Class 3 and Class 4 GMMs

Notification requirements for the first-time use of a premises for a Class 3 or a Class 4 GMM  

• An assessment of the risks to human health and the environment associated with the Class 3 GMM/ Class 4 GMM contained use activity. The ERA should contain the information required under Part C of the 5th Schedule of the GMO (Contained Use) Regulations 2001-2010 
• Information relating to waste management (i.e. GMM contaminated liquid and solid waste) Information as set out under Part A of the 5th Schedule of the Regulations  
• Fee: €4,500 – Class 3 GMM  -   €22,500 – Class 4 GMM  (a notification is not valid until the fee has been received by the EPA) 
• Within seven days of receipt of the notification by the EPA, the notifier must publish a notice in a newspaper ‘circulating in the district’ in which the proposed contained use activity will take place. The purpose of this notice is to inform the public of the proposed GMO contained use activity and the submission of the notification to the EPA. It will also invite members of the public to make representations to the EPA on the notification. In drafting the notice for publication, the format as set out under Article 22 of the GMO (Contained Use) Regulations, 2001-2010 should be followed.  

EPA review period  

The EPA has a 90-day review period. This does not include any period during which the EPA is awaiting receipt of any additional information it may have requested from the notifier. This means that the clock is stopped until all requested additional information is received. The notifier cannot proceed with the contained use activity without the prior agreement of the EPA. 

Notification requirements for the subsequent contained use of a Class 3/Class 4 GMM  

This is where the user has been issued with a consent for the first-time use of the premises for a Class 3 GMM or Class 4 GMM contained use activity and wishes to use a new Class 3 GMM or Class 4 GMM not previously notified to the EPA. 

• An assessment of the risks to human health and the environment associated with the Class 3 GMM/ Class 4 GMM contained use activity. The risk assessment should contain the information required under Part C of the 5th Schedule of the GMO (Contained Use) Regulations, 2001-2010 
• Information relating to waste management (i.e. GMM contaminated liquid and solid waste) 
• Information as set out under Part A of the 5th Schedule of the Regulations  
• Fee: €1,500 – Class 3 GMM  - €7,500 – Class 4 GMM

EPA review period 

The EPA has a 45-day review period. This does not include any period during which the EPA is awaiting receipt of any additional information it may have requested from the notifier. This means that the clock is stopped until all requested additional information is received. The notifier cannot proceed with the contained use activity without the prior agreement of the EPA.