Licences are permissions to earn: to drive the taxi, run the premises, hold the firearm for the farm, operate in the regulated trade. The bodies that grant them — local authorities, Garda officers, statutory regulators, the courts’ licensing jurisdictions — hold real power over livelihoods, and public law holds that power to standards: statutory criteria correctly applied, fair procedures observed, reasons given.
Judicial review time limits are strict, are sometimes much shorter than three months, and can run from an earlier date than you expect. The courts can refuse late applications even within the stated period if you have not acted promptly. Nothing on this page calculates your deadline. If you believe a decision affecting you may be unlawful, contact a solicitor immediately.
Where Challenges Arise
- Refusals without reasons: template letters reciting the statute without engaging with your application — the most common defect in the field. See the reasons ground;
- Revocations and suspensions without a hearing: livelihoods ended before the holder was heard;
- Suitability and character decisions resting on undisclosed material or matters you were never asked about;
- Unlawful policies: discretion fettered by blanket internal rules the statute never created;
- Regulatory enforcement: conditions imposed, and directions issued, beyond the powers conferred.
Speed and Sequencing
Licensing challenges reward fast, precise moves: a pre-action letter demanding reasons or a hearing (see how pre-action letters work); the statutory appeal used where it genuinely cures; judicial review — with interim relief where the licence must be kept alive — where it does not. All of it inside the three-month limit, and faster where the business is bleeding. Bring us the decision letter within days of receiving it.
Licence Refused, Suspended or Revoked?
Your livelihood has a time limit attached. Send us the decision letter today.
Call 01 5827148