The Kollect Guide to Skip Permits in Ireland (2026)
Do you actually need one? We break down the rules, costs, and how we handle the paperwork for you.
Table of Contents
🛑 Quick Answer: Do I Need a Skip Permit?
Kollect makes skip hire easy. If your skip goes on the road, you will need a skip permit from your local council. The rule is simple across all 26 counties:
| Skip Location | Permit Status |
|---|---|
| Public Road / Footpath | ✅ YES, A PERMIT IS ALWAYS REQUIRED. |
| Private Driveway / Garden | ❌ NO, A PERMIT IS NOT NORMALLY REQUIRED. |
You Need a Permit If:
- The skip sits on any public road, street, or public footpath.
- It occupies a paid parking bay or disc parking zone (this will mean an extra fee).
- It blocks or restricts pedestrian or vehicle access in a public area.
You DO NOT Need a Permit If:
- The skip is wholly on your private property (e.g., inside your driveway or front garden).
- It does not overhang or block any public path or road edge.
🗺️ Skip Permit Flowchart: Your Quick Decision
Use this simple decision tree to determine your needs instantly:
| Step | Question | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Where will the skip sit? | |
| "Entirely on private land (driveway, garden)?" | ➡️ Go to (2) | |
| "On a public road, footpath, or parking?" | ✅ YES – A permit is required. | |
| 2. | Will the skip overhang or block a public footpath/road edge? | |
| Yes | ✅ YES – A permit is required. | |
| No | ➡️ Go to (3) | |
| 3. | Are there estate/management rules affecting large containers? | |
| Yes / Unsure | 📞 Check with your management company / local council. | |
| No | ❌ NO – A permit is typically not required. |
🛠️ How Kollect Arranges Your Skip Permit
The process for obtaining a skip permit is governed by local council Bye-Laws and the Roads Act 1993.
| Permit Detail | The Kollect Advantage |
|---|---|
| Who Applies? | In most councils, only a licensed skip operator (like Kollect) can apply. We handle all the paperwork. |
| How Long Does it Take? | Typically 3–5 working days. For city-centre parking, allow up to 10 days. |
| The Cost | The council fee (see below) is added to your Kollect booking. This covers the cost of using public space and mandatory insurance. |
💶 Skip Permit Costs & Local Council Examples
Fees vary widely based on the council and whether the spot is a paid parking area.
📍 Skip Permits in Dublin
For Dublin City Council, Kollect handles the Roadworks/Vehicle Permit. Fees are charged per 24 hours:
- Standard Road Space (No Paid Parking): Approx. €27 per 24 hours per 5m of road/footpath.
- Paid Parking Zones: An additional parking suspension charge is applied, ranging from €19 to €50 per 24 hours.
📍 Skip Permits in Cork
Cork City Council requires a Skip Placement Licence/Parking Bay Suspension, which can take up to 10 working days notice.
- Typical Fee (Cork City): Around €15–€20 per day per parking space.
📍 Skip Permits in Waterford
Waterford City & County Council operates under the Control of Skips Bye-Laws 2015.
- Standard Road Fee: Approx. €20 per week for the permit.
- Paid Parking Bays: The full cost of suspending the paid parking bays is added to the fee.
📍 County-by-County Quick Reference
Click your county below to book a skip and arrange your permit.
Carlow
Permits RequiredCavan
Permits RequiredClare
Weekly PermitsCork
Licence RequiredDonegal
Permits RequiredDublin
Daily PermitsGalway
Always RequiredKerry
Permits NeededKildare
Permits RequiredKilkenny
Road Permit NeededLaois
Licence RequiredLeitrim
Permits NeededLimerick
Road/Path UseLongford
Council PermitLouth
Standard PermitMayo
Weekly/MonthlyMeath
Permits NeededMonaghan
Road PermitOffaly
Permits NeededRoscommon
Public Road PermitSligo
Road/FootpathTipperary
Road PermitWaterford
Weekly PermitWestmeath
Council LicenceWexford
Road PermitsWicklow
Permits Needed📞 How to Book Your Skip & Permit with Kollect
Booking your skip and permit is one simple process with us:
- Contact Kollect: Call 01-6917092 or Get Your Skip Quote Here on our website.
- Provide Location Details: Tell us the exact location (Eircode/address) and where the skip will be placed (driveway or road).
- We Handle the Permit: If it's going on the road, Kollect completes the application form, submits the required insurance documents, and manages the council fee payment.
- We Deliver: Once the permit is approved, your skip is delivered safely and legally.
❓ FAQ: Skip Permit Ireland
Q1. What is a “skip permit” or “skip licence”?
A skip permit is formal, legal permission from your local City or County Council that allows a skip to be placed on a public road, footpath, or parking bay for a limited time, subject to safety conditions.
Q2. Can my skip company arrange the permit for me?
Yes. In most areas (especially Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick, and Waterford), only licensed skip operators, like Kollect, are permitted to apply for the licence. We handle the entire application process for you.
Q3. How much does a skip permit cost in Ireland?
Costs vary by council and location:
- Small Towns/No Paid Parking: Generally €10–€30 per day or €20–€50 per week.
- Dublin City: Starts at €27 per day for standard road space, plus up to €50 per 24 hours for paid-parking zones.
- Long-Term Commercial: Some counties (like Mayo) charge up to €125 per month.
Q4. How far in advance should I apply?
Most councils recommend applications to be submitted 3–5 working days minimum before you need the skip. For high-demand city centre spots, allow up to 10 working days.
Q5. Can I be fined if I don’t get a permit?
Yes. Councils can remove an un-permitted skip, charge you for the removal, and issue heavy fines to both the householder and the skip operator under the Roads Act 1993. Always ensure your skip is permitted if it's on public land.
Don't risk a fine!
Book with Kollect and let us manage the permit for you.