S.I. No. 468/2026 - Planning and Development (Licensing of Outdoor Events) Regulations 2026

Notice of the making of this Statutory Instrument was published in

“Iris Oifigiúil” of 11th September, 2026.

I, JAMES BROWNE, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, in exercise of the powers conferred on me by sections 4 (1), 478 (2), 479 (3) and 486 of the Planning and Development Act 2024 (No. 34 of 2024), a draft of the following regulations having been laid before each House of the Oireachtas in accordance with section 4(4) of that Act and a resolution approving that draft having been passed by each such House, hereby make the following regulations:

Citation

1.

Interpretation and application

2.

“Act of 2000” means the Planning and Development Act 2000 (No. 30 of 2000);

“applicant” means a person who applies for a licence;

“application” means an application for a licence made under section 479 of the Principal Act;

“audience” means persons attending an event on a particular day, other than persons working or performing at the event, and shall include persons attending by invitation and, where an event comprises more than one performance at one or more locations at the venue on a particular day, the audience shall mean the total number of persons attending all such performances at the event concerned;

“code of practice” means a code of practice referred to in section 480 of the Principal Act;

“event” has the meaning given to it by section 476 of the Principal Act;

“licence” has the meaning given to it by section 476 of the Principal Act;

“prescribed body” means the following:

• (a) the relevant Chief Superintendent of the Garda Síochána;

• (b) the Health Service Executive;

• (c) any local, regional or planning authority;

• (d) the National Transport Authority;

“Principal Act” means the Planning and Development Act 2024 (No. 34 of 2024);

“promoter” means the person who is responsible for the marketing or promotion of an event;

“Regulations of 2001” means the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 ( S.I. No. 600 of 2001 );

“venue” means the site at which it is proposed to hold an event;

“venue owner” means the owner of the site at which it is proposed to hold an event;

“website” means an internet website (including part of such a website)—

• (a) to which access is readily available by members of the public, and

• (b) where anything published is readily available for inspection by members of the public;

“working day” means any day not being a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday.

• (2) These Regulations shall also apply to an application for a licence for an event to be held on more than one day or an application for a licence for a number of events at a venue in a period not exceeding one year, subject to any necessary modifications.

Events prescribed for purposes of section 479 of Principal Act

3.

Pre-application consultation

4.

• (a) as soon as practicable, hold a pre-application consultation meeting with the person concerned in order to discuss the proposed event, and

• (b) invite the prescribed bodies to attend that meeting.

• (2) As part of consultations carried out under paragraph (1), the local authority and the prescribed bodies may give advice to the applicant regarding the proposed application.

• (3) The carrying out of a pre-application consultation meeting under paragraph (1) shall not prejudice the performance by the local authority or any prescribed body of any of its functions under the Principal Act or these Regulations, or under any other enactment, and such consultations cannot be relied upon in the process of determining an application or in legal proceedings.

• (4) A preliminary risk assessment of the proposed event shall be in the form set out in Form 1 in the Schedule, or a form substantially to the like effect, and shall be submitted to the local authority in advance of any pre-application consultation meeting under paragraph (1).

• (5) Upon receipt of a preliminary risk assessment of the proposed event in accordance with the form referred to in paragraph (4), the local authority shall send a copy of the assessment to the prescribed bodies.

• (6) Any person who intends to make an application may be accompanied by the venue owner at any pre-application consultation meeting under paragraph (1).

• (7) A further pre-application consultation meeting, under paragraph (1), shall be convened where the person who intends to submit an application proposes to increase the scope of the proposed event, by increasing the size of the audience or the number of performances, and a revised preliminary risk assessment in accordance with form referred to in paragraph (4) shall be submitted to the local authority in advance of any such further pre-application consultation meeting.

• (8) The local authority shall keep a record in writing of any pre-application consultation meeting held under this Regulation, including the names of those who attended at, or participated in, any pre-application consultation meeting under paragraph (1) or (7).

• (9) A copy of a record kept under paragraph (8) shall be made available by the local authority for inspection by members of the public during office hours at the offices of the authority and published on a website of the local authority, not later than five working days after the date of a decision made on an application for a licence for the event which was the subject of the pre-application consultation meeting concerned.

