How to make an objection

When the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issues a proposed determination on a licence application or review, anyone can make an objection to it in the form of written comments or observations, either online or by post. 

A valid objection must state:

• Your name and address
• The reference number of the application
• The subject matter of the objection
• The grounds for the objection and the reasons, consideration and arguments on which they are based

An objection must be accompanied by any documents you consider necessary and relevant, and the appropriate fee. If you intend to submit video footage as part of your objection, it must be in MP4 format.  Any other format iwill not be accepted.

Once an objection is made, you cannot elaborate further on it in later correspondance.

Who can make an objection?

Any person or body (including the applicant) can make an objection to the EPA's proposed determination.
If you make an objection you may also request an oral hearing of it. The request must be in writing and be accompanied by an oral hearing request fee in addition to the objection fee.

When and how can I make an objection?

You can lodge an objection with us within 28 days of our giving notice of our proposed determination. Note that the period 24 December to 1 January inclusive is disregarded when calculating the set period.

An objection must be made either:

• Online by 5pm on the last day for receipt of objections
• Sending it by prepaid post to our headquarters or
• Giving it to an EPA employee at our HQ at Johnstown Castle Estate, Co Wexford, during office hours (9am-5pm, Monday to Friday).

Note that we have no discretionary power to accept objections received outside the set period.

How will I know what the EPA's decision is?

• Anyone who makes a valid objection receives a copy of our final decision
• We are required to publish notice of our decision in a newspaper circulating in the locality of the facility within seven days of issuing the decision

Withdrawal of an Objection

A valid objection may be withdrawn at any time prior to it being considered by the Board of the Agency.

What about an oral hearing?

If you make a valid objection you can request an oral hearing.

What are the fees?

The fees for objections and requesting an oral hearing are:

Learn more

Download Waste Management And IPPC Licensing, Aspects Of Licensing Procedures: Objections And Oral Hearings

For more information on reduced fees, see Article 9(1) of the EPA (Licensing Fees) Regulations 1994 to 2006

All documentation received in respect of a licence application is available to view on this website

Find out more about how to request an oral hearing

For further information, contact our Environmental Licensing Programme at:

Office of Environmental Sustainability,
PO Box 3000
Johnstown Castle Estate
County Wexford
Telephone Locall 1890 33 55 99 or 053 91 60600
Email licensing@epa.ie