How much does retention planning permission cost in Ireland?

Applications for retention permission are treated as a distinct category of application under the fee schedule in the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, and are charged at a materially higher statutory rate than an equivalent standard application for the same type of development. This higher fee reflects the fact that the works were carried out without the required permission being in place beforehand, and is set by regulation rather than at the council's discretion.

On top of the statutory council fee, applicants typically need to commission accurate measured drawings of the structure as actually built (which can require a fresh survey, since as-built dimensions often differ from any original design intent), and may need supporting reports if the unauthorised works raise specific issues - for example, a structural engineer's report if the retained structure's stability is in question, or a site suitability assessment if an unauthorised wastewater system is involved.

If the retention application is refused and an appeal is lodged to An Coimisiún Pleanála, a further statutory appeal fee applies, and there is a real risk of incurring these costs without ultimately achieving retention if the development does not comply with proper planning and sustainable development. Legal costs can also arise where enforcement proceedings have already begun before the retention application is lodged.