• (10) A copy of a record under paragraph (8) shall be made available by the local authority for purchase by any person at a cost not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy.

• (11) A local authority shall not enter into any pre-application consultation meeting, under paragraph (1) or (7), in relation to a proposed event with any person who has previously either—

• (a) advertised the proposed event in relation to which the pre-application consultation meeting is requested, or

• (b) offered for sale tickets for the proposed event in relation to which the pre-application consultation meeting is requested.

Newspaper notice

5.

• (a) one local newspaper circulating where the proposed event is to take place, and

• (b) one national newspaper.

• (2) A notice under paragraph (1) shall state the following:

• (a) the name of the applicant;

• (b) that the applicant is applying for a licence to hold an event in accordance with Part 16 of the Principal Act;

• (c) the location of the venue at which the proposed event is to be held;

• (d) the type of event proposed to be held;

• (e) the date proposed for the holding of the event;

• (f) the name of the local authority to which the application is being made;

• (g) the anticipated number of the audience at the proposed event;

• (h) that the application for a licence may be inspected during office hours at the offices of the local authority concerned for a period of five weeks from the date of receipt of the application by that authority;

• (i) that a submission or observation may be made to the local authority not later than three weeks of the date of receipt of the application by the local authority.

• (3) The local authority may require that an additional newspaper notice be published where it considers that a notice under this Regulation, because of its content or for any other reason based on reasonable grounds, is misleading or inadequate for the information of the public.

Making of application

6.

• (2) A local authority shall not accept an application for a licence for a proposed event unless a pre-application consultation meeting under Regulation 4 has taken place in relation to the event during the 36 month period immediately prior to the date of the proposed event to which the application relates or, in the case of an application for a number of events at a venue in a period not exceeding one year, 36 months immediately prior to the date of the holding of the first proposed event.

• (3) As soon as may be after receipt of an application, the local authority shall consider whether the requirements of these Regulations have been complied with, and—

• (a) acknowledge receipt of the application in writing, or

• (b) inform the applicant in writing that the application is invalid, by reason of the fee submitted being inadequate, or for any other reason based on reasonable grounds, and cannot be considered by the authority, indicating the requirement of these Regulations with which there has been a failure to comply.

Form and content of application

7.

• (a) state the name, contact address and Eircode (including email address, where appropriate) and telephone number of the applicant,

• (b) where the applicant is not the promoter of the event, state the name, contact address and Eircode (including e-mail address where appropriate) and telephone number of the promoter,

• (c) state the venue of the event, provided the address and, where available, the Eircode,

• (d) state the anticipated number of the audience at the proposed event,

• (e) state the proposed date on which the event is to be held and the proposed duration of the event, including the times at which the event is proposed to commence and conclude,

• (f) be accompanied by a copy of the relevant page of each newspaper containing the notice required to be published under Regulation 5,

• (g) subject to paragraph (5), where the applicant is not the owner or occupier of the venue, be accompanied by confirmation in writing from such owner or occupier of his or her consent to the holding of the event,

• (h) be accompanied by a draft plan for the management of the event prepared in accordance with the appropriate code or codes of practice and shall include the following:

• (i) the name and responsibilities of the event controller, the event safety officer and their deputies;

• (ii) a draft site emergency plan;

• (iii) a draft traffic management plan;

• (iv) a draft safety strategy statement;

• (v) a draft environment monitoring programme for before, during and after the proposed event;

• (vi) a draft of the provisions for—

• (I) the removal of structures and the carrying out of any works for the reinstatement of the venue subsequent to the event,

• (II) the full clean-up of, and measures to support waste management of, the surrounding area, arising from the event, and

• (III) any remedial works arising from any damage caused to public property, facilities or amenities associated with the event,

• (i) be accompanied by—

• (i) a location map of sufficient size and containing details of related sites and features in the vicinity of the venue, to a scale of not less than 1:1000 in built-up areas and 1:2500 in all other areas and marked clearly to show such related sites or features, and

• (ii) drawings to an appropriate scale of the venue, including a site layout plan and a viewing accommodation plan, and

• (j) be accompanied by a statement of compliance from the applicant stating that no substantial or habitual breaches of a licence, or the conditions of a licence, granted by any local authority under section 479 of the Principal Act, or section 231 of the Act of 2000, occurred during the 24 months prior to the date of the application.

