Most attic conversions in Ireland are done without planning permission. This is because the conversions are not officially habitable space. The extra space is beneficial to the homeowners and, should the property be sold, potential buyers will see the value of this non habitable space.
For an attic conversion to be fully compliant as habitable space, you would require a lot more work done - access/egress, fire safety, fully compliant stairs, linked smoke alarms etc
If you are putting in dormers, front facing veluxes or new gable windows then you are straying into planning territory.