16, Whitechurch Abbey, Rathfarnham, Dublin, 14

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• Retention planning permission in Ireland — refused 27% of the time, against 7% for extensionsOne in six Dublin applications is for retention, and 27% of retention decisions in the two years to September 2026 were refusals. When you need it, the treble fee, the seven-year rule and the sale-time problem.
• Porch and garage conversion planning permission — 99% of garage conversions grantedDublin councils granted 87 of 88 garage-conversion applications and 95% of porch applications in the 12 months to September 2026. The 2 m² porch limit, the parking condition, and when neither needs an application.
• An Bord Pleanála appeal, now An Coimisiún Pleanála — four weeks, €220, and a 25% reversal rateThe Commission reversed the council in 25% of the 1,195 Dublin-area appeals decided in the two years to September 2026. Who can appeal, the four weeks, the €220 fee, why 240 appeals a year fail on procedure, and the odds by direction.
• Certificate of compliance with planning permission in Ireland17% of GDA planning applications are retention. Who can sign a certificate of compliance with planning permission, what the RIAI / Law Society opinion covers, the gaps it leaves.