• (2) Where the local authority consents in advance in writing, an application for an event licence may be made in electronic form.

• (3) An application made in electronic form shall be in a searchable format and be possible to reproduce in a legible paper copy.

• (4) A local authority may, by notice in writing, require an applicant to provide a paper copy, or copies of any document, plan, drawing, map, photograph or other particular which accompanies the application.

• (5) Where an event is proposed to be held on a public road or on any other land under the control of the local authority, paragraph (1)(g) shall not apply.

• (6) A local authority shall not publish or make available to the public the address, Eircode, telephone number or email address of any individual connected to an event.

Availability of documents

8.

• (2) A local authority shall, on request, make a copy of the application and accompanying documents available for purchase by any person on payment of a sum not exceeding the reasonable cost of making such a copy.

• (3) Submissions and observations received by a local authority in relation to an application shall not be made available to the public and are solely for the relevant local authority to consider when processing an application for a licence made under these Regulations.

Consultation with prescribed bodies

9.

• (2) Where a prescribed body requests an extension of time from the local authority to consider an application, the local authority may, where it considers it necessary to ensure the safe and effective management of the proposed event, extend that period for such time as the authority considers necessary.

• (3) A local authority may also consult any other body, not being a prescribed body, in relation to an application where it considers it appropriate.

Making of submissions or observations by any other person

10.

• (2) Where the local authority so consents, a submission or observation under paragraph (1) may be made in electronic form.

• (3) A submission or observation under paragraph (1) shall not be considered by the local authority unless it—

• (a) states the name of the person or organisation making the submission or observation, and

• (b) indicates the contact address and Eircode (including email address where appropriate) and telephone number to which any correspondence relating to the submission or observation should be sent.

• (4) Subject to paragraph (3), the local authority shall acknowledge in writing any submissions or observations as soon as may be after the date of their receipt.

Further information

11.

• (2) A local authority may request such further information from a prescribed body or any person who made a submission or observation in respect of an application as it considers necessary to enable it to make a decision under section 479(4) of the Principal Act.

• (3) A local authority may, at its discretion, invite any other person to make a submission or observation to it in respect of an application.

• (4) A local authority may take whatever measures it considers necessary, including the convening of meetings or the taking of oral submissions, to seek the views of any person in respect of an application.

• (5) Where an applicant fails to comply with a request under paragraph (1) within the time mentioned in that paragraph, the application shall be declared to be withdrawn.

Decision on application

12.

• (2) A local authority may amend any condition attached to a licence issued under section 479(4) of the Principal Act not later than three weeks prior to the date of the holding of the proposed event or, in the case of a number of events at a venue in a period not exceeding one year, not later than three weeks prior to the date for the holding of the first proposed event, where the local authority is notified by the applicant that the anticipated audience will be less than the permitted audience in the original licence issued by the local authority.

• (3) Where a local authority makes a decision under section 479(4) of the Principal Act, it shall issue notice of its decision in writing to—

• (a) the applicant,

• (b) the prescribed bodies,

• (c) any person who made a submission or observation on the application in accordance with Regulation 10, and

• (d) any other body, not being a prescribed body, that the local authority has consulted with, in relation to an application, where it considers it appropriate under Regulation 9(3).

• (4) A local authority shall comply with its obligations under Regulation 27 and Part 5 of the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 ( S.I. No. 477 of 2011 ) in its consideration of any application for a licence made under these Regulations.

• (5) Where a local authority makes a decision to grant a licence, it shall make the decision available for inspection by members of the public, as soon as possible after the decision is made, during office hours at the offices of the authority and such other places as it considers appropriate.

