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Implementation of  SEA
Directive (2001/42/EC):
Assessment of the Effects of
Certain Plans and
Programmes on the
Environment
Guidelines for Regional Authorities
and Planning Authorities
November 2004

© Government of Ireland
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Acknowledgements
l
The Department wishes to acknowledge the valuable assistance
a
which was provided during the preparation of these guidelines
by the following members of an Advisory Panel:
n
Michael Kenny, Senior Planner, South Dublin County Council
n
Kevin Lynch, Senior Executive Planner, Cork County Council
i
Pat Gilheaney, Assistant Principal, Department of the Environment,
n
Heritage and Local Government.
g
John Martin, Principal Adviser, Planning, Department of the
Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
Frank Gallagher, Assistant Principal, Department of the
G
Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
u
The Department also wishes to acknowledge the time and effort
taken by all those who made submissions on the draft guidelines
i
which were issued for public consultation in March 2004.  The
d
Department took due account of the submissions received in
finalising the guidelines.  
elines

P
Contents
Page No
la
Chapter 1. 
Introduction
1

Purpose of the Guidelines
1
n

Operative Date
1

Status of the Guidelines
1
n

Objectives of the SEA Directive 
2

Background to the SEA Directive
2

What is Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)?
2
i

Benefits of SEA
3
n

Relevant Provisions of the Planning and 
Development Act 2000
4
g

Transposition of the SEA Directive into Planning Law  4

Structure of the Guidelines 
5
Chapter 2. 
Integrating SEA into 
G
Plan-making 7
u

Overview
7

Integrating SEA into Plan-making
8

Who should be Responsible for carrying out SEA?
9
i

A Step-by-Step guide to the SEA Process

d

Documenting the SEA Process
11
e
Chapter 3. 
SEA: Screening and 
Scoping
12
l

Definitions
12
i

Screening - what the SEA Directive requires
12
n

Mandatory National Requirements
13

Screening of Plans
14

Criteria for Determining the Likely Significance of 
15
e
Environmental Effects

Scoping of Environmental Report
16
s

Consultation with Environmental Authorities
18

Designation of Environmental Authorities
19

Contact Points in Environmental Authorities
20

Chapter 4. The Environmental Report 22

Introduction
22 

Scope of Information to be included in 
Environmental Report
23

Mandatory Contents of Environmental Report
24

Contents and Main Objectives of the Plan and its 
es
Relationship with other relevant Plans
26

Description of the Current State of the Environment, 
Environmental  Characteristics of the Area likely to be
affected, and Identification of any Existing 
Environmental Problems
26 

Environmental Protection Objectives relevant to the 
Plan and Description of how those Objectives and any
elin
Environmental Considerations have been
taken into account in preparing the Plan
29

Likely Significant Effects on the Environment
31

Assessment/Matrix Approach
33
id • Significant Effects
34

Cumulative Effects
34
• Measures envisaged to Prevent, Reduce and as fully 
as possible Offset any Significant Adverse 
Environmental Effects       
35        
• Outline of reasons for Selecting Alternatives and 
Description of how the Assessment was undertaken,
including any Difficulties   
36    
• Alternatives
36

Assessment Methods (including Difficulties)
37

Proposed Monitoring Measures
38

Non-Technical Summary  
38
in • Layout of Environmental Report
39

Quality of Environmental Report  
40
n Chapter 5.   Consultations on Plan  41
and Environmental 
n
Report 

Public Participation
41

Consultations with Environmental Authorities 
la
and the Public
41

Transboundary Consultations   
42
• Practical Application of Transboundary 
Requirements
43


Plans in the Republic of Ireland   
43
P

Contact Point in Northern Ireland 
44

Timing of Transboundary Consultations   
45
l

Consulting the Minister for the Environment, 
Heritage and Local Government 
45
a

Timeframe for Completing Consultations   
45
n
Chapter 6.   Adoption of Plan
47

Overview
47
n

SEA Statement
47

Recommended Format for SEA Statement
48
i

Consideration of Submissions
49
n
Chapter 7.   Monitoring
50
g

Requirements of the SEA Directive
50

Purpose of Monitoring
50

Monitoring Arrangements and Methods
50
G

Scope of Monitoring
51

Who is Responsible for Monitoring?
51

When does Monitoring take place?
52
u

Indicators 52

Possible Additional Guidance
56
i
Appendices
d
Appendix A
-
Text of SEA Directive 
57
e
Appendix B  -
Integration of SEA with the 
Preparation or Review of a 
l
Development Plan 
77
i
Appendix C  -
Checklist of Policy Documents, 
Strategies, Guidelines, Directives,
n
Conventions, etc. which are
relevant to the Setting of 
e
Environmental Protection 
Objectives 
79
s
Appendix D  -
Sources of Environmental Data
87
Appendix E  -
Further Reading 
91

1
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Chapter 1:  Introduction
l
Purpose of the Guidelines
a
1.1 These guidelines are intended to assist regional and planning
authorities, and any development agency responsible for preparing
n
a planning scheme in respect of a Strategic Development Zone
(SDZ), in implementing the requirements of Directive 2001/42/EC
n
of 27 June 2001 on the assessment of the effects of certain plans
and programmes on the environment - commonly known as the
i
“SEA Directive”.  The SEA Directive is reproduced at Appendix
A.
n
Operative Date
g
1.2 The Directive applies to plans or programmes for which the
first formal preparatory action is taken on or after 21 July 2004.
G
Status of the Guidelines
u
1.3 The guidelines do not purport to be a legal interpretation of
EU or national law.  They should be read in conjunction with the
Directive and the following Regulations which transpose the
i
Directive into Irish law:
d

European Communities (Environmental Assessment of
e
Certain Plans and Programmes) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 435
of 2004), and
l

Planning and Development (Strategic Environmental
i
Assessment) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 436 of 2004)
n
1.4
These guidelines are published by the Minister for the
Environment, Heritage and Local Government under sections
e
23(5) and 28(1) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 which
respectively require regional authorities and planning authorities
s
to have regard to the guidelines in the performance of their functions
under the Act.  Under section 28 of the Act,  An Bord Pleanála is
also required to have regard to the guidelines in the performance
of its functions while planning authorities are required to make
the guidelines available for inspection by members of the public. 

2
Objectives of the SEA Directive
1.5 Article 1 of the SEA Directive states:
“The objective of this Directive is to provide for a high level of protection
of the environment and to contribute to the integration of environmental
considerations into the preparation and adoption of plans and programmes

es with a view to promoting sustainable development, by ensuring that, in
accordance with this Directive, an environmental assessment is carried
out of certain plans and programmes which are likely to have significant
effects on the environment.”

Background to the SEA Directive
elin 1.6 Environmental assessment of individual projects in the EU
dates back to 1985 when the first EIA Directive (85/337/EEC) was
introduced.  Since then, the EIA process has played a positive role
in identifying potential environmental impacts of major projects.
id Experience with EIAhas highlighted the need for a higher-level
assessment of the environmental impacts of plans, which shape
such projects.
What is Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)?
G 1.7 Strategic environmental assessment (SEA) is the formal,
systematic evaluation of the likely significant environmental effects
of implementing a plan or programme before a decision is made
to adopt the plan or programme.  The process includes:

Preparing an Environmental Report where the likely
in
significant environmental effects are identified and evaluated
• Consulting the public, environmental authorities, and any
EU Member State affected, on the environmental report and
draft plan or programme
• Taking account of the findings of the report and the outcome
of these consultations in deciding whether to adopt or modify
the draft plan or programme
la • Making known the decision on adoption of the plan or
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programme and how SEA influenced the outcome.

3
Benefits of SEA
P
1.8 SEA is intended to provide the framework for influencing
l
decision-making at an earlier stage when plans and programmes
a
- which give rise to individual projects - are being developed.  It
should lead to more sustainable development through the
systematic appraisal of policy options.   
n
1.9 SEA will play an important role in addressing the cumulative
n
impacts of individual projects.  Experience with implementation
of the EIA Directive has shown that EIA is not always best placed
to address cumulative impacts.  SEA provides the mechanism
i
whereby this gap can be filled.  However, SEA does not obviate
n
the need for project environmental assessment, where such
assessment is required under the terms of the EIA Directive.
g
1.10 SEA will improve the quality of the plan-making process
by:
G

Facilitating the identification and appraisal of alternative
plan strategies: while consideration of alternatives has been
developed in a number of Regional Planning Guidelines, it
u
is less common - at least in an explicit manner - at the
Development Plan or Local Area Plan levels.
i

Raising awareness of the environmental impacts of plans:
d
while it will not always be possible to eliminate all potentially
significant negative effects in balancing policy options, SEA
e
at least helps to clarify the likely consequences of such choices,
and makes specific provision for mitigation measures where
l
some negative impacts cannot be avoided.
i

Encouraging the inclusion of measurable targets and
n
indicators: which will facilitate effective monitoring of
implementation of the plan, and thus make a positive
e
contribution to subsequent reviews.
s

