I propose to take Questions Nos. 1311, 1314 and 1333 together.
My Department is working to ensure that the comprehensive transposition of Directive 2014/52/EU relating to environmental impact assessment of certain public and private projects (the 2014 Directive) is progressed as a matter of urgency.
Work is presently underway on the drafting of amendments to the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, which will apply the requirements of the 2014 Directive, with a view to having the necessary legislation in place as soon as possible. Such amendments will be made by way of Regulations under the European Communities Act 1972.
My Department will also be publishing updated Guidance on the implementation of the 2014 Directive by planning authorities and An Bord Pleanála at the same time as the transposing Regulations.
In the interim, my Department issued Circular Letter PL 1/2017 on 15 May 2017 to planning authorities and the Board which outlined the provisions of the 2014 Directive and administrative provisions in advance of its transposition into planning legislation. A copy of the Circular Letter is available on my Department's website at the following link: http://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/publications/files/circular_pl1_2017_implementation_of_directive_201452eu
_on_the_effects_of_certain_public_and_private_projects_on_the_environment_eia_directive.pdf
My Department’s work relates primarily to the planning code but my officials have had a series of meetings with other Departments to assist them in transposing the amending Directive into other relevant development consent codes.
In terms of consultation, my Department held a public consultation on a Key Issues paper, detailing the key changes included in the 2014 Directive and the proposed approach to transposition. My Department has also consulted widely with other Government Departments, the Environmental Protection Agency, An Bord Pleanála, planning authorities, the Irish Planning Institute and the Royal Town Planning Institute of Ireland. A decision to undertake any further consultation in respect of draft Regulations and/or draft Guidance will be made shortly, having regard to the nature and extent of consultations already undertaken and the need to progress transposition in a timely manner.
