Trevor Sargent
Question:162 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Environment when the review of EU Directive dealing with EIA procedures is expected to be published. [16163/95]
Written Answers. - Environmental Impact Assessment Directive.
A draft directive amending the 1985 EU Directive on Environmental Impact Assessment was published by the European commission in May 1994. The European Parliament adopted an opinion on the proposal last month and recommended a number of amendments to the Commission's proposal. The draft Directive was also the subject of a policy debate at the Environment Council meeting held on 6 October last. The Council instructed that work continue on the proposal, in the light of the Council's discussion and the Parliament's opinion, with a view to the adoption of a common position at the Council meeting in December. When adopted, the Council's position will have to be referred back to the European Parliament. The draft directive is unlikely, therefore, to be formally adopted before the middle of next year.