Planning Issues

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 March 2018

Thursday, 8 March 2018

Ceisteanna (640)

Catherine Connolly

Ceist:

640. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the information and relevant documentation supporting the appropriate assessment screening determination that the proposed 35 year foreshore lease planning application to construct an offshore electricity generating station on Galway Bay meets the threshold of being considered likely not to have significant effects on the European sites considered in the foreshore lease planning application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11037/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government

My Department, as the Competent Authority, is required to undertake an Appropriate Assessment (AA) Screening in order to determine whether proposed works require a Natura Impact Statement (NIS) under the EU Habitats Directive.  The AA Screening Report for the Galway Bay Marine and Renewable Test Site (FS006566) can be viewed on my Department's website under the Determination subfolder by selecting the following application link: http://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/foreshore-applications/application-documents/mlvc_report_-_appendix_b_-_aa_report.pdf.