Prospecting Licence Notices: Latest Irish Exploration Areas and Submission Dates

New prospecting licence notices give communities across Ireland an opportunity to review proposed or renewed mineral exploration activity before decisions are finalised. The Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment publishes these notices through the Geoscience Regulation Office, including environmental screening information and deadlines for public submissions.

The latest publication was updated on 28 September 2026 and lists licence areas at different stages, from open consultation to approved or renewed licences. Members of the public should check the relevant reference, map and newspaper notice carefully before making a submission.

Prospecting licence notices currently open for submissions

The most recent entry concerns reference MA 327/5, advertised in the Tipperary Star on 9 September 2026. Its AA Screening Determination is available, and submissions are open until 8 October 2026.

An earlier notice, MA 315/22, appeared in the Southern Star on 27 August 2026, with submissions closing on 26 September 2026. Other recent notices relate to areas in Wicklow, Wexford and Meath, although those consultation periods have now closed.

The register also records notices published in English and Irish. For example, MA 351/2 and MA 351/3 were published in both versions in the Southern Star, demonstrating the public-information requirements applied to the process.

What the register shows

• Publication date and reference number
• The relevant newspaper advertisement
• Reference maps and environmental screening determinations
• The closing date for submissions
• The current status of the licence application or renewal

How to make a submission

A submission can be made using the online form provided by the Geoscience Regulation Office. Alternatively, written submissions may be posted to:

The published guidance allows submissions within 30 days of the relevant newspaper notice. This means the date printed in the notice is important, rather than simply the date on which someone accesses the government webpage.

Each notice or file reference may cover one or several Prospecting Licence Areas. Residents, landowners and interested organisations should therefore review the accompanying reference maps and the appropriate assessment screening determination before responding.

Environmental assessment information

The notices include appropriate assessment screening determinations concerning the possible environmental effects of the proposed activity. These documents help explain whether further assessment is required under the relevant environmental rules.

Why the notices matter

Prospecting licences do not automatically authorise mining or guarantee that commercial extraction will take place. They provide a legal framework for exploration and allow the public to engage at the appropriate stage. The Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment maintains the notices so that decisions affecting local areas can be followed transparently.

Key takeaway

Anyone seeking the latest prospecting licence notices should use the official register, examine the maps and screening documents, and submit observations before the stated deadline. The MA 327/5 notice is currently listed as open for submissions until 8 October 2026.

Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie