Do I need planning permission for a porch in Ireland?

Class 7 of Schedule 2 to the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended) specifically covers a porch built to the front of a house. It is exempted development provided the floor area does not exceed 2 m², measured externally.

The porch must be at least 2 metres from any road, and its construction must not reduce visibility for road users at a junction or bend. Height limits also apply, generally restricting the porch to a modest single-storey structure that does not project above the level of the ground floor windowsill of the main house by much.

A larger porch, one built closer to the road than the distance limit allows, or one that affects sightlines will fall outside the exemption and needs planning permission. Protected structures and conservation areas can also remove the exemption for what would otherwise be a small, compliant porch.