Somebody told me it is possible to appeal a planning decision to the County Council prior to going to an Bord Pleanala. Does anyone know the process involved?
I think they may be confusing things - for €20, you can register an 'observation' or an objection with the local authority before the decision is made, but thereafter you can only appeal the decision to Bord Pleanala. And it usually takes quite a lot for them to turn over the CoCo's decision...
It's called a 'rule 4' and basically involves a council meeting whereby on majority vote, they can overrule a planners decision to refuse planning permission for a (usually large) development.
You'll need a fairly influential councillor or TD on your side.