New Season! #48 - Planning Permission Explained: What You Need to Know Before Renovating

Planning permission in Ireland is a minefield, and we have had a different experience with each renovation we have done. It's not a straightforward process with guaranteed outcomes, but in this episode we give your our best tips plus lessons learned from our own encounters (positive and less positive!) with local planning authorities.

Who this episode is for:

Homeowners planning a renovation or extensionAnyone unsure if they need planning permissionRenovators who want fewer delays and surprises

As a rule of thumb, assume planning permission is required unless you know your project is exempt. Permission is usually needed in Ireland if your renovation:

Is new or over 40m²Changes the use of a buildingMaterially alters the exteriorIs in a protected or sensitive area

We unpack what “material change” actually means - and where homeowners most often go wrong.

How the planning process works

We walk through the full planning journey, including:

Pre-planning (when it’s worth doing)Preparing and submitting an applicationPublic consultation and submissionsPlanner assessment and Further Information requestsDecisions, appeals, and what happens after permission is granted

How long does it really take?

Typical timelines discussed:

Straightforward application: ~3–4 monthsWith Further Information: ~5–8 monthsWith appeal: ~9–15+ months

Follow the podcast on Instagram @ripitup_podcast_official, or follow us - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines

In the Rip it Up podcast, RTE's Home of the Year winner Jenny and finalist Kate step the listener through everything they've learned in buying a wreck of a house and turning it into a dream home. They demystify the entire renovation journey, from finding the right house, all the way through the renovation process, from picking a builder, to choosing wallpaper. No brick will be left unturned. 

As well as being a management consultant, Jenny writes a weekly home column in a national Irish newspaper as well as being a regular guest on national Irish radio. 

Kate, before branching out into renovation consulting full time, worked in technical roles in engineering and sustainability.

Together, they make an expert team, ready to inspire and motivate would-be renovators and DIYers alike. Follow them on Instagram to see more of their renovation journeys - Jenny is @workerscottage and Kate is @victorianrathmines

• No. of episodes: 61
• Latest episode: 2026-04-02
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