SiteRep

How long does a planning appeal take in Ireland?

An Coimisiún Pleanála has a statutory objective to decide most appeals within 18 weeks of receipt, but complex cases, oral hearings, or requests for further information can extend this well beyond that target, and the body must simply state reasons if it cannot meet the objective period.

An Coimisiún Pleanála operates under a statutory objective, set out in the Planning and Development Act 2000, to determine most appeals within 18 weeks of receiving them. This is a target rather than an absolute legal deadline, and in practice many appeals — particularly those involving larger or more contentious developments — take considerably longer than 18 weeks to resolve.

Several factors commonly extend the timeline: the appeals body may request further submissions from the parties, decide to hold an oral hearing for complex or high-profile cases, need to carry out or commission additional assessments (for example on environmental or traffic matters), or simply face a high volume of appeals awaiting an inspector. Each of these steps adds time before a final decision issues.

If An Coimisiún Pleanála does not meet the 18-week objective for a particular case, it is required to notify the parties of the position and give an indication of when a decision is likely, but there is no automatic penalty or default outcome for missing the target — the appeal remains under consideration until a decision is actually made.

What affects how long your appeal takes

These factors typically determine appeal duration:

  • The complexity and scale of the development, with larger schemes generally taking longer
  • Whether the appeal proceeds on written submissions only, or includes an oral hearing
  • Whether An Coimisiún Pleanála requests further information from the applicant or other parties
  • The volume of appeals currently before the relevant inspector or division
  • Whether third parties raise substantial new issues requiring additional assessment
  • Whether the case involves environmental impact assessment or appropriate assessment requirements

You can generally track the progress of an appeal, including any extensions to the timeline, through An Coimisiún Pleanála's online case tracking system using the appeal reference number.

What happens while an appeal is pending

The local authority's decision is suspended while a valid appeal is under consideration, meaning no development can lawfully proceed under that permission until An Coimisiún Pleanála issues its own decision. Parties to the appeal are usually notified in writing of significant procedural steps, such as a decision to hold an oral hearing or a request for further information.

Sources

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

Related questions

← Back to all questions