4
Relevant Provisions of the Planning and
Development Act 2000
1.11 Although the SEA Directive was not formally adopted until
2001, its imminent arrival was anticipated by certain provisions
of the 2000 Act.  The Act required that when Regional Planning
Guidelines, Development Plans, Local Area Plans or Strategic
es Development Zone (SDZ) planning schemes are being made by
the relevant authority, they must be accompanied by information
about the likely significant effects on the environment of
implementing such plans.  
Transposition of the SEA Directive into Planning
Law
elin 1.12 The European Communities (Environmental Assessment of
Certain Plans and Programmes) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 435 of 2004)
amended certain provisions of the Planning and Development
id Act 2000 to provide the statutory basis for the transposition of the
Directive in respect of land-use planning.  These amendments
facilitated the making of the Planning and Development (Strategic
Environmental Assessment) Regulations 2004 (S.I. No. 436 of 2004)
which give effect to the SEA Directive in the land-use planning
sector.  The latter Regulations, which integrate SEAinto current
plan-making procedures as far as possible, 
• require SEAin the case of all Regional Planning Guidelines;

require SEA in the case of Development Plans, Variations of
Development Plans  and Local Area Plans likely to give rise
in
to significant environmental effects;
• require SEAin the case of Planning Schemes in respect of a
Strategic Development Zone (SDZ)
• set out the procedural requirements for the preparation and
consideration of the Environmental Report, including scoping
and public consultation, and the integration of these new
requirements with existing plan preparation / review
la
processes;  and
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5

designate the Environmental Authorities to be consulted at
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various stages during the SEA process.
l
1.13 The requirement for SEA applies to plans whose preparation
or review commences on or after 21 July 2004.
a
1.14 These guidelines relate to the application of the SEA Directive
n
to certain plans prepared under the Planning and Development
Act 2000.  The guidelines are addressed to:
n
(a) Regional Authorities: in relation to the preparation or review
of Regional Planning Guidelines; 
in
(b) Planning Authorities: in relation to the preparation or review
of Development Plans and Local Area Plans
g
(c)
Relevant Development Agencies: in relation to the preparation
of a Planning Scheme in respect of a Strategic Development
Zone (SDZ).
G
1.15  Where the word “plan” is used throughout these guidelines,
it will refer to Regional Planning Guidelines, Development Plans,
u
Local Area Plans and Planning Schemes in respect of SDZs for
which SEA will be required.  Similarly, “plan-making authorities”
i
includes regional authorities and planning authorities, and in the
case of a Planning Scheme in respect of an SDZ, the relevant
d
development agency.
e
Structure of the Guidelines
l
1.16 The general approach followed in these guidelines is to deal
i
with the various SEA stages in chronological order, i.e. as they
correspond to the relevant stages in the plan-making process.  The
n
presentation of each chapter follows a similar pattern.  The
Directive's requirements are dealt with at the beginning of each
e
chapter followed by the provision of guidance on best practice.
It will be seen that whilst the Directive sets some specific
s
performance objectives, it allows considerable flexibility in how
those objectives are met.

6
1.17 The following chapters deal chronologically with the various
SEA stages, as follows:
SEA stage                                            Chapter
es • Screen certain plans (such as 3-Screening
some Development Plans,
Variations of Development
Plans and Local Area Plans)
to decide if SEA is necessary
elin • Where SEAis required, scope 3-Scoping
the Environmental Report

Collect baseline
4 - Environmental
environmental data
Report
id • Preparethe Environmental 4-Environmental
Report
Report
• Carry out consultations with 5-Consultations on
designated environmental
Plan and
G
authorities, the public, and (if
Environmental
necessary) adjacent EU
Report
Member States
• Provide specified information 6-Adoption of Plan
to the public, environmental
authorities and any
in
transboundary States,
following adoption of the
plan
• Monitor the significant 7-Monitoring
environmental effects of
n
implementing the plan
la
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7
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Chapter 2:  Integrating SEA
into Plan-making 
la
Overview
n
2.1 In many ways, SEA builds on experience already developed
within the planning system:
n

Considerable experience has been gained in the preparation
and assessment of environmental impact statements for
i
major development projects.  The range of environmental
n
issues to be addressed in SEA (air, water, flora, etc.) is similar
to EIA.
g

Plan-making, whether at regional plan, Development Plan,
or Local Area Plan level, involves consideration of alternative
strategies for achieving the plan's objectives.  SEA involves
G
a more systematic and explicit appraisal of such alternatives.

The statutory plan-making process has always incorporated
u
public consultation, and the 2000 Act has strengthened the
role of such consultation, notably at the pre-draft stage and
i
in the consideration given to submissions.  SEA will serve
d
to bring environmental issues into sharper focus during the
consultative process.
e
2.2 Implementation of the SEA Directive will nonetheless face
the plan-making process with new challenges.  Planners will need
l
to develop new skills in order to describe, evaluate and monitor
i
the likely significant environmental effects of plans, and thus build
n
on the skills already developed in terms of environmental
assessment at project level.  SEA will need to be integrated into
the statutory time-tables for the preparation/review of plans.
e
Appendix B indicates how SEA can be incorporated into the current
Development Plan preparation/review process.  One of the key
s
objectives of the 2000 Act is to ensure that plans are updated on
a regular basis, and within specified timeframes.  In order to ensure
that SEA is properly integrated within these timeframes, it will be

8
essential to carry out some initial SEA work in advance of the start
of the statutory preparation/review process.
Integrating SEA into Plan-making
2.3 Table 2A sets out, in a simplified and generic way, how SEA
can be integrated into various plan-making processes under the
es 2000 Planning Act.  The table is relevant where SEAis required.
However, it will be noted that SEA will not always be required -
see Chapter 3 re screening of plans.
Table 2A:   SEA and the Plan-making Process (generic)
STAGE
PLAN
SEA
elin Pre-review Preparation of If SEAis not
Working Papers on
mandatory, screen for
key issues
possible significant
environmental effects
id Initial public Publication of (a) Scoping of the
consultation
statutory notice of
Environmental
u
intention to make or Report, in
review plan, and (b) consultation with
Issues Paper
environmental
G
authorities
Preparation of
Preparation of draft Preparation of
Documentation
plan
Environmental
Report
Public Public display of Public display of
consultation
draft plan and
Environmental
consideration of
Report and
in
submissions
consideration of
submissions
2nd public display Display of any
Identify any
(if required) material
significant
amendment(s) to
environmental effects
draft plan
of such material
n
amendments
Completion of
Adoption of plan
Making specified
process
information available
la Post-plan Implementation Monitoring of
significant
environmental effects
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9
Who should be Responsible for carrying out SEA?
P
2.4 SEA can be carried out by the in-house team preparing the
l
plan, or by external specialists, or by a combination of the two.  If
a
it is carried out in-house, the team will obviously be familiar with
the planning issues involved, and will be best placed to quickly
feed the results of the environmental appraisal back into the plan
n
preparation process.  Consultants, on the other hand, will bring
a degree of objectivity to SEA, and may well possess environmental
n
or other experience which the in-house team may lack, especially
in the early years of implementing the Directive.  A combination
of the two approaches may well offer the best solution, with
i
specialists being brought in to assist the team as required at different
n
stages in the process, such as:

scoping the Environmental Report in consultation with the
g
designated environmental authorities

compilation of the baseline environmental data
G

preparation of the Environmental Report
u

evaluation of detailed submissions.
i
Planning authorities are likely to have a range of environmental
expertise in other sections within their organisation, which should
d
be utilised to the greatest possible extent.  In-house staff are likely
to require additional training to familiarise themselves with SEA
e
objectives, practice and methodology (see also paragraph 4.43
regarding the quality of the environmental report).
li
A Step-by-step Guide to the SEA Process
n
2.5 Table 2B sets out the various SEA stages in more detail:
es

10
Table 2B:   Step-by-Step guide to the SEA Process
Step 1: Describe briefly the statutory purpose, geographic
area, population, and timeframe of the plan, and its
relationship (both vertical and horizontal) with other plans/
programmes.  
Step 2: Summarise the main findings of the survey and
es analysis stage, e.g. what are the main development issues
facing the area over the lifetime of the plan? What is the likely
scale of population / households / employment change?  In
what parts of the area is most change likely to occur?
Step 3: Describe in general terms the current state of the
physical environment of the area, with particular reference to
elin (a) areas of environmental importance (such as protected
sites); and (b) areas experiencing environmental problems
(such as waste, or air or water pollution) at present. Describe
how that environment would be likely to evolve on the basis
id of current development trends but no change in current
policies.
u Step 4:Define (a) broad planning policy objectives for the
area based on Steps 1 and 2; and (b) relevant environmental
policy objectives for the area taking account of national
policy and any relevant international legal obligations (e.g.
EU Directives).
g Step 5: Identify a number of reasonable alternative
development strategies for the area which are capable of
fulfilling the policy objectives established in Step 4.
in Step 6:Evaluate these alternative strategies against the
chosen planning and environmental policy objectives (step
4), with a view to establishing the most sustainable option.
n Step 7:Select the preferred strategy (which may combine
elements of different strategies), stating reasons for the
choice, and work it up with detailed policy objectives.
la
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11
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Step 8: Carry out an environmental assessment of the
preferred strategy to determine whether implementation
would be likely to cause any significant effects on the
l
environment (in particular, the aspects listed in Annex I of the
a
SEA Directive, such as biodiversity, air, cultural heritage, etc.)
Step 9: Modify the preferred strategy to eliminate, reduce or
n
offset any significant adverse effects, as appropriate
n
Step 10: Propose monitoring measures in relation to any
likely significant environmental impacts.
in
Step 11: Prepare a non-technical summary.
g
Documenting the SEA Process
2.6 While there will undoubtedly be a high level of overlap
between the plan preparation/ review process and the SEA process,
G
it is strongly recommended that a separate SEA file be maintained
throughout the entire process of preparing or reviewing a plan.
u
Overlap may arise, for example, when submissions are received
from the public; such comments may address both land-use and
environmental issues and may indeed be inter-linked.  The SEA
i
file should include a copy of all documentation relevant to the
d
SEA process.  Such a file will be of considerable assistance when,
at the adoption of the plan, a statement has to be compiled
e
summarising how environmental considerations have been
integrated into the plan.
lines

12
Chapter 3:  SEA: Screening
and Scoping 
Definitions
es 3.1 The following are relevant definitions -
“Screening” is the process for deciding whether a particular plan,
other than those for which SEA is mandatory, would be likely to
have significant environmental effects, and would thus warrant
SEA.
elin “Scoping”is the procedure whereby the range of environmental
issues and the level of detail to be included in the Environmental
Report are decided upon, in consultation with the prescribed
environmental authorities.
id Screening - what the SEADirective requires
u 3.2  The SEADirective requires that:
• An environmental assessment must be carried out for all
plans and programmes:
g
(a) which are prepared for certain specified sectors
(including land use planning), and which set the
framework for future development consent of projects
listed in Annex I or Annex II of the EIA Directive; or
in
(b) which, in view of the likely effect on protected sites,
n
have been determined to require an assessment under
the Habitats Directive.
• Plans and programmes in these categories which determine
the use of small areas, or minor modifications to such plans
and programmes,  only require an environmental assessment
la
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13
where the Member State determines that they are likely to
P
have significant environmental effects.  Such decisions must
be based on case-by-case examination, or by specifying types
l
of plans and programmes, or by combining both approaches. 
a

