Accessibility Tools

Skip to main content

Get started:

Search by Council, town, river sensor, or bathing water location:


    MapAlerter Latest News

    Commencement Notice Alerts: Helping Councils Track the Transition from Planning to Construction

    Published in The MapAlerter Blog, Oct 29th 2025

    When a planning application is approved, it marks an important milestone but it’s only the beginning. The next critical step is construction, and in Ireland, this phase is formally tracked through Commencement Notices. For councils, understanding and monitoring these notices is essential to ensure compliance, manage resources, and provide transparency to the public. MapAlerter’s Commencement Notice alerts make this process seamless.

    What Is a Commencement Notice?

    A Commencement Notice (CN) is a statutory notification submitted to a local authority or the Building Control Authority (BCA) before building work begins. This notice signals the transition from planning approval to active construction and is required under the Building Control Regulations. Unlike planning permission, which governs what can be built, a CN ensures that construction adheres to technical standards and building safety regulations. Certain projects may also require a 7-Day Notice, typically used when a Fire Safety Certificate is pending. For councils, CNs are submitted via the Building Control Management System (BCMS) maintained by the National Building Control & Market Surveillance Office (NBCO). Once submitted, the notice must be validated before construction can start.

    Key Timing & Compliance Rules:

    • CNs must be submitted no less than 14 days and no more than 28 days before construction begins.
    • Once validated, work must commence within the 28-day window.
    • Supporting documents may include: plans, compliance statements, inspection schedules, and certificates of assignment for the builder or assigned certifier.

    Non-compliance can prevent the issuance of a Certificate of Compliance on Completion, which has long-term legal implications for the property.

    The Value of Commencement Notice Alerts for Councils:

    MapAlerter’s CN alerts help councils manage and monitor active construction effectively:

    1. Track Active Projects: Alerts only display projects that are currently under construction, based on start and estimated completion dates. Expired or completed projects are automatically removed.
    2. Data Transparency: Councils can access NBCO’s public register in real time, improving planning oversight and resource allocation.
    3. Streamline Enforcement: Automated alerts flag anomalies such as missing dates, incomplete submissions, or expired notices.
    4. Integrated Planning Workflow: Combining planning permission and CN data gives a complete picture of a project’s lifecycle — from approval to active construction.
    5. Community Engagement: By maintaining accurate, up-to-date CN data, councils can proactively inform residents about construction activity and potential disruptions.

    Mapping Logic & Data Accuracy:

    MapAlerter’s system ensures CN alerts are current and actionable:

    • Start date ≥ today: Only projects that are currently active appear on the map.
    • Estimated completion date: Projects automatically expire from the system once completed, keeping data clean and relevant.
    • Validation checks: Incorrect or missing dates are flagged for review, ensuring councils have reliable information for operational planning.

    This approach allows councils to visualize construction activity at a glance, monitor compliance, and anticipate the impact on infrastructure and local services.

    Recent Changes & Considerations:

    The 2025 Building Control Regulations have broadened the scope of works requiring a CN, including certain alterations to storage buildings. Definitions of “material change of use” have also expanded, meaning more projects may fall under CN requirements. Councils need to ensure workflows reflect these updates to remain compliant.

    Why Councils Should Use MapAlerter’s Commencement Notice Alerts:

    • Save time by automating the monitoring of commencement notices
    • Improve compliance oversight and data quality
    • Increase transparency for residents and stakeholders
    • Gain actionable insights for resource planning and community engagement

    MapAlerter bridges the gap between planning approval and visible construction, giving councils the tools to manage active projects efficiently while keeping the public informed.Councils can start tracking commencement notices effortlessly with MapAlerter. Contact us today to see how CN alerts can improve your planning oversight and community transparency.

    Contact Us
    To Top