What is this thing called "Planning"?

The word "Planning" used in the Irish context mainly applies to the process of obtaining "planning permission". Planning Permission is the granting of the right by the Local Authority of an area such as a County or City Council to:

• Build anew (temporary or permanent)
  
• Change the use of an existing building or site;
• Alter a Protected Structure
• Erect signage
• Other Permissions relating to the altering of the public environment in some way

This permission may be given to a private individual or a company or other body. While the applicant is not required to own the land in question, the signed written permission of the owner is required to be submitted with the application.