asked the Minister for the Environment if he will make a statement regarding reports (details supplied) which stated that an environmental impact assessment of new road proposals in County Kildare was carried out by the same local authority as is developing the particular roadway; and whether as a matter of principle, environmental impact assessments should be carried out and the consequent reports written up by the same people who are engaged in the proposal under such study.
Written Answers. - County Kildare New Road Proposals.
83.
A report on the likely environmental effects of the proposed motorway in question was prepared by Kildare County Council. In preparing this report the county council availed of the professional expertise of its own staff and of other persons. The report was submitted to me by the county council in connection with the motorway scheme for the proposed motorway, which has been submitted for my approval.
I would not accept that there are objections of principle to a study of a proposed development's environmental effects being undertaken by or on behalf of the proponent of the development. Such an arrangement is consistent with the requirements of European Communities Directive 85/337/EEC concerning Environmental Impact Assessment.