Abstractions of 2,000m3/day or greater
An abstraction that meets or exceeds 2,000m3 in any 24-hour period (licensing threshold) requires a licence.
See How to apply for a water abstraction licence.
If one of the following scenarios applies to you, click for further information.
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I have an existing abstraction greater than or equal to 2,000m3/day
f you presently carry out an abstraction (i.e. an existing abstraction) >2,000m3/day, you must make an application for a licence to the EPA by 28th February 2025 unless you are granted an extension for making such an application by the EPA. You may continue to abstract until such time as your licence application has been determined.
See How to apply for a water abstraction licence.
How to apply for an extension
You can apply for extension of the timeline to make a water abstraction licence application under Section 15(7) of the Act, by filling in this form and returning it to licensing@epa.ie.
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I propose to increase an existing abstraction, and it will be greater than or equal to 2,000m3/day.
If you intend to increase an existing abstraction such that the revised abstraction volume will be >2,000m3/day, you must make an application for a licence, and you cannot commence the revised abstraction until the licence has been granted.
You may continue the existing abstraction until such time as your licence application has been determined.
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I propose to commence a new abstraction greater than or equal to 2,000m3/day.
If you intend to carry out an abstraction (i.e. a new proposed abstraction) >2,000m3/day, you must make an application for a licence, and you cannot commence the abstraction until the licence has been granted.