All documentation received in respect of a licence application is available to view on this website. Find out more about Public access to licensing files.
A person can make
Submissions and observations must be made in writing to the EPA and can be made by any person, including the applicant.
The EPA will consider all submissions and observations received.
Submissions on water abstraction licence applications
Written comments on a licence application may be submitted to the EPA. A submission should relate to the application itself or any Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) or retrospective EIAR or Natura Impact Statement (NIS) accompanying the application. Submissions may be made in relation to the likely effects on the environment of the proposed activity.
When can I make a submission on water abstraction licence application?
Any person can make a written submission on the application and any EIAR/ retrospective EIAR or NIS accompanying the application, any time after the publication of the application on the EPA website. The closing date for submissions is 5 weeks after the EPA acknowledges that the application is complete.
Where the EPA has determined that an Appropriate Assessment is required, submissions or observations on Appropriate Assessment concerning a licence 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:
It is important to lodge a submission as early as possible, as late submissions cannot be considered.
Observations on proposed decisions
When the EPA issues a proposed decision on an application for a water abstraction licence or on an application for the review of the conditions attached to a water abstraction licence, anyone (including the applicant) can make an observation on it in the form of written comments.
When can I make an observation on a proposed decision?
You may make an observation within 28 days of the EPA giving notice of the proposed decision. (The period 24 December to 1 January inclusive is disregarded when calculating the set period). The observation must be made by 5pm on the last day for receipt of observations.
How can I make a submission/observation?
You can make a submission/observation:
What should I submit as part of my submission/observation?
Your submission/observation must state:
Your submission/observation can be accompanied by any documents you consider necessary and relevant.
Attachments should:
Submissions or observations made to the Agency will be made available to the public. Please be aware that statements included in submissions or observations, that could be viewed as defamatory could result in legal proceedings against the person who made that statement. Please note that if proceedings are brought against the Agency for any allegedly defamatory statements made, the Agency 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 Agency.
Is there a fee to make a submission/observation?
There is no fee.
What happens after I make a submission/observation?
Your submission/observation will be:
You can subscribe to email updates on the licence application through RSS Feeds.
Where appropriate, EPA may request a party to a submission/observation to provide further information.
If you made a submission on an application, you will be notified of the EPA's proposed decision.
Can I withdraw a submission/observation?
You can withdraw a submission/observation at any time prior to the application being considered by the Board of the Agency. Contact our Water, Energy and Business Support Programme at licensing@epa.ie.
Further queries
Contact our Water, Energy and Business Support Programme at licensing@epa.ie.