Conor McGregor has lodged a new planning application seeking to expand his home near Straffan, Co Kildare, into a property of almost 18,000 square feet. The proposal includes extensive leisure, entertainment and residential facilities, while also seeking retention permission for an existing marquee-style gym structure.
Key details of the planning application
The application submitted to Kildare County Council concerns an existing one-and-a-half-storey detached dwelling. If approved and completed, the property would become a two-storey home with a basement measuring approximately 1,646 square metres, or 17,712 square feet.
The plans outline a substantial private residence with facilities including:
- A basement swimming pool, jacuzzi, saunas, gym and treatment room
- A chef’s kitchen, pantry and additional living spaces
- A playroom, bar, games room, office and snug
- Dining and living rooms on the ground floor
- Six bedrooms on the first floor
- A master bedroom with balconies, an adjoining bathroom and a dedicated robe room
The application is now part of the public planning process. Kildare County Council will assess the proposal against planning policy, residential amenity, design, scale and other relevant requirements.
McGregor seeks retention for large gym structure
A separate element of the application relates to an existing marquee-type structure on the site. The building, described in planning documents as a sports-related facility, measures approximately 709 square metres, equivalent to more than 7,500 square feet.
The new application seeks a three-year retention permission for the structure. Retention applications are used where permission is sought for development that has already been carried out, rather than for a building that has yet to be constructed.
The structure was identified during the council’s consideration of earlier planning matters. Its inclusion in the latest application provides the local authority with an opportunity to assess the facility alongside the proposed house extension.
Planning snapshot
- Location: Near Straffan, Co Kildare
- Proposed floor area: Approximately 1,646 square metres
- Equivalent size: About 17,712 square feet
- Gym structure: Approximately 709 square metres
- Decision-maker: Kildare County Council
Previous planning applications and council decisions
The latest proposal follows earlier planning activity relating to the property. Permission was granted in 2022 for an extension associated with a completed home measuring 1,579 square metres. That permission is due to expire next March.
A separate application submitted earlier this year was invalidated by the council in May. Planning officials found that the documentation accompanying that proposal was misleading and incorrect. The new submission is therefore being made against the background of a number of previous applications and decisions.
The planning consultant acting for McGregor, Vincent Farry of Farry Town Planning, stated in a report that the proposed building would be significantly smaller than a development refused in July 2025.
The report also argues that neighbouring residents would not experience unacceptable effects from the revised proposal. It refers specifically to potential impacts such as overlooking, overshadowing and visual intrusion.
Property history near Straffan
McGregor bought The Paddocks property for €3 million in 2019. In June 2022, he paid €1.65 million for the adjacent property at number five Castledillon.
The combined ownership has provided the setting for successive plans involving a large private residence and sports facilities. As with any planning application, the ownership of neighbouring properties does not guarantee approval. The council must consider the submitted design, planning history, site context and any valid observations received during the statutory process.
What happens next?
Kildare County Council will examine the new application before issuing a decision. The process can include an assessment of the plans, supporting reports, environmental considerations and submissions from members of the public or interested parties.
The main issues likely to shape the assessment include:
- The scale and visual impact of the enlarged home
- The effect on neighbouring residential amenities
- The planning status and impact of the existing gym structure
- Traffic, access, services and site layout
- Whether the proposal complies with local development policies
A final decision may approve the proposal, approve it with conditions, request changes or refuse permission. If permission is granted, conditions could regulate construction, landscaping, access or the use of the retained structure.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the property located?
The property is located near Straffan in Co Kildare.
How large would the completed home be?
The proposed completed building would measure about 1,646 square metres, or approximately 17,712 square feet.
What facilities are included in the plans?
The proposal includes a basement pool, jacuzzi, saunas, gym and treatment room, along with multiple living, entertainment and bedroom areas.
What is the retention application for?
It seeks permission to retain an existing marquee-type gym structure measuring approximately 709 square metres.
Has the property had planning permission before?
Yes. Permission was granted in 2022 for an extension connected with a 1,579-square-metre home, while another application was invalidated in May and a larger development was refused in July 2025.
What the latest Ireland news means
This application will now be judged through the normal planning system rather than through McGregor’s public profile. The outcome will depend on the plans, planning policy, technical assessments and any relevant public submissions.
For residents and property watchers, the case offers another example of how large-scale private developments are assessed in rural parts of Kildare. The next significant update will be the council’s formal decision on the proposed extension and the retention of the existing gym facility.
The takeaway: Conor McGregor is seeking permission to create an almost 18,000-square-foot home near Straffan, alongside three-year retention for a substantial existing gym structure. The proposal remains subject to Kildare County Council’s planning process.
