Observation (SID): Making an observation

How much time do I have to make an observation?

If you want to make an observation, you must do this within the specified period from the date of the notice published by the applicant. This period is normally at least six weeks but you must check the specified period carefully.

You want to make an observation on an application on a proposed development for a railway station.

The time limit specified is 6 weeks for this application from the date of the notice.

Example
The notice is dated on Friday 1 June, the last day we can receive your observation is before 5.30pm on Thursday 12 July.

You want to make an observation on an application on a proposed development for a electricity transmission line.

The time limit specified is 6 weeks for this application from the date of the notice.

Example
The notice is dated on Wednesday 19 September, the last day we can receive your observation is before 5.30pm on Tuesday 30 October.

There are different rules about time limits between December 24 and January 1 (inclusive) which can affect the last date.

Can you accept a late observation?

No. By law, An Bord Pleanála cannot accept a late observation for any reason.

How much does an observation cost?

An observation costs €50. If you are a prescribed body, there is no fee.

How can I pay for my observation?

There are many ways you can pay a fee to An Bord Pleanála.

	In person at our reception	In the post	Online using uploader
Cash	✔ Accepted	We advise you not to send cash in the post.	✖ Not accepted
Debit and Credit Cards*	✔ Accepted	✖ Not accepted	✔ Accepted
Cheques	✔ Accepted	✔ Accepted	✖ Not accepted
Bankers Drafts	✔ Accepted	✔ Accepted	✖ Not accepted
Postal Orders	✔ Accepted	✔ Accepted	✖ Not accepted

^*Please note we do not accept debit or credit card payments over the telephone.

You can find more details about Fees and Charges and how you can pay fees on our website.

What do I need to do to make a valid observation?

You should carefully prepare your grounds of observation (reasons and arguments) and any documents you wish to include. When you have made your observation, you cannot make any further observation unless we specifically ask you for them. Please note that An Bord Pleanála cannot consider non-planning issues.

To make a valid observation, you must:

✔	make your observation in writing (either typed or handwritten).
✔	clearly state your own name and postal address. If a planning agent is acting for you in this observation, the agent must clearly write their own name and postal address as well as your name and postal address.
✔	give us enough details to allow us to easily identify the application you wish to make an observation on. Examples of the details we accept are: the name and location of the application (for example: Ballytown Transport Hub, Main Street, Ballytown, Co. Ballytown), or the An Bord Pleanála case reference number for the application. (for example: ABP-300000-20).
✔	give us: your planning grounds of observation (reasons and arguments), and any items you wish to support your grounds of observation.
✔	make sure that the observation is received by An Bord Pleanála within the time period given in the public notice of the application.
✔	pay the correct fee of €50 fee (except if you are a prescribed body).
✔	make your observation on time and within the specified time period.

Can I make an observation online?

Yes, for more informtion please see: Observation (SID): Sending observation online.

Where do I send or deliver my observation?

You must:

post it to: The Secretary, An Bord Pleanála, 64 Marlborough Street, Dublin 1, D01 V902, or
deliver it in person to a member of An Bord Pleanála staff at our office in Marlborough Street (address above) during office hours – Monday to Friday from 9.15am to 5.30pm. Please note that the security staff in our office cannot accept appeals.

Remember, do not place your observation in the letterbox of our office and do not email it to us as your observation will be invalid.

We are closed on weekends, public holidays and other publicised days such as Christmas Day and Good Friday.

Can I get a receipt if I deliver my observation in person?

Yes. If you deliver your observation in person to our office, you can ask for a receipt which says that we have received your observation. When your observation is handed to a member of An Bord Pleanála staff, we cannot return it nor can we make a photocopy of your documents with our date stamp. A receipt does not mean that your observation is valid. We will write to you separately to tell you if your observation is valid or invalid.

Will I receive a receipt if I send my observation by post?

Yes, we will send you a receipt in the post.