Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 October 2005
326 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Finance if the current or proposed new national development plans have been, or will be assessed under the guidelines for strategic environmental assessment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30454/05]
View answerI assume the Deputy is referring to a strategic environmental assessment under the EU strategic environmental assessment directive (2001/42/EC).
In the case of the National Development Plan 2000-2006, the issue does not arise as the strategic environmental assessment directive only applies to a plan or programmes where the preparation was commenced on or after 21 July 2004. The next NDP, for 2007-2013, will be a financial plan. It is accordingly considered that it does not fall within the framework of the directive and it will not therefore be subject to a formal SEA.
The Government has, however, indicated that environmental sustainability will be a key horizontal objective of the investment strategy of the next NDP and consultation on this aspect with environmental interests will take place in the context of drafting the plan.
