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Government · Ireland
Updated September 2026

🔨 My neighbour is building without a permit or breaking the rules — who checks?

Direct answer

Building rules are enforced by the building authority — Local authority — planning enforcement (pleanala.ie): they check whether a permit exists (permits are public, you can ask to see it), inspect, and can stop works or order demolition. Boundary distances, height, windows facing your garden — those are in the permit or the zoning plan. If a permit was granted and you disagree, you can object to the permit within a short deadline (often 4–6 weeks from publication) at Your city or county council (gov.ie); afterwards it is High Court — judicial review (courts.ie). Works that damage your property are a civil matter in parallel.

Call firstLocal authority — planning enforcement
Report toYour city or county council
If that failsHigh Court — judicial review

🗣️ What to say

"At [address] construction works are under way since [date]: [what]. I ask whether a permit was granted and, if not, for an inspection and enforcement. [If a permit exists: I object to the permit because …] Photos attached."

🪜 Step by step

  1. Check for a permitAsk Local authority — planning enforcement or the online register; permits are public. Look at the plans — what was approved.
  2. No permit: enforcementReport with photos; the authority inspects and can order a stop.
  3. Permit exists: object on timeThe deadline runs from publication of the permit, not from when you notice the works. File at Your city or county council with your interest (light, privacy, distance).
  4. Damage to your propertyCracks, water, a fence removed: document, notify the neighbour in writing, your insurer, and consider an expert report.
  5. Ignored: High Court — judicial reviewAfter the objection decision, the administrative court; legal aid if needed.

📇 All contacts

Local authority — planning enforcementUnauthorised development, planning objections (An Bord Pleanála)Works without permission or objecting to a permission🔗 www.pleanala.ie
Your city or county councilNuisances, roads, waste, lost property, environmental complaintsFor anything the council handles🔗 www.gov.ie/en/organisation-information/1a5c8-local-authorities
High Court — judicial reviewJudicial review of public decisions (strict 3-month limit)Within 3 months of the decision🔗 www.courts.ie
Legal Aid Board / FLACCivil legal aid on low income; free legal advice clinics (FLAC)When you cannot afford a solicitor📞 0818 615 200🔗 www.legalaidboard.ie

❓ Frequently asked

Can I stop works that annoy me but are legal?

No. Noise and hours are separate rules (see the noise page); the permit covers the building itself.

They built too close to the boundary

Zoning rules set distances; the authority enforces them if you report. Old buildings may have prior rights.

Can I look at the plans?

Yes — permits and plans are public documents in every EU country; you may need to ask in writing.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

🔎 Common searches

Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.

  • “neighbour building without permit report Ireland”
  • “object to building permit deadline”
  • “building authority complaint”
  • “construction too close to boundary”
  • “check building permit online”

🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

🔗 Related questions

🤝Neighbour dispute→🔊Noisy neighbours→📩Object to a decision→💡Broken streetlight→

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