Information on Complaints
The OPR provides a fair and independent mechanism through which members of the public may submit complaints related to the planning services delivered by local authorities (i.e. city and county councils) in Ireland.
However, it’s important to understand that there are only certain types of complaints which we can investigate. It is not our purpose to review individual planning cases but to examine the overall functioning of the planning system.
Watch our video or visit the drop down menu below to find out more.
What complaints does the OPR consider?
Under legislation, the OPR can only examine complaints about local authorities that relate to the overall organisation of the authority and the systems and procedures it uses when carrying out its planning functions.
Complaints should concern:
- Regular / repeated breaches of an authority’s obligation to carry out its planning functions in accordance with legislation and / or national policy requirements.
- Significant failures in proper administrative procedures which result in serious diseconomies and inefficiencies in delivering planning services to the general public.
- Existence of systemic discrimination or a risk of corruption.
What complaints does the OPR consider?
Under legislation, the OPR can only examine complaints about local authorities that relate to the overall organisation of the authority and the systems and procedures it uses when carrying out its planning functions.
Complaints should concern:
- Regular / repeated breaches of an authority’s obligation to carry out its planning functions in accordance with legislation and / or national policy requirements.
- Significant failures in proper administrative procedures which result in serious diseconomies and inefficiencies in delivering planning services to the general public.
- Existence of systemic discrimination or a risk of corruption.
What complaints does the OPR not consider?
The OPR will not consider complaints:
- Relating to the decision making of authorities in individual cases concerning granting or refusal of planning permissions or enforcement matters.
- If reasonable steps have not firstly been taken to pursue the complaint with the relevant planning authority or to exhaust any appeal or review procedures available.
- Relating to An Bord Pleanála.
- Where legal proceedings have already been instituted.
- If already under consideration by another appropriate body.
Before you make a complaint
Before you contact us, you should first try to resolve your complaint with the relevant authority through formal review mechanisms or its own internal complaints procedure. There is also lots of helpful information on our Introduction to Planning Page
Make a complaint
If you feel that your complaint is relevant to the OPR and would like to make a complaint, please use our On-line Complaint Form
You can also make a complaint via post to:
Office of the Planning Regulator
Fourth Floor
Park House.
Grangegorman,
191-193A North Circular Road,
Dublin 7
D07 EWV4
Should you wish to speak to us about a complaint, you can contact us at 01 854 6700
However, a complaint must be received in writing for us to consider it.
What happens when I make a complaint?
The OPR will firstly consider if the complaint is appropriate to us. We will inform you as soon as possible if your complaint is one that we can deal with.
We aim to acknowledge complaints within five working days from the date of receipt.
If we can't help?
People often contact us with complaints for which we are not the appropriate body. Other organisations may provide useful information for you or be able to advise you on how to take your complaint forward.
