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Do I need planning permission for a garage in Ireland?

Often not. A domestic garage, carport or store is normally exempted development under Class 3 of Schedule 2 to the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, provided it is not forward of the front wall of the house, stays within the 25 m² combined limit and meets the other conditions in that class.

Class 3 of Schedule 2 to the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended) covers a garage, carport, store, shelter or similar structure built within the curtilage of a house for domestic purposes. It is exempted development only where every condition in the class is met.

The structure must not be forward of the front wall of the house. Its floor area, added to any other structures already built under Classes 2 and 3, must not exceed 25 m² in total, and at least 25 m² of private open space must remain. Height limits apply, and a garage built to the side of the house must have a roof finished to match the house.

Commercial use, use as living accommodation, protected-structure status or a condition attached to an earlier permission will each take the works outside the exemption.

Conditions for an exempt garage

All of these must be satisfied:

  • Built for domestic purposes within the curtilage of the house
  • Not forward of the front wall of the house
  • Combined floor area with other Class 2 and 3 structures is 25 m² or less
  • Height within the limits for pitched or other roof types set out in Class 3
  • Where built to the side, the roof is tiled or slated to match the house
  • At least 25 m² of private open space remains
  • Not used for human habitation or for a business

When permission is likely to be needed

A garage in the front garden, a structure above the size or height limits, or one intended for commercial storage or a workshop business will normally need planning permission. If the site is unusual or the calculation is tight, ask the local authority or seek a section 5 declaration.

Sources

Last reviewed 20 August 2026. General information only — not legal or planning advice.

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