Had our plans prepared by an Architect in Galway and the application was deemed invalid by Galway County Council as they stated the application was lodged outside the 14 day period after the publication of the planning notice. The reason for this was that the Planning Office was closed on the 14th day due to the Galway Races.
Our Solicitor recommended that we seek advice from a professional planning expert. Kieran prepared our case and very soon was able to submit our legal claim to the local authority and proved that they had acted illegally as The Galway Races or any day they are on do not constitute a public or bank holiday as set out in the planning acts in relation to last dates for submission of applications.
Maybe a little expensive but I suppose you are paying for expert knowledge, and got a satisfactory result.