Sligo County Council covers Sligo town, the main regional centre of the north-west, together with Tubbercurry, Ballymote and Collooney, and the coastal communities of Strandhill, Rosses Point, Enniscrone and Mullaghmore. Benbulben, Knocknarea and the Wild Atlantic Way coast give Sligo some of the most recognisable landscapes in Ireland.
Ireland Planning advises homeowners, farmers, landowners, businesses and developers on planning permission in the Sligo County Council area. Advice is provided by our planning team, led by a chartered planning consultant and Full Corporate Member of the Irish Planning Institute (MIPI). We review the planning history, the Sligo County Development Plan and any site constraints before you commit to drawings or a purchase.
Planning permission in Sligo: local context
Benbulben, Knocknarea, the Ox Mountains and the coastline from Mullaghmore to Enniscrone are designated as sensitive landscapes, with many protected habitats and views. Siting and design are often decisive for one-off houses and tourism projects on elevated or coastal sites.
Sligo town is a designated Regional Growth Centre, with priorities for town-centre regeneration, the reuse of upper floors and new housing. Rural areas close to the town, including around Strandhill, Rosses Point and Ballysadare, are under strong urban influence, with stricter rural housing criteria.
Coastal erosion and flooding affect Strandhill, Enniscrone and Rosses Point, while the Carrowmore and Carrowkeel megalithic sites bring significant archaeological considerations.
Key planning considerations in Sligo
These are the issues that most often decide applications to Sligo County Council:
- Benbulben, Knocknarea and coastal landscapes
- Sligo town Regional Growth Centre and regeneration
- Rural housing near Sligo town
- Coastal erosion and flooding at Strandhill and Enniscrone
- Carrowmore and Carrowkeel archaeology
- Tourism accommodation on the Wild Atlantic Way
Towns and areas we cover
We advise on sites throughout the Sligo County Council area, including:
Sligo town · Tubbercurry · Ballymote · Enniscrone · Strandhill · Rosses Point · Grange · Collooney · Ballysadare · Coolaney · Easkey · Riverstown · Mullaghmore · Cliffoney · Gurteen · Aclare
Our planning services for Sligo County Council applications
- Planning feasibility reviews and pre-planning (Section 247) consultation with Sligo County Council
- House extensions, attic conversions and garage conversions, assessed against the Sligo County 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 Sligo 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 Sligo
Can I build a house near Strandhill or Rosses Point?
These areas are popular but under strong urban influence and often visually or environmentally sensitive. Sligo County Council will assess your local need, the site's landscape impact and coastal risks. We review the site and your eligibility first.
Does Sligo County Council support living over the shop in Sligo town?
Yes. The reuse of vacant upper floors is a priority, and some conversions may benefit from temporary exemptions. Protected structures and fire safety requirements still need careful attention.
How long does Sligo County Council take to decide a planning application?
Sligo 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 Sligo County Council?
Yes. Applicants, and third parties who made a valid submission on the application, can generally appeal a decision by Sligo 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: Leitrim County Council, Mayo County Council, Roscommon County Council, Donegal 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 Sligo 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.