Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is the measurement of the anticipated effects of a proposed project or development on the environment. The purpose of the EIA process is to ensure that: All projects that are likely to have a significant impact on the environment are assessed.  People are fully aware of the likely effects of the...

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is the measurement of the anticipated effects of a proposed project or development on the environment. The purpose of the EIA process is to ensure that: All projects that are likely to have a significant impact on the environment are assessed. People are fully aware of the likely effects of the...

Ireland has been fined €3.5m by the European Court of Justice for failing to comply with environmental law. In two judgements the Court of Justice of the European Union ruled that Ireland has to pay financial penalties for failure to comply with earlier Court judgments that established a breach of EU environmental law. This is...

The obligations under Irish law in respect of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) are derived from obligations incurred as a result of membership of the European Community within the terms of the Environmental Impact Assessment Act and Regulations. An EIA is to be conducted before consent is given for projects likely...

Environmental related legislation documents and weblinks are available on from Envirocentre including: Water Pollution Control as it affects Industry Waste Legislation Environmental Impact Assessment Strategic Environmental Assessment Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control Ambient Air Quality Legislation Control of Noise Emissions Control of Major Accident Hazards involving Dangerous Substances Regulations (CoMAH) Energy using Products Directive Planning...

The European Commission has outlined its plans to change EU legislation on environmental impact assessments (EIAs) –  to replace Directive 2011/92/EU. EU figures show that there, on average, are up to 26,000 EIAs across the bloc each year, and that the duration of the process is generally more than 11 months. There is mounting concern among...

The Department of the Environment has published draft guidelines for planning authorities on carrying out environmental impact assessment. The purpose of the guidelines is to provide practical guidance to planning authorities and An Bord Pleanála and result in greater consistency in the methodology adopted by consent authorities. The public consultation period runs until Friday 14...

The prior assessment of Plans and Projects is regarded as a key step in the move towards sustainable development within the European Union.  The Amsterdam Treaty of 1997 confirmed sustainable development as an objective of the EU and required that environmental protection be integrated into all EU policies.  The SEA Directive, adopted in June 2001,...