How to make an objection

How to make an objection?

When the EPA issues a proposed decision on a permit application, anyone can make an objection to it in the form of written comments or observations. 

A valid objection must be made in writing and state:

  • Name and address of the objector
  • Reference number of the permit application
  • 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
  • The appropriate fee

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

Who can make an objection?

Any person or body (including the applicant) can object to our Proposed Decision (PD). 

If you make an objection, you may also request an oral hearing of the objection. The request must be made in writing and be accompanied by an oral hearing request fee in addition to the objection fee.

When and how can an objection be made?

You can lodge an objection with us within the one month 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:

  • 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

 We have no discretionary power to accept objections received outside the set period.

Note: Due to current COVID-19 restrictions, it is preferable to submit objections online and not to post objections. 

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

Anyone who makes a valid objection is informed of our decision. We are required to publish a notice of our decision in a newspaper within seven days of the issue 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 oral hearings are:

Applicant/licensee/third party: €253

Oral hearing requests: €126

 

Learn more:

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
Co Wexford

Tel: 053 9160600

Lo-call 0818 33 55 99 or
Email: licensing@epa.ie