Establishing a place of business
The following is provided for information purposes only on establishing a place of business in Ireland.
Competent Authority
The relevant local authority where the place of business is to be established is the competent authority in Ireland. They should be contacted directly for all queries in relation to establishing a place of business in Ireland.
A new company will need to be registered with the Companies Registration Office.
Information on documentation to be submitted when establishing a place of business
Service providers establishing a place of business in Ireland are required to comply with all relevant building and planning regulations for their premises.
When establishing a place of business in Ireland service providers may be required to submit the following forms for their place of business to the relevant local authority.
- Complete a Planning Application form in accordance with the appropriate requirements of the local planning authority.
- Complete a Commencment Notice Form. This can now be done through the Building Control Management System (BCMS) - registration required. You will also be able to apply for a Fire Safety Certificate and Disability Access Certificate.
Information on the relevant forms and certificates listed above can be obtained by contacting the relevant local authority where the place of business is to be established.
Rates
Rates are a commercial charge levied by Local Authorities on the occupiers of commercial and industrial property. Local Authorities collect rates based on property valuations. The relevant local authority should be contacted directly for all queries in relation to rates.
Further information on Planning and Building requirements
Trade effluent is any liquid waste (other than domestic wastewater and storm water) that is discharged from a business premises to the public sewers. Trade effluent may contain materials such as fats, oils and grease, chemicals, detergents, heavy metal rinses or food waste. A Trade effluent licence can be obtained online by following this link.
The link below will provide further detailed information on Planning and Building requirements, when establishing a place of business. It provides general information on the procedures entailed covering sample scenarios (e.g. opening a cafe/restaurant)
Planning and Building requirements
Online Building Control Management System
A new online Building Control Management System (BCMS) has been developed by local authorities, which enables the electronic submission of Commencement Notices, Certificates of Compliance on Completion and all ancillary documents associated with these statutory requirements to local authorities.
The BCMS has been developed to provide a common platform for clear and consistent administration of building control matters across the local authority sector. It can be accessed here.
FAQ's on the BCMS system. This includes information on documentation required and fees.
Retail Planning Guidelines
For information on retail planning guidelines issued by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, please click here
Contact details
For contact details for the local authorities in Ireland please click here