The European Communities (Licensing and Inspection of Zoos) Regulations 2003 [S. I. No 440 of 2003] transposes into Irish law Council Directive 1999/22/EC of 29 March 1999 (relating to the keeping of wild animals in zoos, including aquaria and any significant collection of animals that is open to the public for seven days or more in a year).
The National Parks and Wildlife Service, on behalf of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, is responsible for the inspection and licensing of zoos.
The Minister appoints suitable persons as inspectors for the purposes of the Regulations.
A licence application form can be downloaded here - Zoo licence Application form
Also, please see the recently published Irish Standards of Modern Zoo Practice and related Zoo Licence Guidance Notes: Useful Information GN01, Zoo Licensing Process GN02 & Exemption Criteria & Application GN03.
There is currently no licence fee to cover the costs associated with the inspection and licensing processes.
If you require any further information in regard to zoo licensing in Ireland you can contact:
Zoo Licencing Biodiversity and EU Programmes National Parks and Wildlife Service 90 North King Street Dublin 7D07 N7CV Ireland Email: amanda.maguire@npws.gov.ie or: zoos@npws.gov.ie