What is classified as an outdoor event?
An outdoor event is defined as a public performance which takes place 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 consists of music, dancing, displays of public entertainment or any activity of a like kind.
When do I need a licence?
Where an outdoor public event comprises of an audience of 5,000 or more people, the organiser is required to obtain an Outdoor Events Licence from Laois County Council. This is in accordance with the Planning & Development Act 2000 (as amended) and Part 16 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended).
Regulations in relation to the licensing of events
- Mandatory for event promoters to have a pre-application consultation meeting with the relevant local authority prior to submitting an events licence application
- Events licence applications will not be accepted by Laois County Council unless a pre-application consultation has already taken place with the event promoter
- Event promoters will not be entitled to advertise or sell tickets for events prior to the holding of a pre-application consultation meeting with Laois County Council.
- Where tickets for events have been advertised and sold prior to the holding of a pre-application consultation meeting, an application for an event licence will not be accepted by Laois County Council.
- Event licensing applications (letter of application, public notice, drawings/plans, event management plans etc.) must be lodged with Laois County Council at least 13 weeks in advance of the proposed event.
- Laois County Council must make their decision on an event licence application no later than 4 weeks in advance of the proposed event.
- Where it is proposed to add performances to a schedule already announced, a further pre-application consultation meeting will be required to take place before the announcement of any additional dates.
- The public consultation period in relation to event licence applications is 3 weeks.
Please send you application request to planning@laoiscoco.ie
Outdoor License Applications
Electric Picnic 2024
View our online consultation portal to view the public consultation (now closed) for submission/observation to the outdoor licence application for Electric Picnic 2024
Further information
Should you have any further queries, please contact the Planning Department by email on planning@laoiscoco.ie or telephone 057 866 4039
