Farm Security Fencing in Ireland
On rural land, a fence up to 2 m high is usually exempt from planning permission, as long as it isn't sheet metal (3 m for deer farming or conservation). That covers a 2 m palisade or mesh fence round a farmyard or machinery store, with a vehicle gate wide enough for the biggest machine.
For farmyards, machinery and fuel stores, and yard entrances on the 135,037 farms in Ireland.
Free, no obligation. One local contractor prices it, not five.
- 135,037farms in Ireland
- 2 mfence exempt on rural land
- 3 mfor deer farming or conservation
- Not exemptaround the farmhouse itself
Security fencing as fitted
Real fences, photographed where they stand: palisade and mesh.
What does a farmyard fence need?
Machinery, fuel, tools and quads sit in a farmyard, often out of sight of the house. A yard fence keeps them in and keeps a vehicle out.
- Palisade for the yard perimeter: heavy, pointed, hard to climb.
- Twin wire mesh where you want to see across the yard from the house.
- A vehicle gate wide enough for the widest machine, on posts set deep in concrete, with anti-lift hinges.
- A pedestrian gate beside it, so the big gate stays shut.
Does a farm need planning permission for a fence?
Do I need planning permission for a fence on my farm?
Usually not, up to 2 m. Class 4 of the rural exemptions covers any fence other than sheet metal up to 2 m, or 3 m for deer farming or conservation. Around the farmhouse itself, the house rules apply, and palisade there needs permission.
| Land | Exempt fence height | Not covered |
|---|---|---|
| A house and its garden | 1.2 m in front, 2 m side or rear | Palisade and security fencing, at any height |
| Business and industrial land | 1.2 m, or the height of the fence replaced, never over 2 m | Hoardings and sheet metal fences |
| Rural and farm land | 2 m, or 3 m for deer farming or conservation | Sheet metal fences |
A fence that blocks sightlines at a road entrance isn't exempt, whatever its height. Ask the council for a Section 5 declaration if you're not sure.
More on fencing
Every fence is measured and priced on site.
Palisade fencingSteel pales, pointed tops, the heavy deterrent. €330 a 2.75 m section.Palisade →
Mesh fencingWelded mesh panels: see-through, hard to climb. From €25 a metre.Mesh fencing →
V mesh fencingFolded panels for schools, offices and frontages.V mesh →Temporary site fencingPanels on feet for building sites. €44–€63 a panel.Site fencing →Get a fencing price in 4 quick taps
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Security Fencing guides & price breakdowns
Straight answers to what people ask most: itemised costs, specifications, planning or grants, and what to check before you book.
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Questions we get asked
Do I need planning permission for a fence on my farm?
Usually not, up to 2 m and not sheet metal. Around the farmhouse, palisade needs permission at any height.
Is there a grant for farm fencing?
Not for homes or most businesses. If you're a club, school or farm already in a funding scheme, ask that scheme whether fencing qualifies before you start, because work done first can rule you out.
Palisade or mesh for a farmyard?
Palisade is the heavier deterrent. Mesh lets you see across the yard from the house. Many yards use palisade at the road and mesh inside.
Can the contractor work round stock and machinery?
Yes. Tell them what has to keep moving in and out, and they plan the gate first.
Who comes out?
One vetted fencing contractor who covers your county. Your number isn't sent to a list. They ring you, ask about the site, usually arrange a look, and give you a written quote. Nothing is ordered until you say yes.
Security Fencing across all 26 counties
Requests from all 26 counties go to one vetted local specialist who covers your county — from Dublin, Cork, Galway and Limerick to Kildare, Meath, Wicklow, Waterford and Donegal. Pick your county below for local prices, specifications and advice. Compare all areas covered →
Get a free security fencing price
One contractor who covers your county rings you, usually within one working day. Nothing is ordered until you say yes.