• How is the charge calculated?

    This is outlined in detail in section 4 of the EPA's Licensing & Enforcement Charging Policy 2020

  • Can I get a breakdown of my charges?

    A breakdown is provided along your annual invoice. No further breakdown will be provided. It consists of the following:

    DescriptionCharge
    Risk category €xxxx
    Air monitoring & analysis (where relevant) €xxxx
    Standing charge levy €xxxx
    Animal health sentinel scheme (where applicable) €xxxx
    Total invoice amount €YYYY

  • What are the criteria for reducing enforcement charges?

    This is governed by the EPA Licensing & Enforcement Charging Policy and more specifically 4 criteria:

    1. An inappropriate risk category has been applied.
    2. Certain air emissions monitoring has been chargedfor but not carried out.
    3. The licensee has ceased to operate or surrendered its licence during the relevant charge period –or the nature of the activity has substantially changed.
    4. The enforcement charge is resulting in a disproportionate burden on the activity.

  • Why has my charge changed from last year?

    The answer to this question varies.  However,if you look at your invoice cover letter, it may provide you with further information in relation to your charge. The main reasons for significant changes in charges include: 
    • changes in the enforcementriskcategory for your facility and/or
    • changes in EPA check-monitoring requirements.

  • What happens if I decide not to pay my annual enforcement charges?

    You will receive severalreminder letters from the EPA. After this, the EPA will commence debt collection/enforcement action and subsequently the debt will be pursued through the courts.  It is open to the EPA to pursue these matters through the commercial courts as a debt collection matter or through the criminal courts, since non-payment of the charges is a breach of the licence conditions.

  • If I submit a clarification request can I get an enforcement charge credit?

    No. No credits will be issued based on a clarification. If you feel that you are entitled to a credit, you must submit your correspondence as a ‘Credit Request’ using the form provided. Please state the basis for your request and provide the evidence to support your claim.

  • I will pay my enforcement charges, but times are tough –can the EPA make any allowances for payment plans?

    Yes. If you suggest a reasonable payment plan as part of your ‘Credit Request’, then the EPA will try to accommodate you. However, you must provide evidence/information to support such a request.

  • If the OEE Inspector doesn’t visit my facility as often as is suggested in the charges, will I get a credit?

    No. These costs are apportioned as levies on a burden sharing principle. 

  • Can I provide a Purchase Order Number?

    Yes. We will ask you early in the charging calendar year if you wish to supply a PO for your Finance Department to process an invoice for your EPA annual enforcement charge on receipt of it later.

  • When do EPA normally send out enforcement charges invoices?

    After completion of the RBME process in Q3.  This information is then used to inform the charging process. Charges are normally approved and issued in Q1 of the following year.

  • Who should I send queries on my annual enforcement charges to?

    If you wish to request a clarification of your specific charge, or wish to make a ‘Credit Request’ relating to your charges, you must submit your correspondence via EDEN or on the form in the Guidelines on querying enforcement charges.  You should submit your completed application to OEEChargequeries@epa.ie

    If you have a question or issue regarding accounts, PO Numbers, account balance etc., please contact  accountspayable@epa.ie.

     

  • Can I have my RBME category changed?

    If you feel your RBME category is inappropriate, you must submit your query as a ‘Credit Request’ and provide the evidence to support your claim (see Guidance on querying enforcement charges).

    Your Enforcement Category is reviewed every year and will not be changed without specific evidence of significant factual errors.

  • What if I don’t agree with my RBME category?

    If you feel your RBME category is inappropriate, you must submit your query as a ‘Credit Request’ and provide the evidence to support your claim (see Guidance on querying enforcement charges).

    Your Enforcement Category is reviewed every year and will not be changed without specific evidence of significant factual errors.

  • The cost for air monitoring carried out by EPA seems high. Can it be reduced?

    The air monitoring carried out on behalf of the EPA is performed to a high standard and is ISO 17025 accredited.  The EPA runs an open tender every three years for its air monitoring contract under government procurement guidelines. The fees charged to licensees for air monitoring are based on the charges that the EPA must pay themselves –i.e. there is no ‘mark-up’.