In deciding whether a particular plan is likely to have
significant environmental effects, regard must be had to the
n
criteria set out in Annex II of the SEA Directive - which is
reproduced in new Schedule 2A to the Planning and
Development Regulations 2001, as inserted by article 12 of
n
the Planning and Development (Strategic Environmental
Assessment) Regulations 2004.
in

The prescribed Environmental Authorities must be consulted
during screening.
g
Mandatory National Requirements
3.3 The Planning and Development (Strategic Environmental
G
Assessment) Regulations 2004 require that SEA be carried out in
respect of the following plans:
u
(a)
Regional Planning Guidelines;
i
(b)
City and County Development Plans;
d
(c)
Development Plans  by Town Councils, where the population
of the area is 10,000 persons or more; 
e
(d) Local Area Plans for areas with a population of 10,000 persons
l
or more, and
i
(e)
Planning Schemes in respect of Strategic Development Zones
n
(SDZs)
es

14
Screening of Plans 
3.4 Screening is required in the case of 
(a) Development Plans by Town Councils and Local Area Plans,
where the population involved is less than 10,000 persons,
and 
es (b) Variations of Development Plans.   
If the planning authority considers that there is a prima facie case
for SEA, it  should proceed to the scoping stage (i.e. scoping of
the environmental report).   If the planning authority is uncertain
as to the need for SEA, the designated environmental authorities
elin should be formally consulted during the screening exercise.
3.5 The key to deciding if SEA will apply will be whether the plan
would be likely to have significant effects on the environment. 
The
id decision should not be determined by the size of an area alone.  It
will also be influenced by nature and extent of the development
likely to be proposed in  the plan and its location (e.g. close to or
within an SAC, SPA or NHA), and its broad environmental effects.
G 3.6 The Planning and Development (Strategic Environmental
Assessment) Regulations 2004 (S.I. No. 436 of 2004) require case-
by-case screening of individual plans, based on the criteria in
Schedule 2Ato the Planning and Development Regulations 2001.
These criteria must be taken into account in determining whether
or not significant effects on the environment would be likely to
arise.  The criteria are elaborated upon below.  
in 3.7 For the purpose of consulting environmental authorities, a
notice must issue to those authorities (as appropriate) giving them
an opportunity to comment on whether or not they consider
significant effects on the environment would be likely to arise.  It
will be noted from the terms of article 13A(4) of the Planning and
Development Regulations 2001 (as inserted by article 7 of S.I. No.
436 of 2004) that where consultation with environmental authorities
is necessary, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must be
la consulted in all cases.  However, consultation with both the Minister
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15
for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the
P
Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources is
conditional.  In the case of the former, consultation is conditional
l
on it appearing to the planning authority that the plan might have
significant effects in relation to the architectural or archaeological
a
heritage or to nature conservation.  In the case of the Minister for
Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, consultation is
n
conditional on it appearing to the planning authority that the plan
might have significant effects on fisheries or the marine
environment.  The minimum period for response by the
n
environmental authorities is specified in S.I. No. 436 of 2004. 
i
3.8 If, following case-by-case screening, it is determined that
n
SEA is not required, a statement of likely significant environmental
effects of implementing the plan will not be required.  
g
3.9 In the case of all screening decisions, the planning authority
must make a copy of the screening decision available for public
inspection and notify its decision to any environmental authority
G
which was consulted.  Where appropriate, the reasons for deciding
that SEA is not required must be included in the decision.  The
planning authority's website, or regular local authority newsletters,
u
can be also be utilised to publicise its decision
i
Criteria for Determining the Likely Significance
of Environmental Effects
d
3.10 Schedule 2A to the Planning and Development Regulations
e
2001 sets out two main types of criteria for determining whether
a plan would be likely to have significant environmental effects:
li
(1)
Characteristics of the Plan: for example, the scale of
development likely to take place over the life of the plan,
n
or the degree to which it promotes sustainable development.
Does the plan set out environmentally-friendly objectives?
e
What environmental problems are of particular relevance
to the plan?
s
(2)
Characteristics of the effects and of the Area likely to be
affected: for example, the magnitude, cumulative nature
and reversibility of the effects, or the value and vulnerability

16
of the area likely to be affected by implementation of the
plan.  How many people are likely to be affected by the plan?
Are there areas of conservation sensitivity (such as natural
habitats) within or adjacent to the area covered by the plan?
Much of the advice contained in the Department's Guidance
(August 2003) on EIA sub-threshold Development
(www.environ.ie) regarding areas of conservation sensitivity
es
is also of relevance for SEA.  How intensive is the nature of
the proposed landuse?  Is there a risk of accidents, e.g.
involving Seveso landuses?
3.11 Each of the criteria in Schedule 2A must be considered initially
so that the relevant ones (which will vary from case to case) may
be examined in greater detail.  The criteria are not listed in order
elin of importance.  In general, it can be assumed that the more of the
criteria that are met, the more likely it is that the environmental
effects will be significant.   However, each decision must be taken
on its own merits and on the basis of a global consideration of all
id the criteria in Schedule 2A.  Cases of doubt about whether SEAis
needed are often likely to reflect uncertainty about the significance
of environmental effects, and in such cases the plan-making
authority must use its best professional judgement as to whether
SEA should be undertaken, taking into account the comments
from the designated environmental authorities.  It is not intended
that special studies or expert technical evaluations will be necessary
for the purposes of making a decision.  Much of the advice contained
in the Department's Guidance on EIASub-threshold Development
(August 2003) will be relevant to consideration of the need for
SEA and it is recommended that plan-making authorities consult
the latter document during screening for SEA.
in Scoping of Environmental Report
n 3.12 Whereit has been established that SEAis required, either
as a result of mandatory SEA requirements or following screening,
the contents of the Environmental Report need to be scoped.  The
purpose of this provision is to ensure that the relevant environmental
issues are identified so that they can be addressed appropriately
in the Environmental Report.  In this way, scoping helps, at the
la
P


17
early stages of plan preparation, to reduce the possibility of relevant
P
issues not being identified.
l
3.13 The SEA Directive provides for considerable flexibility
concerning the scope and the level of detail to be included in the
a
environmental report.  Only the information listed in Annex I that
is reasonably required should be included, taking into account:
n

current knowledge and methods of assessment

the contents and level of detail in the plan
n

the stage of the plan in the decision-making process, and 

the extent to which certain matters are more appropriately
i
assessed at different levels in the decision-making process,
n
in order to avoid duplication of assessment.  
3.14 Certain strategic issues in City/County Development Plans
g
may already have been determined at national or regional level.
Development Plans themselves will set the parameters for local
area plans.  The hierarchy of land-use plans means that the level
G
of detail will vary considerably as between the different levels in
the hierarchy. Quite clearly, this will influence the nature and
detail of the assessment and the extent to which environmental
u
issues can be examined at any particular level.  To avoid duplication
of assessment, a decision needs to be made during the SEA process
i
as to what level of detail is appropriate to different levels of SEA
and what level of detail may be appropriate to the EIA of individual
d
projects.
e
3.15 Scoping of the Environmental Report should take place as
follows:
li
(a) Development Plans: preliminary scoping can begin even
before the start of the formal 2-year review process, as the
n
existing plan will provide a reasonable indication of the
nature of the area and of major development issues.  However,
e
formal scoping takes place during the initial public
consultation phase required under subsections (1) to (3) of
s
section 11 of the 2000 Act.  It is recommended that a “ Scoping
Issues Paper” be prepared by the plan-making authority to
facilitate consultation.  

18
(b) Variations of Development Plan: where the screening process
indicates a need for SEA, the planning authority should
consult with the  environmental authorities (as appropriate)
prior to carrying out the notification procedures under
subsection (2) of section 13 of the Act.
(c)
Local Area Plans: Scoping should take place during the pre-
es
plan consultation process required under section 20(1) of
the 2000 Act, as it will be necessary to complete preparation
of the Environmental Report prior to publication of the
statutory notice under section 20(3) of the Act.  
(d) Regional Planning Guidelines: Again, some informal scoping
can take place towards the end of the 6-year life of the
elin
guidelines, but formal scoping should begin as soon as
practicable after the giving of notice by the regional authority
under section 24(1) of the 2000 Act of its intention to make
new guidelines.  The publication of a regional Issues Paper
id
will also facilitate both scoping and public consultation. 
(e) Planning Schemes in respect of Strategic Development Zones
(SDZs): formal scoping should begin as early as possible in
the process of preparing a draft planning scheme under
G
section 168(1) of the 2000 Act.
In the case of (a), (b) and (c) above, planning authorities should
consult adjacent planning authorities as appropriate.
3.16 It is recommended that at the end of the scoping procedure,
the plan-making authority should prepare a brief scoping report
in of its conclusions as to what information is to be included in the
environmental report, taking account of any recommendations
from the environmental authorities. 
n Consultation with Environmental Authorities
n 3.17 Article 5(4)of the SEADirective requires that the prescribed
Environmental Authorities be consulted when deciding on the
scope and level of detail to be included in the Environmental
la Report.  It is essential that this consultation takes place as early as
possible during the scoping process and that the advice of
environmental authorities is taken on boardin finalising the process.

