More action on illegal planning complaints by Laois County Council
Legal proceedings and costs recouped as enforcement action increases
More action is being taken this year by Laois County Council on illegal building and developments.
So far in 2025, the council has begun legal proceedings on nine cases, compared to just one at the same time in 2024.
The Laois planning enforcement team has also recouped almost double the cost of enforcements, at nearly €6,300 by the end of April 2025, compared to €3,500 a year ago.
There have been 51 files processed and closed so far this year, compared to 23 in 2024.
It has also received 11 valid retention applications so far in 2025, compared to seven in the same period for 2024.
Up to the end of April 2025, the council's planning enforcement team had opened 55 new cases having received complaints from the public, an increase from the 41 cases opened up to April 2024.
They have sent out 153 warning letters, again up from 116 up to April in 2024.
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It has received €4,825 in fees, from valid retention planning applications that were sent after enforcement action began. That is also up, from €4,452 last year.
However Laois County Council has paid much more in legal fees as their activity increased, at €7,547 this year, compared to €1,842 in 2024.
The figures were given at the May meeting of Laois County Council.
Unauthorised developments
Laois Planning Authority may investigate and take action against developers of land or property who do not have the required permission or have not met the terms of their permission.
Unauthorised development relates to developments and/or uses that are in breach of the planning laws. This is also known as Planning Enforcement. A development is unauthorised when; Planning permission is required, has not been obtained and the development is not exempt, or Planning permission was granted but the development is not being carried out in accordance with the plans lodged or conditions of the planning permission granted.
Anyone can make a complaint, by filling out a form on the Laois County Council website. They can request that their name is kept confidential.