The strategic environmental assessment of the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 was commissioned to report on the draft Programme in accordance with the provisions of Directive 2001/42/EC and relevant national legislation. This legislation requires an assessment to be carried out in respect of programmes which are likely to have significant environmental effects.
The assessment was prepared in late 2006 and was based on the draft programme as it then stood. At that time the draft included forestry and other measures which were not subsequently included in the finalised Rural Development Programme following consultations with the EU Commission. The assessment work was carried out in compliance with the requirements of the Directive and comprised an environmental assessment of the likely effects of the Programme, including an environmental report, a consultative process and monitoring arrangements.