There are a number of stages in the licensing process:
Stage 1: Pre-application
Before making an application the applicant:
Stage 2: Applicant applies for a licence How to apply for a licence
The application is submitted online.
We have eight weeks to assess the application before making a "proposed determination". The eight-week period starts when all requests have been complied with. This period may be extended in certain circumstances.
Before making a proposed determination we will take into account any submissions received.
Stage 3: EPA issues a proposed determination
The EPA indicates how we propose to determine an application. We will:
Stage 4: Objections
Stage 5: Oral hearing
Stage 6: EPA issues licence
Before making a final decision, we consider the application and any objections / submissions on objections /oral hearing report.
When we issue a licence, we notify:
We publish the final decision on this website and in a newspaper circulating in the area.
Once a decision has issued, anyone can apply to the High Court and seek a judicial review of the validity of the decision. This must be done within 8 weeks of the decision under Order 84 of the Rules of the Superior Courts (as amended). The Rules of the Superior Courts and all relevant amendments can be found at The Courts Service of Ireland
Further information on Judicial Review in environmental and planning matters may be found at: www.citizensinformation.ie
All requests from Licensees to carry out alterations or reconstruction works that effect emissions on site will be considered by the EPA’s Office of Environmental Enforcement. If the Office of Environmental Enforcement believes that the works or measures cannot be accommodated within the terms of the existing Licence, the Licensee is notified accordingly.
If a review of an existing licence is necessary, the Licensee must submit their review application online. The review process is the same as applying for an IPC Licence.
The EPA can also initiate a review of a Licence in certain circumstances. These circumstances are outlined in Section 87 (1)(b) of the EPA Act 1992 as amended.
The Application Prioritisation Scoring System outlines the OES-ELP application prioritisation criteria for IED, IPC and Waste Licensed installations. All applications are assessed against specified criteria and given a prioritisation score. This determines the work programme, in relation to sequence in which applications will be progressed to decision. These prioritisation criteria allow all stakeholders to clearly see the aspects of an activity which are considered during OES- ELP’s work programme planning stage.
