Complaints
The OPR provides a fair and independent way for members of the public to make complaints about planning services.
However, we can only look at certain types of complaints. We do not review individual planning decisions. Our role is to look at how the planning system works overall. Use the sections below to find out if your complaint is something we can examine.
What complaints does the OPR consider?
The OPR can review complaints about:
- Local authorities
- An Coimisiún Pleanála
- Regional assemblies
The complaint must relate to how these bodies organise, manage, or deliver their planning functions. For example, we may look at complaints about:
- Ongoing or repeated failures to carry out statutory planning functions
- Serious problems with administrative procedures that lead to major inefficiency or waste
What complaints does the OPR not consider?
We don’t examine complaints that:
- Concern decisions in individual planning cases, such as granting or refusing planning permission, or enforcement actions
- Have not first been raised with the relevant authority, or where appeal or review options have not been used
- Are already part of legal proceedings
- Are already being examined by another appropriate body
Before you make a complaint
Before you contact us, you should try to resolve your issue with the relevant authority. This may include using its internal complaints process or any formal review mechanisms. You may also find helpful information on our Introduction to Planning Page
Make a complaint
If you believe your complaint falls within the OPR’s role, you can submit it using our online complaint form
You can also send your complaint by post to:
Office of the Planning Regulator
Park House
191–193A North Circular Road
Dublin 7
D07 EWV4
If you would like to speak to us, you can call 01 854 6700.
Please note: We can only consider complaints that are made in writing.
What happens when I make a complaint?
We will first check whether your complaint is something we can deal with. We will let you know as soon as possible.
We aim to acknowledge complaints within five working days of receiving them.
If we can't help?
Sometimes people contact us about matters that fall outside our role. If this happens, we may suggest other organisations that can give you information or help you take your complaint further.