Dublin Bylaw: Apply for Fundraising Fee Waiver

Events and Special Uses Leinster 3 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of Leinster

Dublin, Leinster charities and community groups can sometimes seek a waiver of event or street-use fees from Dublin City Council when organising fundraising activities on public land. This guide explains the practical steps, likely requirements, who enforces the rules, and how to apply or appeal for a fee waiver under city events and special-uses procedures. It summarises applications, typical compliance checks, and enforcement outcomes so organisers can plan and reduce risk.

What this procedure covers

This article covers fee waivers for fundraising events that use public parks, streets and other council-managed spaces in Dublin, including temporary events, street collections and small community fundraisers. For event licences, road closures, traffic management and safety requirements you must consult the Events Unit and Licensing teams.

For official guidance and the Events Unit application, see the Dublin City Council Events & Special Uses pages Events Unit[1].

Apply early: event and waiver decisions often take several weeks.

Before you apply

  • Check the proposed date and location for clashes with council events and park maintenance.
  • Confirm your organising body is a registered charity or community group, and gather governing documents and proof of charity status if relevant.
  • Prepare a simple event plan: expected numbers, timings, health and safety measures, stewards, and waste management.
  • Budget for standard fees and deposits in case a waiver is not granted.

Penalties & Enforcement

Dublin City Council enforces compliance with licences, permits and bylaws for events and use of public spaces. The Events Unit and Licensing sections handle inspections, authorisations and enforcement actions.[1]

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first, repeat or continuing offence ranges are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: the council may issue orders to stop activity, require removal of structures, revoke permissions, or seek court enforcement; specific sanctions are not specified on the cited page.
  • Enforcer: Events Unit, Licensing and By-law Enforcement staff carry out inspections and compliance checks; report concerns via the council contact pages in Resources below.
  • Appeals and review: the council provides internal review routes and where applicable you may seek judicial review in the courts; precise time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited page.
  • Defences and discretion: council discretion, reasonable excuse or having an approved permit may prevent penalties; full criteria for discretion are not specified on the cited page.
Failure to secure required permissions can lead to orders to cease the event.

Applications & Forms

The Events Unit publishes application forms and guidance for temporary events and use of parks; submission methods and any specific fee-waiver request form are available from the council Events pages. The Events Unit page lists contact and application steps but does not publish a single, named "fundraising fee waiver" form on the cited page.[1]

How to apply for a fee waiver

  • Draft a short waiver request letter stating the charitable purpose, estimated income use, and why a waiver is needed.
  • Attach governing documents, proof of charity/non-profit status, public liability insurance evidence and your event plan.
  • Submit the request with the standard event application to the Events Unit or Licensing office as directed on the council page.
  • Apply early—allow several weeks for processing and any required consultations with parks, traffic or environmental health teams.
Keep records of submissions and any written response from the council.

Common violations

  • Holding an event without a permit or without consent for use of public land.
  • Unauthorised structures, barriers or obstructions on public routes.
  • Failure to manage waste, noise or public safety as required by the licence.

FAQ

Who decides on fee waivers?
Decisions are made by Dublin City Council's Events Unit and relevant licensing teams based on council policy and operational considerations.
How long does a decision take?
Processing times vary; you should apply well in advance and consult the Events Unit for current timelines.
Is there a published fee-waiver policy?
No single fee-waiver policy or fixed fee amounts are specified on the Events Unit page cited; contact the Events Unit for details.[1]

How-To

  1. Collect proof of charity status, governing documents and public liability insurance.
  2. Complete the Events Unit event application and attach your written fee-waiver request.
  3. Submit via the Events Unit contact method on the council page and ask for confirmation of receipt.
  4. Respond to any council queries promptly and provide additional documents if requested.
  5. If refused, request the council's review/decision rationale and follow the stated internal appeal or complaints process.

Key Takeaways

  • Apply early and include clear charitable purpose documentation.
  • Submit a waiver request with the standard Events Unit application.
  • Contact the Events Unit for guidance and to confirm required evidence.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Dublin City Council - Events Unit

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