As you say, it's up to each local authority to stipulate the rules for the aera under their control. In Dublin, there is a specified time period during which dogs may be off lead, but 'be under the effectual control of the person-in-charge.' Currently, dogs may only be off-leash in a public place between the hours of 8am & 11am.
These rules apply to areas under control of the authority, if your estate is a private development, these will not apply and you would need to follow up with the management company.
Leo
See this previous
post for more details on Dublin rules.