The Deputy will be aware that the assessment of major development projects is a matter for the relevant consent authority such as the Environmental Protection Agency, An Bórd Pleanála and the planning authorities. The criteria for such assessment are set out in the appropriate legislation and while my Department has no direct responsibility in relation to this issue, under the Local Government (Planning and Development) Regulations, 1990, planning authorities are required to refer to the relevant health board any environmental impact statement where it appears to the authority that the proposed development would have significant effects on public health.