The legislation governing petroleum developments is the Petroleum and Other Minerals Development Act, 1960. The provisions of this Act relating to the environmental support assessment require the applicant seeking approval for the working of petroleum to submit an environmental impact statement, EIS, to me for consideration. This EIS must accompany the plan of development for the field. Both the plan of development and the EIS require my approval before the applicant can engage in any development work leading to or associated with the extraction of gas.
Among the issues that fall to be addressed by the environmental impact statement are the effects of the proposed development on human beings, including the long-term risks, if any, to health and the environment. It will also have to address the environmental sensitivity of the geographical area likely to be affected having regard in particular to existing land use. Before reaching a decision on a project of this nature, my Department will carry out an extensive consultative process with both internal and external experts, statutory consultees and the general public on the environmental impact statement.