asked the Minister for the Environment if he proposes to initiate an environmental impact study along the lines suggested in other EC countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Environmental Impact Studies.
15.
I assume the Deputy's question relates to the carrying out of studies of the likely environmental impact of proposed developments.
There is already a provision in planning law which requires the carrying out of environmental impact studies for certain types of development. Applications for planning permission for certain industrial or trade developments must be accompanied by written studies of their likely environmental effects.
European Communities Directive 85/337/EEC requires the carrying out of environmental impact studies for certain types of public and private development projects. Member states are required to comply with the terms of this Directive by July 1988 and proposals for its implementation are being developed in my Department.
Can the Minister say if the proposed radio transmission mast at Summerhill, County Meath, will come within the ambit of such a study?
That is a rather specific question.
While that does not exactly relate to the question that was asked, at the same time I can say to the Deputy that what he has referred to would not be regarded as one of the projects under Annex 1 of the Directive. Annex 1 is the only annex we must comply with by the July deadline.
I am referring to radation emanating from low frequency transmissions.
The type of projects contemplated by Annex 1 of the Directive include crude oil refinery, power stations, motorways, airports and projects of that nature and size. If the Deputy wishes to have a list of the projects covered by Annex 1 of the Directive the Department will be most happy to send it to him so that he can consider it himself.
Would the Minister care to express an opinion, in relation to the radiation emanating from low frequency transmissions such as the one I mentioned, and the utility service which requires planning permission and which would appear to come within the ambit of the type of study he has mentioned, as to whether it would be desirable to include that type of development in a study?
The Deputy knows full well I am not going to answer that question. He should not have posed it in the first instance. I will send the Deputy the list of projects contemplated under Annex 1 of the Directive but I think the Deputy should be more concerned with the list of projects under Annex 2.