Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has welcomed the publication of the Environment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2025 — legislation that will bring more certainty and efficiency to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) licensing process.

The Bill introduces powers to prescribe timeframes for EPA licensing decisions across key sectors including energy, food, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and waste. It also allows the EPA to better manage minor changes to existing industrial licences without requiring a full review — helping to speed up decisions and reduce administrative burden.

Minister Canney said: “This is a practical step that will reduce delays, support investment, and accelerate delivery of vital infrastructure — while maintaining our environmental standards. Greater clarity and shorter timelines for licensing decisions are good for business, good for communities, and good for our competitiveness.”

Currently, there are around 900 EPA licences in operation across Ireland, covering large-scale activities such as waste and energy facilities, intensive agriculture, cement production, and food and drink manufacturing. These installations are required to secure EPA approval before they begin operating or make changes that affect emissions.

The new legislation will ensure the licensing system remains robust but proportionate — enabling sustainable development to proceed without unnecessary delays.