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Observation (SHD): Making an Observation

This page explains for members of the public how to make an observation on a strategic housing development application

How long do I have to make an observation?

How long do I have to make an observation to the Board?
If you want to make an observation, you must do this within five weeks of the date An Bord Pleanála receives the application. The law does not allow us to accept a late observation for any reason. You can find details for current applications, including the dates they were lodged with us.
 

How much does an observation cost?

How much does an observation cost?
An observation costs €20.

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.


Making an observation

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 observations 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:

put 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 proposed development in the application (for example: Town Square Project, Main Street, Ballytown, Co. Ballytown), or
• the An Bord Pleanála case reference number for the application. The case reference number is the middle six-digit number (for example: 300000).
give us:
• your planning grounds of observation (reasons and arguments), and
• any items you wish to support your grounds of observation.
pay the correct fee of €20.
make your observation on time and within the five-week time period beginning on the date An Bord Pleanála receives the application.

You can use the observation form to help you make the observation, or you can also just write to us.