The State and semi-State energy companies under my remit comply fully with all statutory consultation processes in regard to natural resource projects. Over and above the statutory requirements, the bodies, in general terms, have management plans in place for such projects.
In accordance with the provisions of the Petroleum and Other Minerals Development Act, 1960, as amended, a Plan of Development is required for all petroleum projects. Applicants requesting consent to develop petroleum projects are required to publish details of the Environmental Impact Statement submitted in support of such an application, inviting written submissions or observations to be made to the Minister within the prescribed timeframe.
The relevant prescribed bodies are simultaneously consulted. Submissions received on foot of this consultation process are considered in the course of the overall assessment.
Should additional information considered to have a potential significant effect on the environment come to light in the course of the assessment, applicants are required to publish such additional information for a further statutory period, inviting written submissions or observations to be made to the Minister.
Development of minerals under the Minerals Development Acts 1940 to 1999 is subject to Environmental Impact Assessment through the planning acts and regulations. This involves a major public consultation process and provides an opportunity for planning decisions on mining proposals to be appealed to An Bord Pleanála. My Department is a statutory consultee in this process. In addition, my Department complies fully with the public consultation procedures prescribed in the Minerals Development Acts.
Inland Fisheries Ireland and the Loughs Agency are charged with the responsibility of the development of the inland fisheries resource and relevant provisions contained in the Inland Fisheries Acts 1959-2010 and Foyle Fisheries Act 1952, as amended by the Foyle and Carlingford Fisheries Act 2007 provide for appropriate stakeholder consultation.
