Petrol licencing and vapour control

The following regulations came into effect on 1st April 2020. They repeal and replace the Dangerous Substances (Retail and Private Petroleum Stores) Regulations, 1979 (S.I. No. 311 of 1979) and the Dangerous Substances (Petroleum Bulk Stores) Regulations, 1979 (S.I. No. 313 of 1979).

• Dangerous Substances (Flammable Liquids and Fuels Retail Stores) Regulations, 2019 (S.I. No. 630 of 2019)
• Dangerous Substance (Flammable Liquids and Fuels Distribution and Commercial Supply Stores) Regulations, 2019 (S.I. No. 631 of 2019)

The Regulations make a number of changes to the petroleum sector to increase safety standards for employees, the public and the environment. They are broader in scope than the 1979 Regulations and include Diesel, as well as several ‘alternative fuels’ such as hydrogen, biofuels, synthetic and paraffinic fuels, compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG).

Diesel-only stores and stores which were not previously required to have a licence have until 1^st April 2021 to become compliant with the new Regulations.

A PDF version of the new regulations and a guidance document on frequently asked questions is available on the website of the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation at this link.

Licence Obligations

Retail and Kerbside Retail Stores

All retail and kerbside retail stores which store flammable liquids and fuels for the purposes of sale or supply to the public must have a Licence or Certificate of Operation to operate granted by the appropriate licencing authority.

Distribution and Commercial Supply Stores

All distribution and commercial supply stores which hold flammable liquids and fuels for supply or sale to commercial enterprises, for supply to the licensee’s own vehicles or for use in any engine under the licensee’s control must have a licence granted by the appropriate licensing authority.

Applications

All first time applications must have an accompanying risk assessment in line with the format set out in the regulations.

The following are the relevant application forms:

•  Application form for a retail store(petrol station) [PDF, 226KB].
•  Application form for a distribution and commercial supply store [PDF, 136KB].

Any application for the renewal of a licence shall be made not less than 90 days before the date on which the licence expires.

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Petrol vapour

Clare County Council is responsible for processing applications regarding vapour emissions from petrol stations in accordance with the Air Pollution Act 1987 Petroleum Vapour Emissions Regulations S.I. 375/1997

If you are a service station owner/operator you are obliged to appoint an approved assessor who will carry out tests on your petrol station and submit a report and fee to the county council. If the county council is satisfied with the report it will issue a certificate of compliance with the above act.