Licence

Fix or place rails, beams, cables, arches or other items over a road (Northern Ireland)

You need permission fix or place rails, beams, cables, arches or other eitems over a road in Northern Ireland

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You need permission fix or place rails, beams, cables, arches or other items over a road in Northern Ireland.

How to apply

Before making your application you must check whether you need planning permission.

Download an application form from the NI Direct website or call Roads Service.

Roads Service 028 9025 3000

You’ll need to give:

  • your details
  • agent’s details, if applicable
  • location of the work
  • brief details of the work you want to do
  • proposed start and finish dates
  • references of any attached drawings
  • whether you’ve applied for planning permission and your application number

There’s a separate application form to place a traditional arch over a road in Northern Ireland.

Conditions

You must get insurance that protects (‘indemnifies’) the Department for Regional Development (DRD) against any third party claim made against it because of the work you want to do.

There may be other conditions about:

  • using appropriate signs to make sure traffic safety
  • excavation or damage caused to the road or footpath surfaces
  • temporary reinstatement of the excavations or damaged areas
  • maintenance of the works and the road and pavement surfaces
  • final reinstatement and removal of the works
  • investigating the existence of cables, pipes and equipment belonging to Statutory Service Authorities and protecting them

If your works are complex you may also be required to:

  • lodge a cash deposit with DRD
  • provide insurance
  • provide detailed drawings
  • provide certification of safety and fitness for purpose from a Chartered Engineer
  • erect and dismantle on specific dates and times

Further additional conditions may be imposed depending on the individual project.

Fines and penalties

You may be fined up to £500 if you carry out works without permission from DRD.