Air Emissions Licence

Air legislation and enforcement

Local Authorities are empowered under the Air Pollution Acts (Licensing of Industrial Plant) Regulations 1988 to license certain classes of activities which may give rise to air emissions. Activities qualifying for an Air Emissions License are listed in Schedule 3 of the Air Pollution Act 1987 and it is the responsibility of Laois County Council to control and condition such activities.

Minimising and preventing emissions

Section 24 of the Air Pollution Act, 1987 lays down a general obligation on minimising and preventing emissions:

• The occupier of any premises, other than a private dwelling, shall use the best practicable means to limit and, if possible, to prevent an emission from such premises.
• The occupier of any premises shall not cause or permit an emission from such premises in such a quantity, or in such a manner, as to be a nuisance.

The Act also confers Local Authorities with the powers to take appropriate enforcement action where this is breached. This may include prosecutions and fines of up to €5,000 on summary conviction.

Monitoring and enforcement responsibilities

Laois County Council has monitoring and enforcement responsibilities and powers under a range of Air Quality legislation, including:

• The Air Pollution Act 1987
• The Air Pollution Act 1987 (Solid Fuels) Regulations 2022
• The Waste Management (Prohibition of Waste Disposal by Burning) Regulations 2009 
• The European Union (Paints, Varnishes, Vehicle Refinishing Products and Activities) Regulations 2012
• The European Union (Installations and Activities Using Organic Solvents) Regulation 2012
• The Air Pollution Act 1987 (Petroleum Vapour Emissions) Regulations 1997

Further Information

For further information phone the Environment Section on 057 86 64000 or email environadmin@laoiscoco.ie