The planning system is central to the control of development, and is increasingly concerned with the quality and longer-term sustainability of new development. Design has become a material consideration, not only in visually sensitive areas, and planning authorities are encouraged within national planning policy statements to reject 'design which fails to take the opportunities available for improving the character and quality of an area'.

In the case of major public artworks or sculptures - both permanent and temporary the commissioner or artist may need to lodge an application for planning permission with the appropriate planning authority (the local authority), (the county where the work is being sited). The artwork will then be considered and may be granted planning permission subject to conditions. It maybe refused permission and here there are also provisions within the planning and development act through An Bord Pleanala for appeal.

Where the commissioner is a Local Authority and planning permission is required there are special planning procedures in place under Part VIII of the planning and development act.