Making a submission

What is a submission?

A submission is written comments or observations on a permit application. The submission should relate to the application itself or any Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) or Natura Impact Statement (NIS).

Who can make a submission?

Anyone can make a submission on a permit application to the EPA.

When can I make a submission?

Submissions on a permit application can be made up to a certain number of days after the publication of the newspaper notice by the applicant. These are:

• 21 days for maintenance dredging projects of less than 12 months duration
• 1 month for capital projects or maintenance dredging projects of greater than 12 months

Where the EPA has determined that an Appropriate Assessment is required, submissions or observations on Appropriate Assessment concerning an application can be made in writing to the Agency. Such submissions may be made for at least 30 days after publication of the following information on the Agency’s website:

• Notice for Public Consultation on Appropriate Assessment
• Natura Impact Statement received from applicant
• Additional information submitted on the Natura Impact Statement

It is important to lodge any submission as early as possible, as late submissions cannot be considered.

How can I make a submission?

You can make a submission:

• By email to licensing@epa.ie
• In writing to the EPA, PO Box 3000, Johnstown Castle Estate, Co Wexford

Note: Due to current COVID-19 restrictions it is preferable to submit submissions online and not to post submissions to the EPA office.

What should I submit as part of my submission?

Your submission must state:

• The subject matter of the submission
• The grounds for the submission and the reasons, consideration and arguments on which they are based

Attachments should:

• Be in pdf format (video footage must be in MP4 format)
• Not be greater than 4 megabytes in size
• Not include any personal data (such as phone number, email address, home address, postcode)

Submissions or observations made to the EPA will be made available for public viewing, both online and at the EPA's headquarters.  Please be aware that statements included in any person's submissions or observations, that could be viewed as defamatory towards any identifiable person or organisation/company, could result in legal proceedings against the person who made that statement.  Please note that if proceedings are brought against the EPA for any allegedly defamatory statements made, the EPA may seek indemnity from the person who made that statement.  Please limit submissions or observations to points of relevance to the decision to be made by the EPA.

What happens after I make a submission?

Your submission will be:

• Acknowledged
• Published and available to view on www.epa.ie
• Considered as part of the assessment of the permit application

You can subscribe to email updates on the permit application through RSS Feeds.  You will be notified of the EPA's decision.

Can I withdraw a submission?

A submission may be withdrawn by the submitter at any time prior to it being considered by the Board of the EPA.

Learn more

Check the public access to licensing files.

For further information contact the Environmental Licensing Programme at:

Office of Environmental Sustainability

PO BOX 3000

Johnstown Castle Estate

County Wexford

Lo-call: 0818 33 55 99

Tel: 053 9160600

Email: licensing@epa.ie