19
If scoping is to be meaningful, the plan-making authority must
P
do more than issue a statutory notice to the designated
environmental authorities.  In order to facilitate the environmental
l
authorities, they should be given an outline of:
a

the geographic area involved (a map should be included)
n

the nature of the Plan, and its intended lifespan

the likely scale, nature and location of development within
n
the area during the life of the plan (in broad terms), and its
predicted significant environmental impacts.
in
Designation of Environmental Authorities
3.18 Article 6(3) of the SEA Directive requires Member States to
g
designate the authorities which, by reason of their specific
environmental responsibilities, are likely to be concerned with the
environmental effects of implementing plans/programmes for
G
which SEA will be needed.
3.19 The Directive specifies the following roles in relation to the
u
environmental authorities:
i

They must be consulted by Member States when determining
whether certain plans/programmes will require SEA (article
d
3)
e

They must be consulted by plan-making authorities when
deciding on the scope and level of detail of the information
l
to be included in an Environmental Report (article 5)
i

They must be given an early and effective opportunity to
n
comment on the draft plan and the Environmental Report
(article 6)
e

They must also be given an opportunity to comment in cases
s
of transboundary consultation by other Member States, in
relation to likely significant environmental effects within
Ireland (article 7)

20

Their comments on a draft plan and associated Environmental
Report must be taken into account before the plan is adopted
(article 8)

They must be informed when the plan is adopted, and the
information made available to them must include a statement
as to how comments on the draft plan and associated
es
Environmental Report were taken into account (article 9).
3.20 As noted in paragraph 3.7 above, environmental authorities
have been designated under the terms of article 13A(4) of the
Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as inserted by article
7 of S.I. No. 436 of 2004) as follows: 
elin • the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA);

the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local
Government, where the planning authority considers that
id
a plan might have significant effects in relation to the
architectural or archaeological heritage or to nature
u
conservation;  

the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural
G
Resources, where the planning authority considers that a
plan might have significant effects on fisheries or the marine
environment.
g Contact Points in Environmental Authorities
3.21 All communications with environmental authorities should
in be addressed to the following contact points:
Environmental Protection Agency:
Mr. Tadhg O’Mahony   
Regional Inspectorate 
Environmental Protection Agency
Inniscarra
County Cork.
la Tel: 021 4860818
E-mail: x.xxxxxxx@xxx.xx
P

21
Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government:
P
The Manager,
l
Development Applications Unit,
Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government,
a
Dún Scéine,
Harcourt Lane,
n
Dublin 2.
Tel:  (01) 4117194 or (01) 4117113
n
Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources:
i
Mr. John Wynne
n
Assistant Principal 
Co-ordination Unit
Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources
g
Leeson Lane
Dublin 2.
Tel: (01) 6782900
G
E-mail: xxxx.xxxxx@xxxxx.xxx.xx.
u
idelines


22
Chapter 4:  
The Environmental Report
Introduction

4.1 “Environmental Report” means the part of the plan's
es documentation which contains the information required by article
5 and Annex I of the SEA Directive.  The likely significant effects
on the environment of implementing the plan shall be identified,
described and evaluated in the report.  
4.2 The Environmental Report is at the heart of the SEA process.
It is a key mechanism in promoting sustainable development, in
elin raising awareness of significant environmental issues and in
ensuring that such issues are properly addressed within the capacity
of the planning system to do so.  The preparation of, and
consultation on, the report, during the initial years of
id implementation of the SEADirective, will be a learning curve for
all concerned; despite the resources and time which will be required,
it has the potential to bring considerable added value to the plan-
making process.
G 4.3 Thereshould be complete integration between the preparation
of the environmental report and of the draft plan, so that the draft
plan is informed by environmental considerations from the outset.
The report must be available when the draft plan is put on public
display.
4.4 It is clear from the definition of “environmental report” in
in article 2 of the Directive that the environmental report forms part
of the plan documentation.  In terms of the practical presentation
of the environmental report, it is entirely a matter for the plan-
making authority as to whether it is included in the actual plan
or presented as a separate document.  Where it is included in the
plan, it should be clearly identifiable as the “environmental report”.
However, if the report is too long to be included in the plan, a
summary chapter should be included in the plan - with the full
report included as an appendix or as a separate document.
la
P


23
4.5 Apart from the compilation of background material, which
P
can be done before the start of the statutory plan preparation/review
process, work on the draft plan and the Environmental Report
l
should proceed in tandem.  If the SEA process is to add value to
plan-making, the preparation of the report must influence the
a
choice of the preferred plan strategy, and of any mitigation measures
needed to offset potential adverse effects of implementing that
n
strategy.
Scope of Information to be included in
n
Environmental Report
i
4.6 The Environmental Report must contain the information
n
required by Article 5 and Annex I of the Directive.  
4.7 Article 5 states that the report shall include the information
g
that may reasonably be required.  As stated in the previous chapter
on scoping, the plan-making authority is required to take account
of:
G

current knowledge and methods of assessment

the contents and level of detail in the plan
u

the stage of the plan in the decision-making process, and 

the extent to which certain matters are more appropriately
i
assessed at different levels in the decision-making process,
in order to avoid duplication of assessment.  
d
4.8 What this means in practice is firstly that SEA involves
e
collating currently available, relevant environmental data; it does
not require major new research
. Where data deficiencies or gaps
l
exist, this should be acknowledged in the report.  Secondly, taking
i
the review of a Development Plan as an example, certain strategic
planning issues may already have been determined at national or
n
regional level, whereas other more detailed issues will more
appropriately be left for consideration at local area plan level.
e
Indeed, implementation of the Development Plan may in time
result in major development projects, whether in the public or
s
private sectors, which themselves will warrant EIA.  In preparing
an Environmental Report on a draft Development Plan, therefore,
it is important at the outset to identify those issues which are best

24
dealt with at the level of that plan and which should be examined
in the report.
4.9 Article 5 makes it clear that relevant information obtained
at other levels of decision-making or through other EU legislation
may be used.  For example,

certain information available from existing environmental
es
impact statements may be relevant

information collected on foot of the requirements of other
EU Directives (such as in relation to air or water quality),
may also be  relevant.
Mandatory Contents of Environmental Report
elin 4.10 The type of information to be provided in the Environmental
Report is set out in Annex I of the SEA Directive - reproduced in
Schedule 2B to the Planning and Development Regulations 2001
id (as inserted by article 12 of the Planning and Development (Strategic
Environmental Assessment) Regulations 2004), and summarised
in Table 4 Abelow.  In general, it mirrors the type of information
required in relation to EIA, albeit with some important additions,
such as the need to include information on monitoring measures.
G
g
in
n
n
la
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25
Table 4A CHECKLIST of information to be included in the
P
Environmental Report (see Schedule 2B to the Planning and
Development Regulations 2001)

l
A
Outline of the contents and main objectives of
a
the plan, and of its relationship with other
relevant plans and programmes 
B
Description of relevant aspects of the current
n
state of the environment and the evolution of
that environment without implementation of
n
the plan
C
Description of the environmental
characteristics of areas likely to be significantly
i
affected
n
D
Identification of any existing environmental
problems which are relevant to the plan,
g
particularly those relating to European
protected sites
E
List environmental protection objectives,
established at international, EU or national
G
level, which are relevant to the plan and
describe how those objectives and any
environmental considerations have been taken
u
into account when preparing the plan
F
Describe the likely significant effects (1) on the
i
environment (biodiversity, human health,
d
fauna, etc.)
G
Describe any measures envisaged to prevent,
reduce and as fully as possible offset any
e
significant adverse environmental effects of
implementing the plan
l
H
Give an outline of the reasons for selecting the
i
alternatives considered, and a description of
how the assessment was undertaken (including
n
any difficulties)
I
A description of proposed monitoring
e
measures
J
A non-technical summary of the above
s
information
(1) These effects should include secondary, cumulative, synergistic, short, medium
and long-term, permanent and temporary, positive and negative effects 
Each of the above headings is discussed in more detail below.

26
Contents and Main Objectives of the Plan, and its
Relationship with other relevant Plans (See item
A in Table 4A above)
4.11 This section of the report should succinctly state:

the legal status of the plan, its period of validity, and the
es
geographic area covered

the extent to which it incorporates strategic objectives from
higher level plans

its main objectives
elin • the scale, type and location of significant development
envisaged in the area during the life of the plan

its relationship with other plans in the area (such as a waste
id
management plan), and the extent to which the plan sets the
strategic context for lower-tier plans, such as Local Area
u
Plans.
Description of the Current State of the
G Environment, Environmental  Characteristics of
the Area likely to be affected, and Identification
of any Existing Environmental Problems (See items
g B, C and D in Table 4Aabove)
4.12 The  first of these headings (item B in Table 4A above) creates
two main requirements:
in • abaseline description of the current physical environment
n
in the area: with particular reference to those aspects of the
environment which are experiencing plan-related problems
(such as development pressures) at present, or are likely to
n
be significantly affected by implementation of the plan.

a “do-nothing” scenario: an estimate of how current
environmental conditions would change over time without
la
implementation of the plan, i.e. as if there were no plan.
P

27
4.13 The purpose of the baseline description is to identify the
P
current state of the environment, against which the likely effects
of implementing the plan can be assessed.  The plan's impacts can
l
be estimated as the difference in environmental conditions with
and without implementation of the plan.  It is clearly desirable,
a
therefore, to use relevant quantitative data as far as possible to
measure such changes, i.e. environmental indicators which can
n
be used during the implementation monitoring phase.  Where
appropriate, time-series data may indicate certain trends which
should be identified as part of a "do nothing" or "do minimum"
n
scenario, e.g. what might happen if current development trends
in a certain area were to continue into the future. Qualitative
i
indicators may also be appropriate for some types of environmental
n
impacts.   Sources of environmental data are given in Appendix
D.
g
4.14 It is accepted that the compilation of environmental data,
particularly at a scale relevant to the area of the plan, may be
problematic.  Authorities should identify and tap available data
G
sources, rather then undertake major new data collection.  Where
information gaps are identified, the plan-making authority should
consider how those gaps might be addressed in the future.  
u
4.15 Depending on the nature and scale of the plan, some or all
i
of the following baseline data may be relevant:
d

