Section 57 Declarations

Owners or occupiers of a Protected Structure may request a 'declaration' under Section 57 of the Act.  The purpose of a Section 57 declaration is for Planning Authorities to clarify in writing the kind of works that would or would not materially affect the character of the structure or any element of the structure which contributes to its special interest.

The issuing of a declaration is a service that the Planning Authority provides at no cost to the owner or occupant of a protected structure. The Planning Authority has twelve (12) weeks from the receipt of a request for a Section 57 to have it completed.    

Penalties for failing to meet obligations:

Owners and occupiers could be fined up to €1 million and €10,000 for each day of a continuing offence and/or a term of imprisonment of up to 5 years can be imposed on an owner or an occupier for -

· endangering a protected structure, or

· failing to carry out works,

ordered by a Local Authority, to a protected structure or a structure in an architectural conservation area.