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How long does planning permission last in Ireland?

Five years, unless the decision says otherwise. Section 40 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 sets a standard appropriate period of five years from the date of the grant, after which permission ceases to have effect for anything not yet carried out. A longer period can be specified, and extensions are possible under section 42.

The life of a permission is called the appropriate period. Section 40 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 provides that a permission ceases to have effect at the end of that period in respect of any development not carried out within it. The default is five years from the date the permission is granted.

A planning authority may specify a different appropriate period in the decision, so always read the grant itself rather than assuming five years. Where a development is substantially completed within the period, the permission continues to apply to the completion of the remaining works in the circumstances set out in section 40.

Section 42 allows the planning authority to extend the appropriate period on application, subject to statutory tests about substantial works having been carried out or commercial or economic circumstances, and the application must be made before the permission expires.

Practical points

Keep these in mind:

  • Check the date of grant and the appropriate period stated on your decision
  • Work not carried out within the period is no longer permitted
  • An extension must be applied for before the permission expires
  • Extensions are decided against statutory tests, not granted automatically
  • Time spent on appeal to An Coimisiún Pleanála affects the date of grant, not a later start date
  • Commencement notices and Building Regulations obligations run separately

When to take advice

If a permission is close to expiry, or if only part of the development has been built, speak to the planning authority early. Whether an extension is available depends on the specific facts and on the statutory tests in section 42.

Sources

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

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