Limerick City and County Council is the single planning authority for Limerick City and County, covering the city and suburbs such as Castletroy, Dooradoyle and Raheen, the towns of Newcastle West, Abbeyfeale and Kilmallock, the heritage village of Adare, and the Shannon Estuary ports at Foynes and Askeaton. One Limerick Development Plan covers the whole area.
Ireland Planning advises homeowners, farmers, landowners, businesses and developers on planning permission in the Limerick City and 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 Limerick Development Plan and any site constraints before you commit to drawings or a purchase.
Planning permission in Limerick: local context
Limerick's Georgian Quarter in Newtown Pery and the medieval King's Island area contain many protected structures and conservation areas. City-centre regeneration, the reuse of upper floors and the Colbert Quarter and waterfront developments are major priorities, and design and heritage carry significant weight in decisions.
Adare, Kilmallock and Askeaton have Architectural Conservation Areas, and works on thatched cottages and historic buildings require particular care. The Shannon Estuary is strategically important for port and industrial development at Foynes, which is balanced against its environmental designations.
Rural housing in Limerick is assessed against local need criteria, which are stricter in the areas around the city. Elsewhere, the council supports town-centre-first regeneration in Newcastle West, Abbeyfeale and Rathkeale, with many applications for changes of use and vacant premises.
Key planning considerations in Limerick
These are the issues that most often decide applications to Limerick City and County Council:
- Georgian Newtown Pery and King's Island conservation
- City-centre regeneration and upper-floor reuse
- Adare, Kilmallock and Askeaton ACAs
- Shannon Estuary port and industrial development
- Rural housing local need near Limerick City
- Flood risk along the Shannon and Abbey rivers
Towns and areas we cover
We advise on sites throughout the Limerick City and County Council area, including:
Limerick City · Newcastle West · Abbeyfeale · Kilmallock · Adare · Castleconnell · Annacotty · Rathkeale · Askeaton · Foynes · Patrickswell · Croom · Caherconlish · Hospital · Glin · Dooradoyle · Raheen · Castletroy
Our planning services for Limerick City and County Council applications
- Planning feasibility reviews and pre-planning (Section 247) consultation with Limerick City and County Council
- House extensions, attic conversions and garage conversions, assessed against the Limerick Development Plan
- One-off rural houses, local need and rural housing policy compliance
- 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 Limerick City and 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 Limerick
Is there a separate city and county planning department in Limerick?
No. Limerick City and County Council is a single authority with one Limerick Development Plan. The policies that apply still vary between the city, towns and rural areas, and we identify those relevant to your site.
Can I convert a Georgian building in Limerick City centre to apartments?
Many Georgian buildings are protected structures, so conversion needs a conservation-led design, a fire safety strategy and compliance with residential standards. The council actively supports bringing these buildings back into residential use.
How long does Limerick City and County Council take to decide a planning application?
Limerick City and 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 Limerick City and County Council?
Yes. Applicants, and third parties who made a valid submission on the application, can generally appeal a decision by Limerick City and 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: Clare County Council, Tipperary County Council, Cork County Council, Kerry 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 Limerick City and 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.