Oral hearings

Anyone who makes a valid objection to a proposed determination can request an oral hearing.  A request must include the €100 fee and be received within the 28-day objection period. This period commences on the date of notification of the proposed determination by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The EPA has absolute discretion to hold an oral hearing, whether or not a request has been made.

Factors

While there is no specific statutory criteria governing the decision to hold one, factors that would influence us include:

• New issues not previously raised that are specific to the location of the development
• The sensitivity of the location or local environment
• If the matter is of national or regional importance
• The scale and complexity of the development
• Significant new information

Withdrawal of Oral Hearing Request

A request for an Oral Hearing can be withdrawn at any time prior to it being considered by the Board of the Agency.

Learn more

Aspects of Licensing Procedures: Objections and Oral Hearings to find out more about oral hearings.

All documentation received in respect of a licence application, including oral hearing requests are available to view on this website.

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