Section 254 Licences

Local Authorities, in their capacity as planning authorities, are responsible for the issuing of licences for the placement of electronic communications infrastructure on or over or along Public Roads by telecommunications providers, under Section 254 of the Planning and Development Act 2001, as amended.  

In considering a licence application under Section 254, the Planning Authority must have regard to the following:

1. the proper planning and sustainable development of the area,
2. any relevant provisions of the development plan, or a local area plan,
3. the number and location of existing applicances, apparatuses or structure on, under, over or along the public road, and,
4. the convenience and safety of road users including pedestrians.

Once an overground telecommunications structure has received a section 254 licence, it is considered an exempted development for the purposes of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended.  There is no requirement for the applicant to notify the public, nor is there any role for third parties to comment on the applications to the planning authority.

How to apply for a Section 254 licence

To apply for a Section 254 Telestructure licence, you will need to complete the Section 254 Telestructure Licence Application Form along with the following:

• Comreg Authorisation
• Site Assessment
• Location Map and associated plans and elevations

Can I appeal the Planning Authority Decision?

Section 254 (6) (a) of the Planning and Development Act 2001, as amended, states that any person may, in relation to the granting, refusing, withdrawing or continuing of a licence under this section or to the conditions specified by the planning authority for such a licence, appeal to An Bord Pleanála.

Where an appeal under this section is allowed, the Board shall give such directions with respect to the withdrawing, granting or altering of a licence, as appropriate, and the planning authority shall comply therewith.

An Bord Pleanála Appeals Process

Click here to see what the Board considers on an appeal and what it can decide.

Click here to find out how you can make an appeal on a section 254 licence.

Click here to read An Bord Pleanála's guide on how to make a valid appeal on a section 254 licence.

Section 254 Telestructure Licence Applications Granted/Refused/Renewed

Local Authorities, in their capacity as planning authorities, are tasked with the issuing of licences for the placement of appliances, cables, signs, and/or other items on public roads under Section 254 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended.

The erection of fingerpost signs will require a licence from the planning authority.

How to apply for a Section 254 Fingerpost Sign Licence

To apply for a Section 254 Fingerpost Sign Licence, you will need to complete the application form:

Fingerpost Sign Licence Application Form.pdf (size 186.2 KB)

Please note, commercial and product advertising fingerpost signs are not permitted.

Local Authorities, in their capacity as planning authorities, are tasked with the issuing of licences for the placement of appliances, cables, signs, and/or other items on public roads under Section 254 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended.

A valid street furniture licence is a requirement under the Planning and Development Act to allow for the placement of tables and chairs or any item on the public road. It is an offence under the Planning and Development Act to place items without a valid licence.

How to apply for a Section 254 Street Furniture Licence

Information on how to apply for a Section 254 Street Furniture Licence can be found here.