Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 27 Jun 2000

Vol. 522 No. 2

Written Answers. - National Development Plan.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

31 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the recent call made by the Heritage Council for a full strategic environmental assessment of the national development plan; if he will undertake such an assessment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15306/00]

Minister for Finance (Mr. McCreevy)

I welcome the Heritage Council's submission and its expression of support for the Government in successfully achieving the objectives of the national development plan.

A basic objective of the strategy and investment proposals set out in the national development plan is to secure sustainable economic and social development while striking the correct balance between protecting and preserving the environment, promoting economic and employment growth, improving competitiveness and addressing social exclusion.

The plan itself contains an analysis of the environmental situation in Ireland and, in line with Government's policy to introduce eco-auditing of policies in specific sectoral areas and of national development plans, the plan was the subject of a pilot eco-audit. Details of this pilot ECO audit are set out in appendix 4 of the plan. The chapters in the plan dealing with the various operational programmes contain a summary of how they will impact on the environment as well as on equal opportunity, poverty and rural development.

At an operational level, the plan provides that the environment and these other horizontal concerns will, where feasible, be included in the development of all project selection criteria, performance indicators, monitoring and evaluation arrangements. Furthermore, pilot eco-audits will be included in each of the operational programmes and the views of Comhar, the national sustainable development partnership, have also been sought on the operational programmes. All projects will be developed in compliance with EU and national environmental legislation, including environmental impact assessment, where appropriate.

An environmental co-ordinating committee to monitor and oversee the implementation of the plan from an environmental perspective is also provided for.

In the circumstances, I do not see the need for an additional separate strategic environmental assessment of the plan.