I propose to take Questions Nos. 1018, 1021 and 1039 together.
Following the recent public consultation on the transposition of Directive 2014/52/EU: Environmental Impact Assessment undertaken by the Department of the Housing, Planning and Local Government (closing date 2 June 2017), my Department is working to complete the steps necessary for Ireland to achieve full transposition of the Directive into Irish law. This ongoing work, which includes cross-Departmental engagement with the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government and other Departments concerned, is a priority and will be completed as quickly as possible.
In terms of steps already taken, the Environmental Protection Agency’s EIA reporting guidelines have been revised, to reflect the new obligations of Directive 2014/52/EU, following a public consultation by the Agency between September 2014 and October 2015. The consultation, which focussed on how the guidelines can best fulfil their statutory purpose insofar as they relate to the EPA’s areas of activity while also meeting the day-to-day practical needs of all involved, drew contributions from practitioners, academics, developers, NGOs and the public. I have approved the final draft of the Guidelines for release by the Agency, and they will be available shortly on the Agency’s website.
In light of the substantial consultations already undertaken by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, and the Environmental Protection Agency, my priority is to complete the elements of transposition for which my Department is responsible.