A statistical overview of the area: its physical size, its current
and estimated future population, population density,
e
settlement sizes, broad mix of land uses, etc.
l

A description of the physical environment of the area:
i
topography, landscape characteristics, availability of natural
resources (surface and ground waters, soil quality, mineral
n
resources, etc.), with particular reference to scarce or non-
renewable resources
e

Location and type of protected areas (Special Areas of
s
Conservation, Architectural Conservation Areas, etc.) and
Protected Species: and the extent to which they are

28
experiencing, or are likely to experience, development-related
pressures

Types or patterns of development: which may be linked to
environmental problems or which are environmentally-
friendly developments (such as compact mixed-use
developments, or sources of renewable energy).
es 4.16 The presentation of spatial baseline data in map or graphic
form will help those involved in plan preparation to understand
the distribution of environmental characteristics or problems within
their area, and may also facilitate better communication of the
issues to the public.  The use of Geographical Information Systems
(GIS) by many plan-making authorities will be helpful in this
elin regard.4.17Because of the time and effort likely to be needed to compile
baseline information - especially when SEA is being carried out
id for the first time - it is important to note that much of this
compilation can and should be done in advance of the statutory
plan preparation/review process.
An example of a baseline environmental description is to
be found in chapter 4 of the “Strategic Environmental
Assessment of the Master Plan 2003” published by the
Dublin Docklands Development Authority
(www.dublindocklands.ie)
4.18 The “do-nothing” scenario represents a continuation of
in present trends, without any policy changes or infrastructural
improvements - which may be proposed in the draft plan.  It forms
the basis of comparison against which the environmental effects
of the plan will be measured.  It is important to note that the “do-
nothing” scenario is not one of the “ reasonable alternatives” which
arerequired to be considered under the SEADirective. Nor would
it necessarily be in keeping with the principle of sustainable
development which is fundamental to the 2000 Act.
la 4.19 In relation to those parts of the area likely to be significantly
affected by implementation of the plan (item C in Table 4A above):
P

29

where is significant (scale and/or type) development likely
P
to take place during the life of the plan?  What kind of
development will it be, and what impacts is it likely to have
l
on the environment?
a

are there parts of the area (such as protected sites, areas with
vulnerable water courses, or high amenity areas) which are
n
more sensitive to development than others?  How are such
areas likely to be affected by the plan?
n
4.20 The requirement to identify environmental problems (item
D in Table 4A above) should focus on identification of the nature,
i
location and scale of development-related environmental problems
n
in the area, such as water or air pollution, or  problems that may
arise from car-dependent land use patterns.
g
Environmental Protection Objectives relevant to
the Plan and Description of how those Objectives
and any Environmental Considerations have been
G
taken into account in preparing the Plan (See item
E in Table 4A above)
u
4.21 An indicative list of environmental protection objectives is
given in Table 4B.  This list has been compiled having regard to
i
the checklist of national, European and international policy
documents, strategies, guidelines, Directives, Conventions, etc,
d
which are summarised in Appendix C.   It is important to
understand that the SEA Directive only requires the identification
e
of such objectives which are relevant to the plan, so a process of
selection is required.  Objectives should be adapted to local
l
circumstances as necessary (e.g. coastal erosion may be relevant
i
to only parts of a county's coastline).  
n
es


30
Table 4B: Indicative list of Environmental Protection Objectives
(Based on the headings in Schedule 2B(f) of the Planning and
Development Regulations 2001)

Biodiversity, fauna and flora:

Conserve the diversity of habitats and protected species

Protect the marine environment, and promote integrated
es
coastal zone management strategies
Population:

Improve people's quality of life based on high-quality
residential, working and recreational environments and
on sustainable travel patterns
Human health:
elin • Minimise noise, vibration and emissions from traffic,
industrial processes and extractive industry
Soil (including minerals):
id • Maintain the quality of soils 

Give preference to the re-use of brownfield lands, rather
u
than developing greenfield lands

Minimise the consumption of non-renewable sand, gravel
and rock deposits
• Minimise the amount of waste to landfill
Water:
• Protect and enhance the status of aquatic ecosystems and,
with regard to their water needs, terrestrial ecosystems
and wetlands directly depending on the aquatic ecosystems

Promote sustainable water use based on a long-term
in
protection of available water resources

Reduce progressively discharges of polluting substances
to waters
• Mitigate the effects of floods and droughts.
n
la
P


31
P
Air/climatic factors:

Reduce all forms of air pollution

Minimise emissions of greenhouse gases to contribute to
l
a reduction and avoidance of human-induced global
a
climate change

Reduce waste of energy, and maximise use of renewable
energy sources
n

Assess, plan and manage adaptation to climate change
impacts
n
Material assets:

Maximise use of the existing built environment
i

Avoid flood risk and/or coastal erosion in selecting sites
n
for development
Cultural heritage:
g

Promote the protection and conservation of the cultural,
including architectural and archaeological, heritage 
G
Landscape:

Conserve and enhance valued natural and historic
landscapes and features within them
u
Likely Significant Effects on the Environment (See
i
item F in Table 4A above)
d
4.22 The preferred plan strategy will set out specific
e
development/implementation objectives.  Examples of such
objectives are given in Table 4C.  For the purposes of SEA, these
l
objectives should be subjected to assessment in the context of each
of the environmental protection objectives selected in accordance
i
with paragraph 4.21 above.
n
es


32
Table 4C   Indicative List of Development Objectives
Development objectives might include:

To provide sufficient housing lands to meet identified
needs in the area over the life of the plan
es • To promote higher densities of high quality housing in
suitable locations

To promote a sustainable settlement pattern of towns and
villages

To promote sustainable rural communities
elin • To promote the use of public transport

To provide sufficient zoned and serviced land for
id
employment generation
• Toprotect and conserve the natural and built heritage of
the area
• To promote the development of wind energy in suitable
locations
• To promote the provision of community facilities in new
residential areas

To promote urban renewal
in • Toencourage vibrant city / town centres
• To promote a well-balanced economic structure in the area
• Toprovide sufficient new water supply and waste water
treatment and disposal infrastructure to support ongoing
sustainable development
la • To implement the regional waste management plan.
P

33
4.23 An assessment should also be carried out on the detailed
P
policies which flow from the strategic objectives.  These policies
will normally be grouped under various topics (housing, transport,
l
etc.) in the draft plan.  It is not envisaged, however, that the
assessment would extend to specific development control standards.
a
Thus, for example, the assessment would cover a policy objective
to regulate parking in city/town centres, but not to the actual
n
parking standards.
Assessment/Matrix Approach
n
4.24 The assessments referred to at paragraph 4.22 and 4.23 above
i
of likely significant effects should be carried out by the plan team
n
as a whole, preferably involving some external specialist advice.
The most common approach to demonstrating the results of the
assessment is to create a matrix, whereby the plan's development
g
objectives are listed on one axis and the various environmental
protection objectives (e.g. biodiversity, etc.) on the other. Potential
effects within each box may be categorised as follows:
G

Significant beneficial impact
?
Uncertain impact
u
X
Significant adverse impact
O
No relationship, or insignificant impact
i
4.25 The matrix should also include a column headed
d
“Comments”.  This could indicate, for example:
e

that mitigation measures, or a change in the wording of the
development objective, is required; or
l

the reasons why precise impacts may be difficult to identify.
i
Care is needed to ensure that long pages of complex matrices do
n
not dominate the environmental report.  The key to the use of
matrices is what conclusions are drawn from them.  
e
4.26 While clearly SEA needs to identify possible significant
s
adverse effects on the environment at an early stage in the plan-
making process, the Directive calls for positive effects to be identified
as well.  Many types of plan include objectives for improving the

34
environment, such as sewage treatment improvements, the creation
of new open spaces and planting, the removal of dereliction, and
traffic calming.  The beneficial impacts of such objectives should
also be identified.
Significant Effects
es 4.27 Significance may be assessed in terms of the type/scale of
development envisaged by the plan and the sensitivity/importance
of the receiving environment.  Such assessment calls for careful
judgement, which may best be achieved through a collaborative
team effort, involving expert advice where appropriate.  An
indicative list of indicators of possible environmental impacts is
given in Table 7A.
elin 4.28 The Environmental Report should explain why certain
impacts have been considered to be “significant”, or “insignificant”,
as the case may be.
id 4.29 Wheresignificant (positive or negative) impacts areidentified,
it may be helpful to indicate whether these effects arelikely to
occur at the national, regional, or local scale.  These different scales
are likely to be relevant in the context of devising monitoring
measures.
Cumulative Effects
g 4.30 SEAhas the potential to assess cumulative effects which the
case-by-case approach of project EIA may not be fully equipped
to do.  For example, the presence of sand-and-gravel deposits
in within a particular area may result in numerous small-scale quarries,
which cumulatively may have potential significant environmental
effects on transport, air quality and availability of development
land.
n
la
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35
P
Current examples of plans which incorporate an SEA-type
assessment include:
l

Cork Area Strategic Plan 2002 - 2020 (sub-regional plan)
a

Cork County Development Plan 2003-2009
(predominantly rural)
n

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown  Development Plan 2004 -
2010 (predominantly urban)
n
Measures envisaged to Prevent, Reduce and as
fully as possible Offset any Significant Adverse
i
Environmental Effects (See item G in Table 4A)
n
4.31 As stated above, environmental considerations should inform
all stages of plan preparation, so that by the time the preferred
g
strategy is chosen, the potential for significant adverse effects
arising from plan implementation should be minimised.
Nonetheless, it is possible that some individual plan objectives
G
will create such effects.  For example, new development may create
additional demand for water supply in an area where such supply
is already scarce.  Where the environmental assessment identifies
u
significant adverse effects, consideration should be given in the
first instance to preventing such impacts or, where this is not
i
possible for stated reasons, to lessening or offsetting those effects.
The environmental authorities may be able to advise on mitigation
d
measures in certain cases.
e
4.32 Where the SEA process identifies the potential for significant
adverse impacts (even with mitigation measures), consideration
l
needs to be given to future monitoring.
in
An example of recommended mitigation measures arising
from an SEA exercise is to be found in chapter 8 of the SEA
of the Dublin Docklands Master Plan, 2003
es