• (6) A copy of a decision to grant a licence under this Regulation shall be made available by the local authority for purchase by any person at a cost not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy.

Publication of notice of intention by local authority to hold event

13.

• (a) one local newspaper circulating where the proposed event is to take place, and

• (b) one national newspaper.

• (2) A notice under paragraph (1) shall state the following:

• (a) the name of the local authority proposing to hold the event;

• (b) that it is proposed to hold an event in accordance with Part 16 of the Principal Act;

• (c) the venue at which the proposed event is to be held;

• (d) the type of event proposed to be held;

• (e) the date proposed for the holding of the event;

• (f) the anticipated number of the audience at the proposed event;

• (g) that a proposal, including a draft plan for the management of the event, in respect of the proposed event may be inspected during office hours at the offices of the local authority for a period of five weeks from the date of publication of the notice under paragraph (1);

• (h) that submissions or observations in respect of the proposed event may be made to the local authority within three weeks of the date of publication of the notice under paragraph (1).

• (3) Before publishing a notice under paragraph (1), a local authority shall consult with the prescribed bodies and with the relevant departments within the local authority concerned in relation to the proposed event.

Availability of documents in relation to proposed event by local authority

14.

• (2)
• (a) A proposal referred to in paragraph (1) shall set out the details of the proposed event, including—

• (i) the anticipated number of persons in the audience and details of the number of tickets to be sold for the event, and

• (ii) the date proposed for the holding of the event and the duration of the event, including the times at which the proposed event will commence and conclude.

• (b) A draft plan for the management of the event referred to in paragraph (1) shall be prepared in accordance with the appropriate code of practice and shall include the following:

• (i) the names and responsibilities of the event controller, the event safety officer and their deputies;

• (ii) a draft site emergency plan;

• (iii) a draft traffic management plan;

• (iv) a draft safety strategy statement;

• (v) a draft environment monitoring programme for before, during and after the proposed event;

• (vi) provision for the removal of structures and the carrying out of any works for the reinstatement of the venue subsequent to the proposed event.

• (c) The appropriate maps and drawings referred to in paragraph (1) shall include—

• (i) a location map of sufficient size and containing details of related sites and features in the vicinity of the venue, to a scale of not less than 1:1000 in built up areas and 1:2500 in all other areas and marked clearly to show such related sites or features, and

• (ii) drawings to an appropriate scale of the venue, including a site layout plan and a viewing accommodation plan.

• (3) A local authority shall, on request, make a copy of a proposal under this Regulation available for purchase by any person on payment of a sum not exceeding the reasonable cost of making such a copy.

Notification of prescribed bodies

15.

• (2) A notice under paragraph (1) shall—

• (a) be accompanied by a copy of the proposal made available for inspection in accordance with Regulation 14, and

• (b) state that a submission or observation may be made to the local authority in respect of the proposed event within three weeks of the date of publication of the notice under paragraph (1).

• (3) Where a prescribed body requests an extension of time from the local authority to consider an application, the authority may, where it considers it necessary to ensure the safe and effective management of the proposed event, extend that period for such time as the authority considers necessary.

• (4) A local authority may, where it considers it appropriate, notify or consult any other person or body, not being a prescribed body, in relation to the proposed event.

Making of submission or observation by other person

16.

• (2) A submission or observation under paragraph (1) shall not be considered by the local authority other than where it—

• (a) states the name of the person making the submission or observation, and

• (b) indicates the residential or business address, Eircode and, if applicable, the email address to which any correspondence relating to the proposed event should be sent.

• (3) Subject to paragraph (2), the local authority shall acknowledge any submissions or observations in writing as soon as may be after the date of their receipt.

Notification of decision

17.

Additional means for notification

18.

• (a) a large number of submissions or observations are made to the local authority under Regulation 10, or Regulation 16, as part of an organised campaign, or

• (b) it is not possible to ascertain readily the full name and address of persons who made a submission or observation under Regulation 10 or Regulation 16,

the authority may, in lieu of notifying each person who made a submission or observation in accordance with Regulation 12(3) or Regulation 17, as appropriate, take such steps as it considers reasonable in the circumstances to inform such persons of its decision, including, in the case of an organised campaign referred to in subparagraph (a), giving notice to any person who, in the opinion of the authority, organised the campaign.

