SiteRep

Do I need planning permission for decking in Ireland?

Usually not, for low-level rear garden decking. Raised decking above a certain height, or decking that reduces required private open space or overlooks neighbouring gardens significantly, can fall outside the general exemptions and require planning permission.

Ground-level or low-level decking laid in a rear garden is generally treated as a minor domestic works item rather than a structure requiring planning permission, since it does not add enclosed floor area to the house and has minimal impact on the streetscape or on neighbours when kept close to ground level.

The position changes once decking is raised significantly above natural ground level, because a raised platform can bring new overlooking of neighbouring gardens or windows that did not previously exist, and can also start to resemble a structure rather than ground-surface treatment. There is no single blanket exemption class dedicated to decking, so raised or elevated decking is usually assessed on its planning merits, including its height and its effect on neighbouring amenity.

Decking built forward of the front wall of the house, decking that reduces the private open space required for an existing extension's exemption below 25 m², or decking at a protected structure can also raise planning issues that a simple rear patio would not.

Points to consider before building decking

Think through the following before installation:

  • Keep the deck as close to natural ground level as the site allows
  • Check whether a raised deck would newly overlook a neighbour's garden or windows
  • Confirm any earlier extension's 25 m² open-space condition is not compromised
  • Avoid siting the deck forward of the front wall of the house
  • Check for any restrictive condition on a protected structure or conservation area property
  • Consider a simple screen or planting to manage overlooking if the deck is raised

If overlooking is a concern, a lower deck or the addition of privacy screening is often a simpler solution than seeking planning permission for a raised structure.

When to ask the council

If your deck will be raised more than roughly a metre above ground level, or a neighbour has raised concerns about overlooking, ask the local authority for informal advice or apply for a section 5 declaration before building.

Sources

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

Related questions

← Back to all questions