36
Outline of reasons for Selecting Alternatives and
Description of how the Assessment was
undertaken, including any Difficulties (See item
H in Table 4A above)
4.33 There are two separate issues here: (i) selection of alternatives,
and (ii) how the assessment was undertaken, including technical
es problems in compiling the necessary information for the report.
Alternatives
4.34 Article 5 of the SEA Directive requires the Environmental
Report to consider  “reasonable alternatives taking into account
the objectives and the geographical scope of the plan or programme”
elin and the significant environmental effects of the alternatives selected.
The higher the level of the plan (such as Regional Planning
Guidelines), the more strategic are the options which are likely to
be available1. Conversely, lower tier plans, such as Local Area
id Plans, will be framed in a policy context set by the level(s) above
them, and strategic options may be limited.  However, rational
choices need to be made - and demonstrated - at the level of each
particular plan.  Very often, such choices will focus on location of
new development.  In relation to location of new residential
development, for example, issues to be considered may include:

How much can be located on brownfield sites?
• Which greenfield sites can be serviced, and which are closest
to public transport?
in • What densities would be appropriate for different locations?
• What other land uses should be mixed with residential?

What areas should be avoided (e.g. due to risk of flooding)?
• Does the site selection minimise adverse impacts on heritage?
la 1 See, for example, the treatment of strategic options in the Cork Area
P
Strategic Plan 2002-2020

37
4.35 Alternatives must be realistic and capable of implementation,
P
and should represent a range of different approaches within the
statutory and operational requirements of the particular plan.
l
Sometimes the preferred strategy will combine elements from the
various alternatives considered.
a
4.36 Where the particular circumstances of the plan suggest that
n
strategic options are limited (e.g. because of the need to comply
with strategic policy established in a higher-level plan), a possible
approach is to consider the likely significant environmental impacts
n
of different scenarios around the preferred strategic option.  An
example might be:
in

suppose a city or county Development Plan assumed a certain
level of economic growth to underpin the amount of
residential and commercial development envisaged in the
g
plan.  What would be the likely environmental consequences
if growth were to be significantly higher or lower than
forecast?
G
Assessment Methods (including Difficulties)
u
4.37 The Environmental Report should include a summary of
how the assessment was carried out.  Where appropriate, this
i
should include an account of any difficulties encountered in
compiling the required information.  The latter will be helpful
d
when judging the quality of information, the findings of the
assessment and the degree to which they can be relied upon. 
e
4.38 Data may not be available at the level which is appropriate
l
to the plan, or there may be gaps in relation to some key issues.
i
It may be difficult to predict the effects of plans with reasonable
certainty, perhaps because implementation will be governed by
n
factors outside the control of the planning system.  The SEA
Directive requires that such difficulties be acknowledged in the
e
report, so that decision-makers, the environmental authorities and
the general public are made aware of such difficulties.  However,
s
there are ways of minimising problems; for example, forecasts can
reflect the uncertainty involved by expressing them in terms of a
high-low range rather than giving precise figures.  It should also

38
be remembered that precise measurements are not always necessary
or appropriate: there is a role for qualitative judgements based on
experience and expertise.
Proposed Monitoring Measures (See item I in Table
4A above)
es 4.39 Article 10of the SEADirective requires Member States to
monitor the significant environmental effects of the implementation
of plans and programmes in order to identify at an early stage
unforeseen adverse effects and to be able to undertake appropriate
remedial action.
4.40 Schedule 2B(i) of the Planning and Development Regulations
elin 2001 refers to the monitoring measures “envisaged”.  The
Environmental Report puts forward proposals for monitoring, but
these can only be finalised when the plan is being adopted.   In
selecting such measures, attention should be focused on likely
id significanteffects identified during the environmental assessment
under F in Table 4A above.  Monitoring is dealt with in more detail
in Chapter 7.
Non-Technical Summary (See item J in Table 4A
G above)
4.41 The purpose of the non-technical summary is to ensure that
the key issues and findings of the Environmental Report will be
readily understood by decision-makers and by the general public.
Technical jargon should be avoided, as far as possible.  The summary
should form part of the report, but it might also be published
in separately with a view to wider dissemination.  An overall summary
table may be helpful in simplifying the main findings, but care
will be needed to ensure that the presentation of any complex
issues is not distorted through over-simplification.  The non-
technical summary should accurately reflect the findings of the
Environmental Report. 
la
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39
Layout of Environmental Report
P
4.42 The Directive is not prescriptive regarding the layout of the
l
report.  However, the following layout of contents is recommended
a
for consideration:

Non-technical summary (may also be provided separately)
n

Introduction (brief description of the plan and the area;
n
purpose of report)

SEAmethodology (including authors, methods used, technical
i
difficulties encountered, list of environmental authorities
n
consulted, etc.)

Summary of the key objectives of the plan
g

Relationship of the plan with other relevant plans and
programmes
G

Summary of the baseline environment
u

SEA objectives and indicators
i

Assessment of alternatives, and selection of preferred
alternative
d

Incorporation of mitigation measures and assessment results
e
into the plan
l

Monitoring proposals.
ines

40
Quality of Environmental Report  
4.43 Article 12(2) of the Directive puts an onus on Member States
to ensure that Environmental Reports are of sufficient quality to
meet the requirements of the Directive.  These guidelines are
designed to assist plan-making authorities in meeting that
obligation.  Authorities could take into account a checklist in a
es recent EPAReport on SEAmethodology*for reviewing the
adequacy of the SEA process in general and the Environmental
Report in particular.  Where consultants are employed, the
consultants should ideally (i) have undergone a qualification in
SEA recognised by a Member State of the European Economic
Area (EEA) and (ii) have a track record in SEA relating to land use
planning.
elin * Environmental Protection Agency/ERM Environmental Resources
Management Ireland Ltd. “Development of Strategic Environmental
Assessment Methodologies for Plans and Programmes in Ireland:

id
Synthesis Report”  (2003) - see Appendix B, SEA Checklist  [The
fuller Final Report can be downloaded from the EPA website:

u
www.epa.ie]
G
g
in
n
n
la
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41
P
Chapter 5:   Consultations
on Plan and Environmental
l
Report
a
n

5.1 The SEA Directive makes provision for three main types of
consultation on the plan and environmental report
n

with the general public (Article 6),
i

with prescribed environmental authorities (Article 6), and
n

transboundary consultation (Article 7).  
g
The SEA Directive also specifies that adequate time must be allowed
for consultation and for consideration of submissions.
Public Participation
G
5.2 Public participation has been an important feature of the
u
Irish planning system since the enactment of the Local Government
(Planning & Development) Act 1963.  The Development Plan is a
framework for initiating and influencing the process of change in
i
our surroundings in order to support the wider economic, social
d
and environmental objectives of the community.  Effective
involvement of the wider community in the plan preparation
e
process through public consultation, along with the democratically
elected members of the planning authority, is intended to build
l
ownership of the plan and to facilitate its subsequent
implementation. Another important reason for consultation is to
i
contribute to the quality of the information available to decision-
n
makers when adopting a plan.  
e
Consultations with Environmental Authorities and
the Public
s
5.3 Article 6 of the Directive requires that both environmental
authorities and the public must be given an “early and effective”

42
opportunity to make submissions on the draft plan and the
accompanying Environmental Report before any final decision is
made on the plan. (“The public” includes organisations and
individuals).  The Planning and Development (Strategic
Environmental Assessment) Regulations 2004 give effect to these
consultation requirements by providing that:
es • the Environmental Report must be put on public display
along with the draft plan, and 

in addition to the draft plan, the Environmental Report must
be sent to the prescribed authorities and the environmental
authorities; and
elin • written submissions are invited on the Environmental Report
as well as the draft plan. 
5.4 Regional and planning authorities can take a pro-active
id approach to engaging the public in the SEAprocess, for example
by dedicating part of their websites to SEA information.
u Transboundary Consultations  
G 5.5 Article 7of the SEADirective provides that where a Member
State considers that the implementation of a plan being prepared
in relation to its territory is likely to have significant effects on the
environment in another Member State, or where a Member State
likely to be significantly affected so requests, the Member State in
whose territory the plan is being prepared shall, before its adoption,
forward a copy of the draft plan and the associated Environmental
in Report to the other Member State.
5.6 Where a Member State is sent a copy of a draft plan and the
associated Environmental Report, it must indicate to the other
State whether it wishes to enter into consultations before the
adoption of the plan.  If it so indicates, the Member States concerned
are required to enter into consultations concerning the likely
transboundary environmental effects of implementing the plan
la
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43
and the measures envisaged to reduce or eliminate such effects.
P
Any transboundary effects may require monitoring and, in such
cases, possible monitoring arrangements should also be discussed.
l
5.7 Where transboundary consultations are to take place, there
a
are a number of procedural issues upon which the Member States
concerned must reach agreement.  At the outset, they must agree
n
on a reasonable timeframe for the duration of the consultations.  In
addition, they must agree on detailed arrangements to ensure that
the prescribed environmental authorities and the public in the
n
Member State likely to be significantly affected are informed and
given an opportunity to forward their opinion within a reasonable
i
time-frame.  
n
Practical Application of Transboundary
Requirements 
g
5.8 The most likely requirement for transboundary consultations
will be with the Northern Ireland authorities in the context of the
G
preparation of plans which are likely to have significant cross-
border environmental effects.  The Department of the Environment,
Heritage and Local Government is engaged in consultations with
u
the Northern Ireland authorities on the possible formulation of
agreed cross-border consultation procedures.  The guidance set
i
out below concerning transboundary consultations will be subject
to review in the light of ongoing discussions with the Northern
d
Ireland authorities and practical experience. 
e
5.9 Plans in the Republic of Ireland
l

Regional Planning Guidelines (RPGs): RPGs were adopted
i
for all regions in April/May 2004, are valid for 12 years but
will fall due for review in 6 years time.  It is anticipated that
n
transboundary consultation should take place with the
Northern Ireland authorities on the future reviews of the
e
Border Regional Planning Guidelines and perhaps the
Regional Planning Guidelines for the Greater Dublin Area
s
(in the context of the ongoing development of the Dublin-
Belfast Corridor).

