An Coimisiún Pleanála (ACP) launches online appeals service in partnership with the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO)
06 / 08 / 2026
Joint Online Appeals Announcement with OGCIO 
An Coimisiún Pleanála has launched a new online appeals service developed in collaboration with the OGCIO, enabling eligible planning appeals and secure payments to be submitted online and the relevant fee to be paid as part of the same transaction. The service is a significant milestone in the Commission’s digital transformation programme, improving access to the appeals process for member of the public while also helping to streamline the intake processes.
The service has been live since 20 April 2026 on An Coimisiún Pleanála’s website. As of 4 August the online planning appeals service has received over 500 submissions, demonstrating strong early uptake of the new digital channel.
The service has been delivered in collaboration with the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) using shared Government Digital Building Blocks - a set of compatible software tools that provide reusable digital capabilities across the public service. This approach supports a consistent, secure and accessible user experience, avoids unnecessary duplication, and aligns with wider Government digital transformation objectives, including the objectives set out in Connecting Government 2030.
The service also delivers clear public and organisational benefits. It ensures equitable access to the statutory appeals process regardless of geography or office hours, removing the need for in-person or postal submissions. It reduces reliance on paper, post and manual processing, supporting more efficient handling of appeals within the Commission.
The online appeals service is a practical example of how reusable Government digital capability can support public bodies to modernise high-volume services. By using shared, interoperable components, public service bodies can deliver better services faster, reduce delivery overheads, and create a more seamless experience for members of the public and businesses.
Over time, the guided online process is also expected to improve the quality and completeness of submissions, reducing errors and supporting more efficient case processing.
By building on reusable Government Digital Building Blocks, the service also supports future innovation and more efficient use of public resources. The approach strengthens collaboration across Government by encouraging common standards, shared governance and the reuse of proven solutions, helping to lay the foundation for a more resilient, efficient and citizen-centred digital public service.
ACP official quote:
“An Coimisiún Pleanála strives to provide high quality services, innovative systems and efficient processes that allow for fair participation and are accessible for all. This online appeals service developed with OGCIO is more accessible, efficient and sustainable, and removes a significant barrier for people across the country who previously had to come to our Dublin office in person or use the postal service to lodge an appeal. Planning appeals constitute a substantial part of the Commission’s work, and we are encouraged by the early adoption rates and positive user feedback.The introduction of this digital service improves how planning appeals are both submitted and managed, and its successful delivery provides a roadmap for further digital service enhancements.”
Peter Mullan Chief Executive Officer, An Coimisiún PleanálaOGCIO official quote:
“Public Service Bodies are increasingly adopting reusable digital building blocks to transform the way public services are designed, delivered, and improved. By using shared, secure, and interoperable components, public sector organisations can deliver better services faster, reduce costs, and create a more seamless experience for citizens and businesses.
An Coimisiún Pleanála’s new online appeals service is a great example of how shared Government digital capability can support public bodies to modernise high-volume services in a way that improves accessibility, strengthens service delivery and supports better use of administrative resources. Digital transformation is about rethinking how government delivers value to citizens.
By investing in reusable digital building blocks, we are creating a foundation that enables faster innovation, better public services, and more efficient use of public resources.”
Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation
Background / notes to editors
Any person wishing to carry out development must apply for planning permission to the relevant local planning authority. In certain circumstances, those decisions may be appealed to An Coimisiún Pleanála. Planning Appeals are made under section 37 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended.
The online appeals service supports a range of eligible appeal scenarios, including first- and third-party planning appeals, Section 5 referrals, Large Scale Residential Development appeals, and appeals following a grant of leave to appeal.
A first party who made an application to the planning authority for a proposed development can appeal:
- The planning authority’s decision to refuse permission.
- Any conditions the planning authority attaches to a grant of permission decision.
- How a planning authority applies the terms of a Development Contribution Scheme or a Supplementary Development Contribution Scheme to conditions in a grant of permission.
A third party who made a submission to the planning authority on a proposed development can appeal:
- The decision of the planning authority.
- Any conditions the planning authority attaches to a grant of permission decision.
The online service was delivered using shared Government digital services managed by OGCIO on behalf of An Coimisiún Pleanála. Users are encouraged to share feedback on their experience to support ongoing service improvement.
The online journey guides users step-by-step through the information required to make a valid appeal, upload supporting documents, and complete payment by debit or credit card. Bringing these elements together in a single digital transaction makes the process more straightforward for users and supports more efficient handling of submissions.
The platform has also demonstrated that it can reliably support variable-fee services, with online payments submitted to date ranging from €220 to €4,500. Early user engagement indicates that the online appeals process and accompanying guidance are clear and straightforward to use.
Before going live, the service was piloted with planning agents to test the end-to-end user journey and gather feedback. That feedback was used to refine the service and improve the supporting guidance on the website, helping to ensure that instructions and steps were clear and usable for applicants.
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