Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 December 2008
565 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will identify the person permitting processes within his Department that are not in line with EU Directive 2003/35/EC on public participation in environmental decision making; and the action he will take to bring them into compliance with this Directive to enable Ireland to ratify the Aarhus Convention. [46540/08]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Public Participation Directive (PPD) was issued by the European Commission in order to provide members of the public with opportunities to participate on the permitting and ongoing regulation of certain categories of activities within Member States. Such opportunities are provided through access to information, justice, and through consultation on certain key documents.
The transposition of the EU Public Participation Directive 2003/35/EC will include consents granted under the Foreshore Act 1933-2005 where an Environmental Impact Assessment is required under the European Communities (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Amendment) Regulations, 1999 (S.I. No. 93 of 1999).
My Department is currently putting in place the necessary measures to ensure that the Foreshore Acts 1933-2005 fully complies with the Public Participation Directive 2003/35/EC.
The Government decided on 2 October 2007 that responsibility for certain foreshore functions under the Foreshore Acts 1933-2005 would transfer to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
My Department is currently putting in place the necessary arrangements to ensure the efficient and effective transfer of the appropriate legislation and associated functions.
My Department will continue to work closely with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in the context of progressing the various elements required to fully transpose the EU Public Participation Directive 2003/35/EC in the context of the Foreshore Acts 1933-2005.
