The time limit for submission of Observations is five weeks from the date of lodgement and is strictly enforced.
The local authority cannot accept submissions after the five weeks have elapsed, not even from the applicant in defence of her position.
I found out this the hard way back in 2003 when a local Community Group objected to a retention as a matter of principle.
Imagine how well that went down. me having successfully persuaded the client to do the right thing, negotiated with the local authority, who were very happy with the relatively minor revisions to a large private residence only for us to be seriously embarrassed by these geniuses.
The letter I wrote would have had their collective ears burning for week afterwards, had they received it, but it was returned have been a day late due to a late submission of the observation by the third party, as in your case.
Planners won't even discuss the matter with you if its during the 8-week application period, so just wait and see what transpires - you may be worried for nothing.
However the Observation paves the way for an Appeal by the same person who lodged it.
Normally only the applicant or a person who submits a valid Observation can lodge an Appeal [there are one or two other very limited circumstances]
There are three possible outcomes
The planners may form a similar opinion to yours and issue a decision to grant permission and the objector may appeal this.
The planner may decide to issue a Further Information Request which must be answered within six months.
The planner may issue a decision refuse permission and the applicant may appeal this.
A valid appeal must be lodged within 4 weeks of the decision to grant and persons may submit Observations ON THE APPEAL in support of the applicant.
You should definitely check with the local authority, but it might be possible to include a list of signatories as part of the F.I. Request response.
You can include a signatories list with any appeal by the applicant.
Most Council websites give good guidance on the planning process.
For more information on Appeals check out the An Bórd Pleanála website at
www.pleanala.ie
ONQ.
[broken link removed]
All advice on AAM is remote from the situation and cannot be relied upon as a defence or support - in and of itself - should legal action be taken.
Competent legal and building professionals should be asked to advise in Real Life with rights to inspect and issue reports on the matters at hand.