You've just submitted your planning application. Six weeks later, an envelope arrives: "Further Information Required." Your heart sinks. But here's what the data actually shows — that letter might be the best news you'll get.
The Counterintuitive Truth
We analysed 47,000+ planning applications from the last 18 months. The finding that surprised us most:
Applications that receive FI requests have a 92.3% approval rate.
Applications without FI requests? Just 74.4%.
That's not a typo. If a council asks for more information, you're 18 percentage points more likely to get permission than if they don't.
Why? When a council sends an FI request, they're investing time in your application. They're signalling: "We think this could work — help us get there." A straight refusal means they've already decided against you.
One in Five Applications Gets FI'd
Across Ireland, 20.1% of planning applications receive a Further Information request. But the rate varies wildly by council.
Highest FI rates:
- Monaghan: 51.2%
- Kilkenny: 46.1%
- Carlow: 44.3%
- Limerick: 44.0%
- Mayo: 43.0%
Lowest FI rates:
- Dublin City: 8.3%
- Cork County: 11.2%
- Fingal: 12.4%
- Galway County: 15.8%
Dublin City only asks for FI on 8% of applications — but has the lowest approval rate in the country at 38%. They're not trying to help you fix problems; they're more likely to refuse outright.
Monaghan asks for FI on half of all applications, but then approves 90% of those. They're working with applicants, not against them.
Speed Matters: Respond Fast
When you get an FI request, you typically have 6 months to respond. But our data shows a clear pattern: the faster you respond, the better your chances.
- 0-30 days: 95.5% approval
- 31-60 days: 95.2% approval
- 61-90 days: 94.0% approval
- 91-120 days: 92.5% approval
- 120+ days: 87.5% approval
Respond within a month and you've a 95.5% chance of approval. Wait four months or longer, and it drops to 87.5%.
Why? Quick responses show engagement. Planners remember applications that move fast. Delays suggest complexity or hesitation — neither inspires confidence.
Which Development Types Get FI'd Most?
Some application types trigger FI requests far more than others.
Most likely to get FI:
- Agricultural: 29.8%
- New Residential: 29.4%
- Apartments: 26.6%
- Industrial: 25.4%
- Signage: 24.2%
Least likely:
- Retention: 15.3%
- Other/Misc: 10.9%
- Telecoms: 15.4%
Agricultural and new residential top the list — these are complex applications that often need additional surveys, drawings, or clarifications.
Retention applications (seeking permission for work already done) have the lowest FI rate. Makes sense: the building already exists; there's less to clarify.
The 50-Day Rule
On average, FI requests arrive 50 days after you submit your application.
That's just under the 8-week statutory decision period. What's happening? Planners are using FI requests strategically. When they can't decide within 8 weeks, they pause the clock by requesting more information.
This isn't necessarily bad for you — it means they're taking time to consider your application properly rather than rushing to refuse.
What to Do When You Get an FI Request
- Don't panic. Remember: FI applications have a 92% approval rate.
- Respond quickly. Within 30 days if possible.
- Be thorough. Answer every point. Missing items means another FI round or refusal.
- Get professional help. If the FI asks for technical drawings or surveys, hire the right people.
- Call the planner. Many councils allow pre-submission discussions. Clarify exactly what they need.
The Dublin Paradox
Dublin councils present an interesting case study.
- Dublin City: 8.3% FI rate → 53.3% overall approval
- South Dublin: 22.4% FI rate → 74.2% overall approval
Dublin City rarely bothers with FI requests — they decide quickly (33 days average) but harshly. South Dublin asks for FI more often, takes longer, but ultimately approves more applications.
If you're applying in Dublin City and don't get an FI request, that's not necessarily good news. It often means they've already made up their mind — and not in your favour.
Key Takeaways
- FI = Good sign. 92% approval rate vs 74% without.
- Respond fast. 30 days or less keeps you at 95%+.
- Council culture varies. Monaghan works with you; Dublin City decides fast.
- New builds get scrutinised. Expect FI on residential and agricultural applications.
- The clock stops. FI resets the statutory timeline — don't rush, but don't dawdle.
Data source: 47,130 planning applications from 2024-2026, scraped daily from all 31 Irish local authorities.
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