Louth County Council Planning Permission FAQs.

Updated for 2025 | Source: Louth County Council Planning Department

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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

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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.

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How Do I Apply?

To apply, you must:

1. 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.

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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How Can I Check Recent Planning Applications?

You can view current and historical applications on:

• The Louth County Council Planning Portal, or
• PlanningAlerts.ie (Louth section)

Applications can be searched by using:

• Reference number
• Applicant’s name
• Development address
• Type of development

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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).

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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)

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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.