Various Bodies
Local Authorities
The local authority is the planning authority for the county. Unless exempted, all work and change of use of land require planning permission. Works cover most physical changes to land. There are significant exemptions for agriculture use and work.
Under the Local Government (Water Pollution) Acts 1977 and 1990 and the Water Services Act 2007 to 2013, local authorities are responsible for the issuing of effluent discharge licences for effluents discharged into waters.
Irish Water
Until 1st January 2014, local authorities were responsible for issuing effluent discharge licences for effluents discharged to sewers under the provisions of Section 16 of the (Water Pollution Act) 1977.
Irish Water is now responsible for the issuing of effluent discharge licences for effluents discharged to sewers under the provisions of Section 7 of the Water Services (No.2) Act 2013 (which transfers part of the functions of the local authorities to Irish Water)
Environmental Protection Agency
The Environmental Protection Agency was established in 1992 and is based in Wexford. It is the principal body responsible for climate change, water, air pollution, waste and biodiversity. It has an advisory role and a licensing role.
Most of the major environmental licences are issued by the authority. It is an important role in water and wastewater policy. It is central to monitoring and assessment of compliance.
Office of Public Works / Department of Finance
The OPW has existed for nearly 200 years. It is a branch of the Department of Finance. It holds and manages much state land.
The OPW is central to the management of flood risk in the state. It implements the floods directive and coordinates policy on drainage and flooding.
The Office of Public Works historically played a major role in relation to flood relief works. It is required to maintain drainage works. Under drainage, legislation changes to existing drainage schemes and some alterations of a weir may require the consent of the OPW.
National Parks and Wildlife Service
The National Parks and Wildlife Service has a wide role in relation to the conservation of ecosystems. It is part of the Department of Culture Heritage and the Gaeltacht.
It is involved in designating and advising on special designations. It is responsible for wildlife, national parks and nature services strategy and for peatland policy.
IFI and Loughs Agency Waterways Ireland
Inland Fisheries Ireland is generally responsible for the administration of fishing legislation and licensing. It includes controls over anything that interferes with fishing and spawning grounds.
The Foyle Fisheries Commission was established for the management of fisheries in Lough Foyle and its vicinity in 1952. The Loughs Agency, an all-island body under the British-Irish Agreement, took over the functions of the commission.
Waterways Ireland is one of six North/South Implementation Bodies established under the British-Irish Agreement of 1998. It is the cross-border navigational authority responsible for the management, maintenance, development and promotion of over 1000 km of inland navigable waterways, principally for recreational purposes.
Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine play a vital role in environmental matters. They administer the basic payment scheme with built-in good agricultural and environmental condition statutory management requirements as well as the environmental enhancements GLAS and [EPOS].
Coillte
Coillte is a state forestry company that manages forests. It succeeded the Department of Forestry in 1988. It has significant powers in forested areas in relation to a range of matters.
It manages an estate of some 440,000 hectares throughout the country.
Department of the Environment
The Department of the Environment, now known as the Department of Communications Climate Action and the Environment, plays a central role in environmental policy. Some of its functions have been passed to other departments in the recent reorganisation.
Dept of Culture Heritage and the Gaeltacht
The Department of Culture Heritage and the Gaeltacht includes the National Parks and Wildlife Service, which manages the State’s nature conservation responsibilities under national and European law. A particular responsibility of the NPWS is the designation and protection of Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), Special Protection Areas (SPAs) and Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs). (www.npws.ie )
Heritage Council
The function of the Heritage Council is to propose policies and priorities for the identification, protection, preservation and enhancement of the National Heritage. This includes monuments, archaeological objects, heritage objects, architectural heritage, flora, fauna, wildlife habitats, landscapes, wrecks, seascapes, heritage gardens, parks, and waterways.
The Heritage Council has the power to consult with or advise a public authority in relation to the maintenance, preservation, restoration, upkeep or improvement of a heritage building. Prior notification must be given to the council by a public authority of any proposed demolition or alteration of the structure, decoration or finishes of a heritage building or of any alteration to significantly alter its character.