Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 30 Jan 2002

Vol. 547 No. 1

Written Answers. - EU Directives.

John Bruton

Question:

90 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the regulations to fully transpose into Irish law the EU regulations concerning major accident hazards involving dangerous substances have been brought into effect; and if not, the reason therefor. [1395/02]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Ms Harney)

The Seveso II Directive – EU Directive 96/82/EC – on the control of major accident hazards involving dangerous substances introduced a requirement that the objectives of preventing major accidents, and limiting the consequences of such, are taken into account in land use policies and/or other relevant policies through controls on establishments covered by the directive, or a development in the vicinity of such an establishment. The regulations apply to companies where dangerous substances are present in quantities equal to or above specified thresholds. The directive also sets requirements for land use planning controls in relation to and around major hazard establishments.

The directive has been fully transposed into Irish law by my Department and the Department of the Environment and Local Government through the following legal instruments: The European Communities (Control of Major Accident Hazards Involving Dangerous Substances) Regulations, 2000 – S.I. No. 476 of 2000 – which I signed on 21 December 2000 and which came into effect from that date, as well as section 10 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 – No. 30 of 2000 – which commenced on 1 January 2001, and Part 11 of the Planning and Development Regulations, 2001 – S.I. No. 600 of 2001 – which will be operational from 11 March 2002, both of which are the responsibility of my colleague the Minister for the Environment and Local Government.