44

Development Plans: It is recommended that all Development
Plans, which are subject to SEA, in counties contiguous to
the border with Northern Ireland should, as a matter of best
practice, be subject to transboundary consultation with the
Northern Ireland authorities.

Variations of Development Plans: the question as to whether
es
variations of development plans are likely to give rise to
significant transboundary environmental effects will be a
matter for consideration by the relevant planning authority
in the context of case-by-case screening of the need for SEA.
It is recommended that, as appropriate, informal consultations
in relation to transboundary environmental effects should
take place with the Northern Ireland authorities at the
elin
screening stage.  

Local Area Plans (LAPs): the question as to whether LAPs
are likely to give rise to significant transboundary
id
environmental effects will be a matter for judgement by the
relevant planning authority, on a case-by-case basis.
• Planning Schemes in SDZs:the question as to whether
planning schemes are likely to give rise to significant
G
transboundary environmental effects will be a matter for
judgement by the relevant planning authority, on a case-by-
case basis.
g Contact Point in Northern Ireland
5.10 Where consultation is required with the Northern Ireland
in authorities, all communication/correspondence should be addressed
to The Director, Plans and Policy Directorate, Planning Service
Headquarters, Millennium House, 19-25 Great Victoria Street,
Belfast BT2 7BN; Tel. 04890540540; e-mail pat.quinn@ doeni.gov.uk.
The Northern Ireland Planning Service, which is an agency of the
Department of the Environment, is responsible for preparing
Development Plans and for carrying out Strategic Environmental
Assessments on these Plans.  The Planning Service is currently
refining guidance on the implementation of the SEA Directive for
la Plans and, in liaison with the Department of the Environment,
Heritage and Local Government (Dublin) , on the procedures for
transboundary consultation.

45
Timing of Transboundary Consultations
P
5.11 With regard to the timing of transboundary consultations,
l
the formal requirement in the Directive and Regulations is that
a
such consultations should take place following preparation of the
draft plan and associated environmental report.  However, as a
matter of best practice, it is recommended that transboundary
n
consultations should begin as early as possible in the process of
plan preparation.  
n
Consulting the Minister for the Environment,
Heritage and Local Government
in
5.12 The Planning and Development (Strategic Environmental
Assessment) Regulations 2004 provide that, before forwarding a
copy of a draft plan and associated environmental report to another
g
Member State, the planning authority must consult with the Minister
for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.  Such
consultation should be done in the form of a written communication
G
to the Spatial Policy Section, Department of the Environment,
Heritage and Local Government, Custom House, Dublin 1.  A
copy of the draft plan and associated environmental report should
u
accompany the written communication.  The primary purpose of
this consultation is to provide information to the Department on
i
activity levels in transboundary consultations.
d
Timeframe for Completing Consultations
e
5.13 Where an authority in another Member State indicates to a
plan-making authority that it wishes to enter into consultations
l
on a draft plan, it will be necessary for the plan-making authority
i
to ensure that such consultations are carried out and completed
within the statutory timeframes set out in the 2000 Planning Act.
n
For this purpose, the Regulations require that the plan-making
authority must agree with the other Member State (i) a reasonable
e
timeframe for the completion of the consultations and (ii) detailed
arrangements to ensure that the environmental authorities and
s
the public likely to be affected in the other Member State are
informed and given an opportunity to forward their opinion within
a reasonable timeframe.

46
5.14 In the case of the preparation of a Development Plan for
example, section 12(2) of the 2000 Planning Act specifies a minimum
period of 10 weeks for public inspection and written submissions
or observations.  The period selected by the planning authority
must be such as to allow the Manager sufficient time to prepare
a report for councillors, on the submissions or observations received,
not later than 22 weeks after the public notice (section 12(4) of the
es 2000 Planning Act).  Where transboundary consultations are
involved, it will be necessary for the planning authority to seek
the co-operation of any transboundary State in ensuring that such
consultations, including consultation with environmental authorities
and the public in any such State, are completed within the
framework of the above-mentioned 22 week period.
elin 5.15 In the case of transboundary consultations involving a draft
plan from another Member State, it will be necessary for a planning
or regional authority in receipt of such a plan to co-operate with
any such State in ensuring that such consultations, including
id consultation with environmental authorities and the public likely
to be affected here in Ireland, are completed within any statutory
or other timeframe specified by such State.
5.16 Where environmental authorities and the public are consulted
in respect of a draft plan and associated environmental report
from another Member State, any submissions received should be
transmitted in full (without editing or comment) to the other
Member State.  It is open to the planning or regional authority to
also transmit any independent comments which the authority
itself may wish to offer.    
in
n
n
la
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47
P
Chapter 6:    Adoption of Plan
l
Overview
a
6.1 Article 8 of the SEA Directive requires that the Environmental
Report, the opinions expressed by the environmental authorities
n
and the public, and the outcome of any transboundary consultation,
must be taken into account during the preparation of the plan and
n
before its adoption.
i
6.2 The attention of elected members of the regional or planning
authority should be drawn to the fact that the SEA Directive creates
n
this new statutory responsibility.
g
6.3 Article 9 of the Directive provides that when a plan is
adopted, the environmental authorities, the public, and any relevant
transboundary State must be informed, and the following items
made available to those so informed:
G

the plan as adopted;
u

a statement summarising how environmental considerations
have been integrated into the plan, how the Environmental
i
Report and the outcome of consultations were taken into
d
account, and the reasons for choosing the plan as adopted
in the light of other reasonable alternatives considered; and
e

monitoring measures.
l
SEA Statement
in
6.4 The first point to note in relation to the SEA statement
required under article 9(1)(b) of the Directive is that it must
summarise the issues referred to in that provision of the Directive.
e
The SEA statement should therefore concisely address these issues.
It will be noted that the Directive lists the requirement to provide
s
information on monitoring measures (required under article 9(1)(c))
separate from the requirement to provide the SEA statement.

48
However, the Planning and Development (Strategic Environmental
Assessment) Regulations 2004 require that information on
monitoring measures be included in the SEA statement. 
Recommended Format for SEA Statement 
6.5 The following format for the SEA statement is recommended:
es 1. Summary of how environmental considerations and the
Environmental Report were factored into the plan: This
should highlight the main changes to the plan which resulted
from consideration of environmental issues and the
Environmental Report.
elin 2. Summary of how submissions/consultations were taken
into account: In the case of SEA of a development plan for
example, the Manager's report under section 12(4) or (8) of
the 2000 Planning Act should provide the basis for this part
id
of the SEA statement, which should indicate what action (if
any) was taken in response to the submissions/consultations.
3. Reasons for choosing the plan as adopted, in the light of
other reasonable alternatives considered: The main
G
alternatives should be briefly outlined, including how they
were assessed, and why the preferred option was selected.
4. Monitoring measures:The Environmental Report which
will have been made available for public consultation will
have included proposals in relation to monitoring of the
draft plan.  Once monitoring measures have been finalised
in
with the adoption of the plan, and having regard to any
relevant submissions/consultation, the statement should
include a summary of the measures which will be put in
n
place to monitor the significant environmental effects of
implementing the plan.
Theremay be overlap between some of the headings above, in
particular items 1 and 2.   For example, consideration of
environmental issues may be linked to submissions received as
la
P


49
part of the consultation process, so that the distinction between
P
items 1 and 2 above may not always be appropriate.
l
Consideration of Submissions
a
6.6 Provision is already made in the 2000 Planning Act for the
consideration of submissions made in relation to draft plans e.g.
n
the Manager's report for the elected members under section 12(4)
or (8) of the 2000 Act must list the persons or bodies who made
submissions, summarise the issues raised, and give the Manager's
n
response to those issues.  Submissions received on the
Environmental Report must also be listed, summarised and analysed
i
as part of this process.  Those who make a submission are entitled
n
to know what consideration has been given to the points made.
While it may be desirable to group similar submissions, individual
submissions should be identified, e.g. by reference number.  Once
g
the SEA-related submissions have been reviewed, a decision has
to be made as to whether any of the predictions regarding likely
significant environmental effects need to be revised, and, if so,
G
whether any of the proposed policies and objectives in the draft
plan should be amended.
u
6.7 If changes to the draft plan are needed, the changes should
be screened as quickly as possible to see if they themselves would
i
cause any significant environmental effects not previously identified
or addressed in the Environmental Report.  The screening process
d
should be recorded, including assessment of any likely significant
environmental effects.  This recording can be done by way of
e
amendment to or separately from the Environmental Report.  If
there are material changes to the draft plan, this screening
l
documentation should be made available for inspection during
i
the public display of the proposed amendments to the draft plan.
n
es


50
Chapter 7:    Monitoring
Requirements of the SEA Directive
7.1 Article 10 of the Directive requires Member States to monitor
es the significant environmental effects of the implementation of
plans “in order, inter alia, to identify at an early stage unforeseen
adverse effects and to be able to undertake appropriate remedial
action.” Existing monitoring arrangements may be used if
appropriate, to avoid duplication of monitoring. 
Purpose of Monitoring
elin 7.2 The primary purpose of monitoring is to cross-check
significant environmental effects which arise during the
implementation stage against those predicted during the plan
id preparation stage.  
Monitoring Arrangements and Methods
u 7.3 The SEADirective leaves considerable flexibility to Member
States in deciding how monitoring shall be arranged.  Such flexibility
is essential because the scope, depth and method of monitoring
will depend very much on the type of plan; the likely significant
environmental effects of implementing Regional Planning
Guidelines, for instance, will be very different from those of Local
Area Plans.  It is recommended that the arrangements and methods
chosen should be those which are best fitted in each case to checking
whether the assumptions made in the Environmental Report
in correspond with the environmental effects arising from
implementation of the plan, and to identifying at an early stage
unforeseen adverse effects.  
n 7.4 The Directive acknowledges that monitoring does not
necessarily require new research activity; existing sources of
information can be used.  Nor does the Directive  require that each
plan be monitored individually; one monitoring arrangement may
la cover several plans (e.g. a Development Plan and related Local
P

