Introduction to environmental permits and licences

Types of environmental licences and permits

Guide

You may require authorisation, in the form of permits, licences, consents, registrations, notifications or exemptions, in order to carry out certain types of business activity. You must comply with the conditions that are part of the authorisation. These aim to control the impact of your activities on the environment.

In most cases, you'll need to apply to the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA), which is the main environmental regulator in Northern Ireland. District councils and Northern Ireland Water are in charge of some types of authorisation.

Do I need an environmental licence or permit?

You will need authorisation if you: