council
County Hall, Millennium Centre, Dundalk, Co. Louth, A91 KFW6
📞 Tel – (042) 933 5457
📧 Email – info@louthcoco.ie
🌐 Website – www.louthcoco.ie
You can also submit your planning permission application online via the national E-Planning Portal.
How Do I Apply?
To apply, you must:
- Complete the Planning Application Form.
Download from the Louth County Council Planning Page.
2. Include the Required Documentation.
This typically includes:
- Completed application form.
- Location map, site layout plan, and elevations/sections of the proposed development.
- Newspaper notice and site notice (proofs required).
- Application fee.
3. Submit Online or by Post.
- Submit online via the E-Planning Portal, or
- Post / deliver by hand to the Planning Section at County Hall, Dundalk.
Approved List of Newspapers
- The Irish Independent
- The Irish Times
- Irish Daily Star
- Irish Examiner
- The Herald (Ireland)
- Irish Daily Mirror
- The Argus
- Dundalk Democrat
- The Dundalk Leader
- Drogheda lndependent (Drogheda lssue)
- Drogheda Leader
What Are the Main Types of Planning Permission?
Louth County Council recognises several key types of planning applications:
A. Full Permission (Permission)
The most common type, required for most new builds, extensions, and structural changes.
B. Outline Permission.
Seeks agreement in principle for a proposed development before detailed plans are submitted. Once granted, you must apply for full permission within 3 years.
C. Permission Consequent to Outline.
The detailed follow-up to an outline application.
D. Retention Permission.
For developments already carried out without prior approval. Fees for retention applications are generally higher.
Who Can Apply?
You must have a legal interest in the land or written consent from the owner. Prospective buyers or tenants can apply only with the owner’s written approval.
Pre-Planning Consultation
Applicants can request a pre-planning consultation with a planning officer to discuss:
- Whether the site is suitable and zoning issues.
- Design.
- Required documentation.
- Likelihood of approval.
This service is particularly recommended for large or complex developments. To arrange, contact: planning@louthcoco.ie
What Public Notices Must I Provide?
Before submitting your application, you must:
- Publish a notice in an approved local newspaper circulating in County Louth.
- Erect a site notice in a visible location on the property.
- Site notices should be A4-sized, weatherproof, and clearly legible.
Both notices must be dated within two weeks before submission.
How Can I Check Recent Planning Applications?
You can view current and historical applications on:
Applications can be searched by using:
- Reference number
- Applicant’s name
- Development address
- Type of development
What Must a Valid Application Include?
A valid application typically requires:
- Application Form – completed and signed.
- Site Location Map – showing site boundaries in red.
- Site Layout Map – with proposed buildings, access points, and features.
- Elevation & Floor Plans – to scale (usually 1:200).
- Public Notices – newspaper and site notice.
- Application Fee – as listed above.
- Supporting Documents – drainage, percolation, flood risk, etc. (as required).
Exempted Development
Certain small-scale developments do not require planning permission, provided they comply with the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended). Examples include:
- Small domestic extensions under 40sq.m.
- Sheds under 25 sq m or garage conversions into a living space.
- Boundary walls or fences under 2m tall.
- Certain agricultural works that are at least 100m from other dwellings.
For full details and examples, see:
👉 Do I Need Planning Permission? (Louth County Council)
👉 Or read our dedicated guide: What Developments Are Exempt from Planning Permission in Ireland?
If your property is in an Architectural Conservation Area, Special Amenity Area, or is a protected structure/listed building, you need to apply for a Section 5 Declaration to confirm whether planning permission is required – Exempted Development (Section 5)
Before You Apply – Quick Checklist
✅ Confirm if planning permission is required.
✅ Choose the correct permission type (full, outline, retention).
✅ Publish and erect your public notices correctly.
✅ Attach all required maps, drawings, and forms.
✅ Pay the correct fee.
✅ Double-check your submission on E-Planning.
