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Making a submission

What is a submission?

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

Who can make a submission?

Anyone (including the applicant) can make a submission on a licence application.

When can I make a submission?

Submissions on a licence application can be made:

  • once the application has been received by the EPA and
  • before the proposed decision is issued.

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:

  • 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 a submission as early as possible, as late submissions cannot be considered.

 

How can I make a submission?

You can make a submission:

  • on-line - search for the relevant licence and make the submission.
  • in writing to the Environmental Protection Agency, P.O. Box 3000, Johnstown Castle Estate, Co. Wexford

Note: Due to current Covid 19 restrictions it is preferable to submit submissions on-line and not to post submissions to the EPA Office.

Instructions on making an online submission

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 20 Megabytes in size
  • not include any personal data (such as phone number, e-mail address, home address, postcode, etc.)

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?

There is no fee for submissions.

What happens after I make a submission?

Your submission will be:

  • acknowledged;
  • published and available to view on www.epa.ie; and
  • considered as part of the assessment of the licence application/review.

You may make further submissions.

You can subscribe to email updates on the licence application through RSS Feeds.

You will be notified of the EPA's proposed decision.

Can I withdraw a submission?

You can withdraw a submission at any time prior to the application being considered by the Board of the Agency.

Learn More

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.

For further information, contact our Environmental Licensing Programme at:

Office of Environmental Sustainability,
PO Box 3000
Johnstown Castle Estate
County Wexford

Telephone LoCall: 0818 33 55 99 or 053 91 60600
Email licensing@epa.ie