About Unauthorised Development

Unauthorised development is developments works, which are not exempted,that are carried out on a site without the benefit of planning permission.

In addition, if a development is carried out, which is not in compliance with the terms (drawings, site layout etc) or the conditions of the planning permission granted it is considered to be unauthorised development.

Where such unauthorised development comes to the attention of the Enforcement Section, it will investigate the matter by conducting a site visit and examining the planning history of the site and may serve a warning letter or an Enforcement Notice, as specified in the Planning and Development Act 2000.

In serious cases, the Council will consider taking an injunction in the Circuit Court or the high Court against the developer.  There are heavy penalties for someone convicted in the courts for carrying out unauthorised development.