How to make an objection

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

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 (see below). If you intend to submit video footage as part of your objection, it must be in MP4 format. Any other format will not be accepted.

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

Who can make a objection?

Anyone (including the applicant) can make an objection to the EPA's proposed decision.

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 the Agency within 28 days of our giving notice of our proposed decision. Note that the period 24 December to 1 January inclusive is disregarded when calculating this period.

An objection must be made by 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 decision.

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:

* See Article 42 (3) of the Waste Management (Licensing) Regulations 2004

Withdrawal of an Objection

A valid objection may be withdrawn at any time prior to it being considered by the Board of the Agency.

Learn more

For more information on reduced fees, see Article 42 (3) of the Waste Management (Licensing) Regulations 2004 to 2011.

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