As the Deputy may be aware, the Unconventional Gas Exploration & Extraction (UGEE) Joint Research Programme is made up of five interlinked projects as follows:
- Project-A1 Groundwater, Surface Water and Associated Ecosystems;
- Project-A2 Seismicity;
- Project-A3 Air Quality;
- Project-B: UGEE Projects/Operations: Impacts & Mitigation Measures; and
- Project-C: Regulatory Framework for Environmental Protection.
The fifth project, Project C, which deals with the Regulatory Framework for Environmental Protection, is being carried out by AMEC Foster Wheeler supported by Phillip Lee Solicitors. The work will be reviewed by AMEC Foster Wheeler, Phillip Lee Solicitors, BGS and CDM Smith Ireland.
I am aware that the deliverables related to Project C, Task 3: Potential role of Health Impact Assessment in regulation of UGEE projects/operations, will include a discussion of the approaches of other countries regarding Health Impact Assessment, such as scope, process, timing, how it is used in the planning/permitting process, who undertakes them, who evaluates them etc, as well as recommendations for a protocol for Ireland regarding Health Impact Assessment. The output from this task will form part of Final Report-5.
