Leitrim County Council covers Carrick-on-Shannon, Manorhamilton, Mohill, Ballinamore and Drumshanbo, the Shannon–Erne Waterway, and a short Atlantic coastline at Tullaghan. Leitrim has a small and dispersed population, and its planning policy generally aims to support rural communities and bring vacant buildings back into use.
Ireland Planning advises homeowners, farmers, landowners, businesses and developers on planning permission in the Leitrim 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 Leitrim County Development Plan and any site constraints before you commit to drawings or a purchase.
Planning permission in Leitrim: local context
The Leitrim County Development Plan is generally supportive of rural housing for people who want to live in the county, reflecting a long history of population decline. Site suitability, wastewater treatment on heavy soils, road access and landscape impact are still assessed carefully, particularly in the uplands of north Leitrim around Glenade and Glencar.
Carrick-on-Shannon is the county's main town and a busy boating centre on the Shannon. Proposals here and along the Shannon–Erne Waterway include tourism, marina, residential and town-centre development, often with flood-risk considerations.
Vacant and derelict buildings are common in Leitrim's towns and villages, and their reuse is actively encouraged. Forestry, farm buildings and renewable energy proposals are also frequent in the rural parts of the county.
Key planning considerations in Leitrim
These are the issues that most often decide applications to Leitrim County Council:
- Rural housing, site suitability and wastewater on heavy soils
- Carrick-on-Shannon and Shannon–Erne Waterway flood risk
- North Leitrim uplands, Glenade and Glencar landscapes
- Reuse of vacant and derelict buildings
- Tourism, marinas and riverside development
- Forestry and renewable energy
Towns and areas we cover
We advise on sites throughout the Leitrim County Council area, including:
Carrick-on-Shannon · Manorhamilton · Mohill · Ballinamore · Drumshanbo · Kinlough · Dromahair · Drumkeerin · Leitrim village · Dromod · Keshcarrigan · Tullaghan · Kiltyclogher · Rooskey
Our planning services for Leitrim County Council applications
- Planning feasibility reviews and pre-planning (Section 247) consultation with Leitrim County Council
- House extensions, attic conversions and garage conversions, assessed against the Leitrim 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 Leitrim 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 Leitrim
Is it easier to get planning permission for a rural house in Leitrim?
Leitrim's policies are generally more supportive of rural housing than counties under commuter pressure, but sites still need suitable wastewater treatment, safe access and an appropriate design. We review site suitability before you commit.
Do I need permission to bring a derelict Leitrim cottage back into use?
Renovating an existing house may need limited permissions, but an extension, a change of use or the replacement of a long-abandoned building usually needs planning permission. Grants such as the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant may also be relevant.
How long does Leitrim County Council take to decide a planning application?
Leitrim 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 Leitrim County Council?
Yes. Applicants, and third parties who made a valid submission on the application, can generally appeal a decision by Leitrim 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: Sligo County Council, Roscommon County Council, Longford County Council, Cavan 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 Leitrim 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.