Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown (DLR) County Council covers south County Dublin from Booterstown and Blackrock along the coast to Dún Laoghaire, Dalkey, Killiney and Shankill, and inland to Dundrum, Stillorgan, Sandyford and the foothills of the Dublin Mountains. DLR has a high concentration of period houses, protected structures and Architectural Conservation Areas.
Ireland Planning advises homeowners, farmers, landowners, businesses and developers on planning permission in the Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown County Council area. Our work is led by Patrick O’Reilly, a chartered planner and a Full Corporate Member of the Irish Planning Institute (MIPI). We review the planning history, the Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown County Development Plan and any site constraints before you commit to drawings or a purchase.
Planning permission in Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown: local context
Many applications in DLR involve Victorian and Edwardian houses in Monkstown, Dalkey, Blackrock and Glenageary. Protected structure status, Architectural Conservation Areas and the council's policies on established residential character shape what can be built, from extensions and dormer windows to replacement windows and new boundary treatments.
Cherrywood is a Strategic Development Zone with its own Planning Scheme, and the Sandyford Urban Framework Plan guides development in the Sandyford business district. Elsewhere, infill houses, demolition and replacement dwellings, and higher-density schemes near Luas stops are common, and they draw close attention to height, overlooking and mature trees.
The DLR uplands around Glencullen and Ballyedmonduff are zoned to protect high-amenity landscapes, and new housing there is very restricted. Along the coast, works near Dún Laoghaire Harbour, Killiney Hill and Dalkey Island can raise visual and heritage issues.
Key planning considerations in Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown
These are the issues that most often decide applications to Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown County Council:
- Protected structures and Architectural Conservation Areas
- Established residential character and mature trees
- Cherrywood SDZ and the Sandyford Urban Framework Plan
- Demolition and replacement dwellings
- Coastal and upland high-amenity landscapes
- Density and building height near Luas and DART stations
Towns and areas we cover
We advise on sites throughout the Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown County Council area, including:
Dún Laoghaire · Dalkey · Killiney · Blackrock · Monkstown · Glenageary · Dundrum · Stillorgan · Sandyford · Foxrock · Cabinteely · Ballybrack · Shankill · Booterstown · Mount Merrion · Goatstown · Ballinteer · Stepaside · Cherrywood · Glencullen
Our planning services for Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown County Council applications
- Planning feasibility reviews and pre-planning (Section 247) consultation with Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown County Council
- House extensions and attic conversions, assessed against the Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown County Development Plan
- One-off houses, infill and replacement dwellings
- Change of use for shops, offices, clinics, restaurants and other premises
- Commercial to residential conversions and living over the shop
- Commercial, retail and business planning applications
- Retention planning permission for unauthorised works and enforcement issues
- Planning refusals, conditions and appeals to An Coimisiún Pleanála
- Section 5 declarations on whether works are exempted development
- Third-party observations and objections on planning applications
Planning refusals and appeals to An Coimisiún Pleanála
If Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown County Council has refused permission or attached conditions that make a project unworkable, the options include an appeal to An Coimisiún Pleanála, a revised application that addresses the reasons for refusal, or a further information strategy. We review the planner’s report, the reasons for refusal and the relevant policies before recommending a route. See our planning refusals and appeals service.
Frequently asked questions about planning permission in Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown
Can I add a dormer or attic conversion to a period house in DLR?
Front-facing dormers on period houses are often resisted, while well-designed rear dormers can be acceptable. If the house is a protected structure or in an Architectural Conservation Area, the bar is higher. We review the house, the street and recent DLR decisions before recommending an approach.
Will DLR County Council allow me to demolish and replace my house?
Demolition proposals are assessed for the architectural merit of the existing house, the effect on the character of the area and the sustainability case for replacement. A strong design and planning rationale is essential, particularly in ACAs.
How long does Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown County Council take to decide a planning application?
Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown County Council must generally decide a valid planning application within eight weeks of receiving it. If the council requests further information, the decision is usually due within four weeks of that information being received. Invalid applications are returned, so a complete, well-prepared submission saves time.
Can I appeal a decision made by Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown County Council?
Yes. Applicants, and third parties who made a valid submission on the application, can generally appeal a decision by Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown County Council to An Coimisiún Pleanála (formerly An Bord Pleanála) within four weeks of the decision date. The deadline is strict, so get advice as soon as the decision issues.
Information to include with your enquiry
The more accurately we understand the site and proposed development, the more useful an initial response can be.
- Full property address and Eircode, if available
- Existing use and proposed use or works
- Any planning reference numbers, decisions or drawings
- Relevant timescales and known constraints
Neighbouring planning authorities
We also advise on projects in nearby council areas: Dublin City Council, South Dublin County Council, Wicklow County Council. See every county and council we cover on our planning permission by county and council page.
Request a planning assessment
Contact Ireland Planning on 01 223 2496 or email info@irelandplanning.ie with the site address and your proposal. We will explain the planning position with Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown County Council and the next practical step for your project.
Request a Planning Assessment →
Planning law and local policy can change. Any general information on this page should be checked against the provisions in force and the specific property circumstances before relying on an exemption or commencing works.