Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 June 2004
59 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the implications for planning and development here of the new EU strategic environmental assessment directive which is due to take effect on 20 July 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16505/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraDirective 2001/42/EC of 27 June 2001, commonly known as the SEA directive, requires, inter alia, that an environmental assessment be carried out of all land use plans which are likely to have significant effects on the environment. This requirement applies to plans whose preparation begins after 21 July 2004. In terms of land use planning, the directive will be given effect in Ireland through a mandatory requirement for SEA in the case of: regional planning guidelines; city and county development plans; development plans prepared by town councils where the population involved is 10,000 or more; local area plans where the population involved is 10,000 or more, and planning schemes in respect of strategic development zones.
Screening of the need for SEA will apply to: development plans prepared by town councils where the population involved is less than 10,000; local area plans where the population involved is less than 10,000, and variations to development plans.
On 8 March 2004, I issued, for public consultation, draft guidelines for regional and planning authorities on implementation of the directive. A copy of the draft guidelines has been placed in the Oireachtas Library. I am currently examining 25 submissions which were received in response to the public consultation process and I hope to publish the guidelines shortly. The regulations to give effect to the planning provisions of the SEA directive are being prepared in my Department at present and I plan to sign them in advance of 21 July 2004.
