Former Irish rugby international Rob Kearney has revived plans to build a home in his native Carlingford, almost ten years after first seeking planning permission for the development.
The north Louth native initially applied to Louth County Council in September 2016 for permission to construct a three-bedroom house at Back Lane, Carlingford, close not far from his family home at Willville.
The proposal was approved by the local authority, but the development subsequently became the subject of a planning appeal lodged with An Bord Pleanála, now known as An Coimisiún Pleanála.
A neighbour challenged the council’s decision on a number of grounds, and raised concerns that the property could potentially be used as accommodation for hen and stag parties.
However, An Bord Pleanála upheld the council’s decision to grant permission, finding that the proposed house would not result in any significant overlooking of neighbouring properties or lead to a loss of privacy.
The board did require some amendments to the design, directing that a proposed oriel window and balconies be removed before the development could proceed.
Following the appeal decision, the project appeared free to progress, but seemingly stalled in the intervening years.
The plans later resurfaced on Louth County Council’s planning lists after a fresh application was lodged in September 2025.
Planners subsequently sought further information, and an extension of time was later requested to allow that information to be prepared and submitted.
The additional details were received by the local authority earlier this week, August 20, 2026.
A decision on the new application is now expected on September 16, 2026.
Kearney, one of Ireland’s most decorated rugby players, won four Six Nations titles during his international career and earned 95 caps for Ireland before retiring from professional rugby in 2021.
He currently lives in Dublin with his wife Jess Redden and their two children.
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