How to request an oral hearing?

Anyone who makes a valid objection can request an oral hearing.  A request for an oral hearing must include the €126 fee and be received within the one-month objection period. This period commences on the date of notification of the EPA’s Proposed Decision.

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

Factors

While there are no specific statutory criteria governing the decision to hold an oral hearing, the matters that would influence us include:

• New significant information or new issues not previously raised that are specific to the location or the development.
• The sensitivity of the location or local environment.
• Whether it is a matter of national or regional importance.
• The scale or complexity of the development.
• New information/evidence which materially conflicts with previous evidence.
• If it is in the interest of fair procedure.

Learn more

Download Aspects of Licensing Procedures: Objections and Oral Hearings to learn more about oral hearings.

For further information, contact our Environmental Licensing Programme at:

Office of Environmental Sustainability
PO Box 3000
Johnstown Castle Estate
Co Wexford

Tel: 053 91 60600

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