Fees

19.

• (b) No fee shall apply in respect of an application for an event other than those referred to in subparagraph (a).

• (2) A local authority shall have an absolute discretion to waive or refund all or part of the fee payable in respect of a particular application where it is satisfied that the payment in full of the fee would not be just and reasonable, having regard to the nature, extent or purpose of the proposed event.

• (3) Subject to paragraph (4), the fee for making a submission or observation on an application for a licence, or a submission or observation on a local authority proposed event, shall be €20.

• (4) The fee in paragraph (3) shall not be payable by—

• (a) prescribed bodies, or

• (b) any other person or body, not being a prescribed body, that the local authority considers appropriate to notify, or consult with, in relation to the proposed event under Regulation 15(4).

• (5) A local authority shall have an absolute discretion to waive or refund all or part of a fee payable under paragraph (3) where it is satisfied, having had regard to all the circumstances of the matter, that the payment of the fee would not be just and reasonable.

Maps

20.

Transitional arrangements

21.

• (2) Within the first seven weeks following commencement of these Regulations, an application for an event licence may be made at least 13 weeks prior to the holding of the event and Regulation 6(1) shall not apply to such applications.

• (3) For applications received in accordance with paragraph (2), a local authority shall make a decision under section 479(4) of the Principal Act in respect of an application not earlier than eight weeks after the date of receiving the application and not later than four weeks prior to the date for the holding of the proposed event to which the application relates or, in the case of an application for a number of events at a venue in a period not exceeding one year, not later than four weeks prior to the date of the holding of the first proposed event and Regulation 12(1) shall not apply to such applications.

Revocations

22.

Schedule

Regulation 4(4)

Form

Form no. 1

PRELIMINARY RISK ASSESSMENT FORM FOR PROPOSED EVENT(S) UNDER SECTIONS 478 AND 479 OF THE PRINCIPAL ACT

Submit to: (Insert Local Authority details here)

Date
Applicant Name
Type of event proposed^1
Location of event(s) proposed (including Eircode, where applicable)^2
Date(s) of event(s) proposed
Duration of event proposed
Commencement & conclusion times of each day of proposed event
Contact details (including address, Eircode, email address, telephone number, etc.) *
Where the organiser is not the owner or occupier of the proposed venue, please state the name of the owner / occupier of the venue.
State the anticipated number of persons at the proposed event broken down into the following categories:
(a) Performers
(b) Audience
(c) Event Staff
Specify whether ticketed or non-ticketed event
Attach a short risk assessment of the event covering the nature of the anticipated crowd, the nature of the event, proposals (if any) for the sale or distribution of alcohol, previous history of this or similar event and any other factor that might need to be considered.^3
State the names (if currently known) and contact details of the following persons:
• Event controller & deputy	Contact No. 1:
• Event safety officer & deputy	Contact No. 2:
• Event medical co-ordinator & deputy	Contact No. 3
Please provide details of your insurance arrangements^4

*** Contact details shall not be made available to the public**

Declaration – By signing and dating this form you are confirming that the information provided is correct at the time of signing. Signature ____ Date ________
DIRECTIONS FOR COMPLETING THIS FORM 1. An event as set out in sections 478 and 479 of the Planning and Development Act 2024 . 2. Provide a location map of sufficient size and containing details of related sites and features in the vicinity of the venue. 3. This can be a summary of the Safety Statement but the Safety Statement itself is not required to be furnished at this preliminary stage. 4. If insurance for the proposed event(s) is not yet arranged, indicate what is proposed.

GIVEN under my Official Seal,

9 September, 2026.

JAMES BROWNE,

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the instrument and does not purport to be a legal interpretation.)

The purpose of these Regulations is to set out the type of events for which a licence under Part 16 of the Planning and Development Act 2024 shall be required, and to provide for matters of procedure and administration in relation to applications for, and the grant of, licences for events and in relation to events to be held by the local authority concerned.