Dealing with Construction Permits in
Ireland
Below is a detailed summary of the procedures, time and costs to build a warehouse in Ireland. This includes obtaining necessary licenses and permits, completing required notifications and inspections and obtaining utility connections.
This information was collected as part of the Doing Business project, which measures and compares regulations relevant to the life cycle of a small- to medium-sized domestic business in 185 economies. The most recent round of data collection was completed in June 2012. Read the methodology.
Compare Ireland to 184 other economies.
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Estimated Warehouse Value:
EUR 946,771
- City: Dublin
| No. |
Procedure |
Time to Complete |
Associated Costs |
| 1 |
Publish notice of construction in approved newspaper
According to Article 17(1)(a) of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 -- 2011, the planning application must be published in an authorized newspaper for 15 days. A copy of this newspaper notice must be submitted with all the documents when requesting a construction permit.
|
15 days
|
EUR 15
|
| * 2 |
Obtain an Ordnance Survey map
One of required document for applying for a planning permission is the Ordnance Survey map showing the location of the plot.
|
1 day
|
EUR 65
|
| 3 |
Apply for planning permission
Application for a planning authorization includes layout or site plan, drawings of floor plans, elevations and sections, a copy of the Newspaper notice and a copy of the Site Notice erected 15 days prior to submission of all documents. 10 copies of drawings, statements, photos, etc., are required as all prescribed bodies have to receive a copy under the regulations
It is important that the full application fee prescribed under the Irish Planning and Development Regulations accompanies the application for planning permission, as the application may otherwise be deemed invalid and returned by the planning authority, on the basis that an incorrect application fee was submitted.
It may be necessary to submit an environmental impact statement to accompany the planning application where the local planning authority considers, by reference to the characteristics of the development, its location or the characteristics of the environmental impacts from the development, that the development is likely to have a significant effect on the environment.
If the local planning authority considers that the development is likely to have a significant effect on a site protected under the Habitats or Birds Directives (or sites proposed for protection under the Habitats or Birds Directives), it may also be necessary to submit an 'appropriate assessment' of the predicted impacts of the proposed development on the relevant protected site(s). Under section 48 of the Planning and Development Act 200-2006, BuildCo is required to pay a General contribution in respect of general public infrastructure and facilities benefitting development in the area of the planning authority.
Agency: Dublin City Council
|
1 day
|
EUR 169,858
|
| 4 |
Receive on-site inspection before planning permission is granted
The performance of an onsite inspection is not a legal requirement and has no statutory basis. A planning official will visit the site to ensure, for example, that the public site notice is in the correct place, but this visit is merely to enable the official to compile a satisfactory report and is not mandated by the Building Regulations.
|
1 day
|
no charge
|
| 5 |
Obtain Fire Safety Certificate
A fire safety certificate is required before a building may be lawfully occupied. In order to ensure that the design and construction will accord with the relevant statutory fire safety requirements, an application for the fire safety certificate should be made prior to construction or, at a minimum, 90 days prior to completion, to prevent any delay in occupation of the building. The application must be accompanied by a fire safety report, drawings and specifications and the relevant fee. A revised fire safety certificate may be required where planning permission is granted for a revised design or where a significant revision is made to the design for which a fire safety certificate has been granted.
It is important that the full application fee accompanies the application for a fire safety certificate, as the application may otherwise be deemed invalid and returned by the local authority, on the basis that an incorrect application fee was submitted.
|
78 days
|
EUR 3,772
|
| * 6 |
Obtain planning permission
The previous time specified (55 days) represents the minimum statutory time period within which the planning authority may, at first instance, make a decision on the planning application, this time period may be, and in most cases is, exceeded by the making of a request for further information by the relevant local planning authority to the applicant. A valid request for further information has the effect of stopping time running against the planning authority.
The revised time limit of 90 days represents the minimum time limit prescribed by law and the average time in practice, on the basis that a request for further information is made by the planning authority. This period does not include the time for appeal of the decision made by the local planning authority at first instance. An appeal against the decision made by the local planning authority may be made to the planning appeals board (An Bord Pleanála) within 4 weeks of the date of the decision of the local planning authority. The appeal process, which may include an oral hearing, may delay the commencement of construction for between four and eight months or even more.
Pursuant to regulation 6 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Regulations, 2006, BuildCo must appoint in writing for every project:
• A competent project supervisor for the design process
• A competent project supervisor for the construction stage
Pursuant to regulation 10 of the Regulations, Build Co has a duty to give notice in writing to the Health and Safety Authority in their approved forms (Forms AF1 & AF2) of these appointments. The forms are to be sent by registered post to the Health and Safety Authority, Metropolitan Building. BuildCo must receive written confirmation of acceptance of the appointments
Provision of these forms is required under the relevant health and safety legislation, and is therefore a procedure to be complied with.
Agency: Dublin City Council
|
55 days
|
no charge
|
| 7 |
Request and receive final inspection
|
1 day
|
no charge
|
| 8 |
Obtain a Disability Access Certificate
Since January 2010, all buildings have to obtain a disability access certificate. An architect or other professional prepares the Access Certificate Application to confirm that the design of the building meets the recommendations of Part M of the Building Control Regulations. The Building Control Authority (Local Authority) reviews the application and proceeds to issue the Certificate if it is in order.
To avoid potentially expensive remedial work, it would be considered good practice to apply for the certificate at the same time as a Fire Safety Certificate therefore ensuring that the certificate and any conditions pertaining to it are known prior to the commencement of works.
A building may not be operated or occupied unless such a certificate has been granted.
Agency: Dublin City Council
|
60 days
|
EUR 800
|
| * 9 |
Request water connection
BuildCo completes and send by mail the Dublin City Council’s water supply application form along with a water conservation plan.
Agency: Dublin City Council’s water supply
|
1 day
|
no charge
|
| * 10 |
Receive inspection for water connection
BuildCo contacts the Water Services Division Plumbing Inspectorate to obtain approval for your proposed internal installations, fittings and materials.
Agency: Dublin City Council’s water supply
|
1 day
|
no charge
|
| * 11 |
Obtain water connection
After BuildCo receives approval, connection should be schedule with the Water Services Division at least 3 weeks before is required. A deposit equivalent to 1 month's service should be paid. It will be reimbursed within a year.
Agency: Dublin City Council’s water supply
|
21 days
|
no charge
|
| * 12 |
Request and obtain telephone connection
Agency: Eircom
|
16 days
|
EUR 107
|
* Takes place simultaneously with another procedure.
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