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Pre-Planning Process

Pre-Planning Consultations allow applicants to seek advice from the Planning Authority prior to submitting a planning application.

Pre-Planning Advice 

Pre-Planning consultations afford applicants the opportunity to seek advice from the Planning Authority on a proposed development, prior to submitting a planning application. This advice can include indicating the relevant objectives and policies of the Development Plan that have a bearing on the decision of the application.

Pre-planning advice is given in good faith and without prejudice to the formal consideration of any subsequent planning application. Section 247(3) of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended states that “the carrying out of consultations shall not prejudice the performance by a Planning Authority of any other of its functions under this Act, or any regulations made under this Act and cannot be relied upon in the formal planning process or in legal proceeding.”

Before Booking a Pre-Planning Meeting 

Prior to booking a pre-planning consultation, Galway County Council recommend that applicants utilise the County Galway Pre-Planning Enquiry System which will generate a free report for your proposed site boundary. The report will collate common planning information relating to land use zonings, flood risk, protected structures and other topics. A link to your report will be emailed to you for future references purposes. 

Galway County Council note that this system is particularly useful to those seeking to apply for extensions, one-off rural houses, and smaller scale projects. 

This information can assist with the preparation of a planning application for permission or with deciding on whether or not a pre-planning meeting may be required.

Click the link to visit the Pre-Planning Enquiry System webpage; https://galway.preplanning.ie/en/ 

How to Book a Pre-Planning Meeting 

If you wish to book a Pre-Planning meeting, please follow the steps outlined below:

  1. Request the Online Pre-Planning Report (or if the site has a previous planning reference this will also suffice) Co. Galway Pre-planning Enquiry System

  2. Complete the pre-planning application form

  3. Return the completed form along with the required documents listed in the form to preplanning@galwaycoco.ie

Major Developments - Pre-Planning Consultations

Major Pre-Planning meeting requests are required for developments which fall into the following categories:

Submit major development requests only to: majorplanningapplications@galwaycoco.ie