Integrated Pollution Prevention Control (IPPC) Licensing

The EPA has been licensing certain large-scale industrial and agriculture activities since 1994. Originally the licensing system was known as Integrated Pollution Control (IPC) licensing, governed by the Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1992. The Act was amended in 2003 by the Protection of the Environment Act, 2003 which gave effect to the Integrated Pollution Prevention Control (IPPC) Directive.

Detailed procedures concerning the IPPC licensing process are set out in the EPA Acts 1992 to 2007 and the associated licensing regulations.

Aim of IPPC licensing

IPPC licences aim to prevent or reduce emissions to air, water and land, reduce waste and use energy/resources efficiently. An IPPC licence is a single integrated licence which covers all emissions from the facility and its environmental management .

All related operations that the licence holder carries in connection with the activity are controlled by this licence.

Before a licence is granted, you must satisfy the Environmental Protection Agency that emissions from the activity do not cause a significant adverse environmental impact.

Public participation

The IPPC licensing system in Ireland is open and transparent. The public has access to the application documentation, in hardcopy format and where available, electronic format.

The licensing process allows for written submissions and objections by anyone, as well as the provision of an oral hearing of objections.

Who to contact

If you require additional information, contact the EPA's Licensing Unit at:

Office of Climate, Licensing & Resource Use,
PO Box 3000,
Johnstown Castle Estate,
County Wexford
Tel: Locall 1890 33 55 99 or 053 91 60600; Fax 053 91 60699.
Email info@epa.ie for the attention of the Licensing Unit.

Learn more

Read the full list of activities within the scope of IPPC licensing, which are listed in the schedule to the Environmental Protection Agency Acts, 1992 to 2007.

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