Dept of Housing: Planning Circular Letter PLR 02/2026
Effective from Monday 27 July 2026
Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) Regulations, amend the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, as amended (Regulations of 2001) to provide for:
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The existing exemption for extension of the principal dwelling will be increased from 40sqm to 45sqm.
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A new exemption will provide for extension via the addition of dormer roof boxes to the side or rear of the house and roof lights on the front roof of the dwelling.
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A new exemption for sub-division of the principal dwelling will allow for the creation of up to 1 additional self-contained unit within the existing building , with a minimum floor area for each subdivided unit of 32sqm.
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A new exemption for an auxiliary habitable dwelling will allow for the addition of a detached auxiliary dwelling to the rear of the principal house, linked to the services of the principal house, which may be between 32sqm and 45sqm.
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A new exemption will allow for the provision of insulation on external walls of a dwelling, in line with existing SEAI grant provision.
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The exemption for a heat pump will be expanded so that it is not restricted to the rear of the property.
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A new exemption will provide for cycle or bin storage at both the front and back of the property, with enough space to hold either 3-4 adult size bicycles, 2 cargo bikes or 3 wheelie bins.
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The existing exemption for a structure in the back garden (such as a shed, store, home office or gym) will be increased from 25 square metres to 30 square metres.
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A new exemption will provide for the removal of a chimney from a house.
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Under planning legislation any development which is not specifically exempt development requires planning permission and development which does not have that permission is unauthorised development, as is development which has been, or is being, carried out in breach of conditions specified in a planning permission.
Section 151 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) states that any person who has carried out or is carrying out unauthorised development shall be guilty of an offence which can carry very serious penalties.
To ensure that the integrity of the planning system is maintained and that it operates for the benefit of the whole community, the Council will take enforcement action in cases of unauthorised development, where it is appropriate to do so,consistent with the provisions of Part VIII of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended).
In carrying out its enforcement functions, the Council may issue Warning Letters and/or Enforcement Notices or take injunctive proceedings pursuant to Section 160 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended). Proceedings for non-compliance with an Enforcement Notice will be taken in the District Court in most cases. However, where appropriate, injunctions will be sought in the Circuit Court or High Court. In all cases involving legal proceedings the Council will seek to recover its costs, in addition to any fines imposed by the courts.
How to view Unauthorised Development Points and Sites
You can view Unauthorised Development Points and Sites on the Kildare County Council Public Planning System. To access the map directly, click this link - Kildare County Council.
Once on the map:
- Make sure to tick one or both of the following options:
- Unauthorised Development Point
- Unauthorised Development Site
- You can then zoom in to explore specific locations.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact: planningcontrol@kildarecoco.ie