Sending us your observation online

How do I make an observation on a large-scale residential development appeal (LRD) online?

Members of the public can submit observations online through the specific case page for a current large-scale residential appeal application, from which the uploader can be accessed. To locate the relevant case page, please refer to our case search facility here. To use the online uploader facility, you will need to have completed your observation and either saved it as a Microsoft Word document or a PDF. The online uploader facility does not make the observation for you.

The online uploader facility will also allow you to pay the fee online. When you have successfully sent your observation, you will get an email to confirm that we have received it.

Please name your document in either of two ways:

Ways to name your document	Example
Case number and your name	300000 – Ann Duine
The name and location of the development and your name	Town Square Project, Ballytown – John Murphy

Tip: Make sure that the name of your document does not end in a full stop (.)

What will I need to upload the observation online?

✔	An up-to-date version of an internet browser such as Microsoft Edge, Chrome, Firefox and Safari.
✔	An email address to receive an email confirming we have received your observation.
✔	Your observation saved as a Microsoft Word document or a PDF that should not exceed the maximum allowed file size of 30MB.
✔	The details of the appeal/application you wish to make an observation on. Details the uploader accepts are: The An Coimisiún Pleanála case reference number for the application. (for example: 300000), or The name and location of the proposed development in the application (for example: Ballytown Transport Hub, Main Street, Ballytown, Co. Ballytown).
✔	A debit or credit card to pay the correct fee.

How do I use the uploader?

To use the uploader, go to the specific case page for a current appeal. To locate the relevant case, please refer to our case search facility here. The uploader is accessible from the case page, it will then take you through the pages / steps to upload your document.

Page 1	Introduction
Page 2	On the top half of this page, you must give: the An Coimisiún Pleanála case reference number for the application, or the name and location of the proposed development in the application. In the lower half of this page you can attach your observation. You can upload and attach your observation into the grey box by clicking on the button: When the observation has been uploaded, it will appear in the grey box.
Page 3	On this page you must give: your name, and your email address in the two separate boxes to make sure we have your correct email address. If you are an agent uploading an observation for a client, you must give your name and email address.
Page 4	The details of the appeal/application you wish to make an observation on. Details the uploader accepts are: The An Coimisiún Pleanála case reference number for the application. (for example: 300000), or The name and location of the proposed development in the application (for example: Ballytown Transport Hub, Main Street, Ballytown, Co. Ballytown).
Page 5	When successfully completed, you will see the Confirmation screen. You will also be emailed a receipt confirming we have received your observation. If there are problems, please follow the instructions on screen.

How long do I have to complete the uploader process?

There is no time limit to complete the uploader process. However, if you close the page and leave the process, you will have to start again from the beginning.

Do I pay the fee when I upload the document?

Yes. You will need a debit or credit card to pay the necessary fee.
Please make sure that you have enough money in your account as payment will be taken at the same time as you upload your document.

Can I upload the document and pay the fee separately?

No. If you are using the uploader, you can only pay by debit or credit card. If you wish to pay the fee by any other payment method, you will need to either: • send us your observation by post, or • hand deliver it to a member of staff in our office.

Do I have to use the uploader to send in my observation?

No. You can continue to send your observation by post or deliver it in person to our office.

Can I use the uploader to submit my observation and post supporting materials?

No. If you want to include supporting materials such as printed photographs, paper drawings, or DVDs as part of your observation, you will need to send your observation by post or deliver it in person to our office.

Can I use the uploader and post a paper copy of the same observation?

No. Please only use one method to send your observation: online via the uploader or on paper (by post or delivered in person).

I am having problems using the uploader. Who can I contact?

If you are having problems using the uploader, please contact our helpdesk by emailing onlinesupport@pleanala.ie

Will you contact me during the application process by email?

No. During the application process, we will write to you by letter sent in the post.
You will only receive an email from us to confirm that we have received your observation document.

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