Apply for an Outdoor Event Licence

Learn about outdoor event licences, including how to apply for one.

What qualifies as an outdoor event?

Under the Planning and Development Act, 2000 / Planning and Development Act 2024 (as amended), an event is defined as:

(a) A public performance which takes place wholly or mainly in the open air or in a structure with no roof or a partial, temporary or retractable roof, a tent or similar temporary structure and which is comprised of music, dancing, displays of public entertainment or any activity of a like kind,

and

(b) Any other event as prescribed by the Minister under Planning and Development Act, 2000, Section 241 / Planning and Development Act 2024, Section 477
 

Why do I need a license?

Where an outdoor public event will have more than 5,000 in attendance, the organiser is required to obtain an outdoor events licence from the local authority. If you wish to hold an outdoor event in Dublin city, you must obtain a licence from Dublin City Council.

Is there legislation or regulations I should be aware of before applying for a license?

Applicants should familiarise themselves with the following legislation:

How do I apply for a licence?

To apply for an outdoor event licence, event organisers must submit a prescribed preliminary risk assessment form of the proposed event

Event organisers must also hold a pre-application consultation meeting with Dublin City Council. Prescribed bodies will be invited to attend this meeting by Dublin City Council. These meetings must be held within the 36-month period prior to the date of the event (or first event in a series of events).

A local Authority shall not enter into any pre-application consultation meeting in relation to a proposed event with any person who has already either – (a) advertised the proposed event, or (b) offered for sale tickets for the proposed event in relation to which the pre application consultation meeting is requested for.

Applications for events where this meeting has not occurred must be refused. 

When should I apply for a license?

An application for an outdoor event licence must be lodged with Dublin City Council a minimum 13 weeks prior to the commencement of the first event to which the application refers.

Applications must be accompanied by:

  • Applicant details.
  • Type of event.
  • Dates and duration of proposed event(s).
  • Anticipated attendance.
  • Copies of two x newspaper notices (local and national).
  • Application fee of €2,500.
  • Written consent from land/venue owners.
  • Statement of compliance confirming no substantial or repeated breaches of a licence, or conditions of a licence issued to the applicant by any local authority in the previous 24 months.
  • A draft event management plan inclusive of but not limited to the names and responsibilities of the event controller, the event safety officer and their deputies, draft site emergency plan, traffic management plan, safety strategy statement, environmental programme, and provision for the removal of structures and the carrying out of any works for the reinstatement of the venue subsequent to the event, for the full clean-up of the surrounding area, and for any remedial works arising from any damage caused to public property, facilities or amenities associated with the event. It shall also be inclusive of appropriate risk assessments, maps, drawings and site plans.

Where should I send my application?

Applications should be sent to:

Planning, Property and Economic Development Department
Outdoor Event Licence Section
Block 4, Floor 2
Civic Offices
Wood Quay
Dublin 8

What happens once my application is received?

Upon receipt of an application, the draft event management plan, site plans and drawings are made available for inspection at the public planning counter of the Dublin City Council offices during office hours.

Notification of the application is entered onto the weekly planning list and displayed on the Dublin City Council website.

Third party written submissions/observations on an application can be made within three weeks from the date the application is received by the Local Authority.

Submissions/Observations to Dublin City Council can be made directly to:

Planning, Property and Economic Development Department
Outdoor Event Licence Section
Block 4, Floor 2
Civic Offices
Wood Quay
Dublin 8

Submissions or observations will only be considered if they include the name and residential or business address of the person or organisation making the submission.

Statutory consultation meetings are convened by the local authority and attended by the statutory agencies, applicants and venue owners as applicable.

When will I learn if my application has been successful?

Local authorities are obliged to make its decision on an application at least four weeks in advance of the event commencing.

Where can I view current applications?

Current applications available to view here.

Preliminary Risk Assessment Form
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