51
Area Plans).  Where gaps in environmental information are
P
identified during the preparation of the environmental report,
monitoring measures over the period of the plan can be geared
l
towards addressing such gaps, where this is practicable.
a
Scope of Monitoring
n
7.5 Monitoring must be linked to earlier stages in the SEA
process, in particular to the environmental objectives and issues
identified during the preparation of the Environmental Report.
n
Monitoring should concentrate on the likely significant
environmental effects, which have been identified in the
i
Environmental Report and the measures identified as necessary
n
to prevent, reduce and offset any significant adverse effects.  This
enables the plan-making authority to evaluate emerging data with
a view to considering the need for appropriate remedial action if
g
monitoring reveals unforeseen adverse effects on the environment.
In most cases, it is envisaged that any modifications to a plan will
be incorporated in the subsequent periodic review of the plan;
G
only in the most exceptional circumstances would a variation
during the lifetime of the plan be warranted.  
u
7.6 “Unforeseen adverse effects” is taken to refer to shortcomings
of forecasts in the Environmental Report (e.g. regarding the
i
predicted intensity of an environmental effect) or unforeseen effects
resulting from changes of circumstances, which may affect the
d
validity of certain assumptions in the report.
e
Who is Responsible for Monitoring?
l
7.7 Plan-making authorities should take responsibility (i) for
i
devising monitoring programmes, (ii) for ensuring that
arrangements are in place for the timely collection of monitoring
n
data from all relevant agencies and (iii) for evaluating the results
of monitoring or ensuring that any necessary evaluations are
e
carried out.  
s
7.8 Local authorities already undertake a range of environmental
monitoring (see Appendix D - Sources of Environmental Data),
some of which may be suitable for SEA purposes.  For example,

52
specific plan-related data is often collected as part of the review
of a Development Plan.  As is clear from Appendix D, relevant
data is also collected by other bodies such as the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA); for example, the EPA carries out biological
surveys at some 3,000 sites in rivers, lakes and estuaries on a 3-
year cycle to monitor water quality throughout Ireland.  
es 7.9 However the data is collected, it is essential that arrangements
are put in place to ensure that it is given to the team responsible
for preparing or reviewing the plan.  It will be a matter for the
plan-making authority to ensure that, where monitoring data is
supplied by other agencies, that data is up-to-date and reliable.
When does Monitoring take place?
elin 7.10 The process of monitoring should begin when the plan is
adopted and should, in general, continue over the period of the
plan.   In the case of a development plan for example, sufficient
id data may be available to enable a preliminary report to be prepared
to coincide with the Manager's report to the elected members on
the progress achieved in securing Development Plan objectives,
within two years of the making of the plan (section 15 of the 2000
Planning Act refers).  Otherwise, the results of monitoring can be
integrated with the normal review of the plan.  For example, the
monitoring results could help in the compilation of a revised
baseline study, or in the drafting of revised objectives, for the new
plan.Indicators
in 7.11 Monitoring is often based on indicators which measure
changes in the environment, especially changes which are critical
in terms of environmental quality (such as air or water pollution
levels, or impacts on recorded monuments).  Indicators aim at
simplifying complex inter-relationships and providing information
about environmental issues which is relatively easy to understand.
Given the disparity in scale between (say) Regional Planning
Guidelines and a Local Area Plan for a small town, it is not possible
to prescribe a universal set of indicators.  An indicative list of
la
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53
environmental indicators of relevance to planning (both adverse
P
and beneficial impacts) is given in Table 7A below.
l
7.12 In selecting appropriate indicators,  the plan-making authority
might ask the following questions:
a
1.
What do we want to monitor?
n
2.
Why do we want to monitor this topic?
n
3.
How can it be measured?
i
4.
Where can the necessary information be obtained? (e.g. is it
n
already being measured?)
5.
At which value of the environmental indicator is intervention
g
needed to avoid significant adverse impacts?
7.13 The European Environmental Agency has developed a
G
framework which explains the relationship between environmental
monitoring and indicators.  According to this framework, social
and economic development can exert pressure on the environment,
u
which leads to a change in the state of the environment.  As a
result, impacts on human health and the environment can occur.
i
In order to mitigate or reduce negative impacts, a response is
needed.  Thus,
d
Indicators for driving forces describe the social, demographic
e
and economic developments in societies and the corresponding
changes in lifestyles, etc.  Examples include population growth
l
and higher car ownership.
i
Pressure indicators describe developments in the release of
n
substances, physical and biological agents, the use of resources,
and the use of land.
e
State indicators give a description of the quantity and quality of
s
physical, biological or chemical phenomena in a certain area (e.g.
wildlife resources).  In Ireland, the Environmental Protection

54
Agency regularly publishes “state of the environment” reports,
using such indicators.
Impact indicators  describe the impacts resulting from the driving
forces.  The use of such indicators is well established in the
environmental assessment of projects (EIA).
es Response indicatorsrefer to responses by government, groups
and individuals in society to prevent, compensate, ameliorate or
adapt changes in the state of the environment.
As far as possible, both quantitative and qualitative indicators
should relate to the environmental baseline study which is the
starting point for the preparation of the Environmental Report.
elin
id
u
G
g
in
n
n
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55
Table 7A: Indicative List of Planning-related Indicators
P
Environmental Nature of
Possible indicators
category
potential impact
l

a
1 Biodiversity,
Loss of, flora,
Known Loss
fauna and flora fauna, habitats or
biodiversity
n
2 Population and • Risk of serious • Estimated reduction in road
human health
accident
accidents arising from safer road

n
Air pollution
design/works
• Water (especially • No./severity of recorded water
drinking water)
or air pollution incidents 
i
pollution
n
• Noise
• Recorded traffic or industrial
process noise levels
g
3 Soil
• Consumption of • Increase in reuse/recycling of
non-renewable
construction and demolition
mineral resources
(C&D) waste
G
4 Water
• Pollution of • Water pollution measurements
ground waters, • Estimated levels of water
surface waters,
supply and waste water
u
estuary and sea
infrastructure required to serve
waters
new development
i
• Consumption or • Reduction in estimated loss of
d
loss of water
water supply by repair/renewal
supplies
of old pipe networks
5 Air and
• Air pollution • Traffic volumes/modal split
e
climatic 
(local)
• % of new development within
Factors
public transport corridors
l
• Greenhouse gas • Amount of national/local
i
emissions
energy generated from
n
(national)
renewable sources
6 Material Assets • Flood risk
• Recorded flooding episodes
e
7 Cultural
• Damage to or loss • Known loss of such sites or
heritage
of protected sites
structures
s
or structures
8 Landscape
• Developments in • Scale of such development
sensitive
landscapes

56
Possible Additional Guidance
7.14 It will take a number of years of implementation of the SEA
Directive by EU Member States before experience is built up in
monitoring the environmental effects resulting from the
implementation of plans.  The Directive allows for considerable
flexibility in tailoring monitoring arrangements to the nature of
es different types of plans, and it is to be expected that there will be
a degree of experimentation in the early years of implementing
the Directive.  While there is a substantial amount of environmental
data available at national level, it will not always be possible to
link changes in the environment to the implementation of particular
plans.  The Department will liase with regional and planning
authorities with regard to monitoring, and may issue additional
elin guidance at a later date based on emerging best practice and
experience.
id
u
G
g
in
n
n
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57
P
Appendix A
l
Directive 2001/42/EC of the European Parliament
a
and Council of 27 June 2001 on the assessment of
the effects of certain plans and programmes on the
n
environment
n
THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL
OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
i
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,
n
and in particular Article 175(1) thereof,
g
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission1,
Having regard to the Opinion of the Economic and Social
Committee2,
G
Having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions 3,
u
Acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 251
of the Treaty4, in the light of the joint text approved by the
i
Conciliation Committee on 21 March 2001,
d
eli

1
n
OJ C 129, 25.4.1997, p. 14 and OJ C 83, 25.3.1999, p. 13.
2 OJ C 287, 22.9.1997, p. 101.
3 OJ C 64, 27.2.1998, p. 63 and OJ C 374, 23.12.1999, p. 9.
e
4 Opinion of the European Parliament of 20 October 1998 (OJ C 341, 9.11.1998, p. 18), confirmed on
16 September 1999 (OJ C 54, 25.2.2000, p. 76), Council Common Position of 30 March 2000 (OJ C
s
137, 16.5.2000, p. 11) and Decision of the European Parliament of 6 September 2000 (OJ C 135,
7.5.2001, p. 155). Decision of the European Parliament of 31May 2001 and Decision of the Council
of 5 June 2001.

58
Whereas:
(1) Article 174 of the Treaty provides that Community policy on
the environment is to contribute to, inter alia, the
preservation, protection and improvement of the quality of
the environment, the protection of human health and the
prudent and rational utilisation of natural resources and that
es it is to be based on the precautionary principle. Article 6 of
the Treaty provides that environmental protection
requirements are to be integrated into the definition of
Community policies and activities, in particular with a view
to promoting sustainable development.
(2) The Fifth Environment Action Programme: Towards
elin sustainability – AEuropean Community programme of
policy and action in relation to the environment and
sustainable development1, supplemented by Council
Decision No. 2179/98/EC2 on its review, affirms the
id importance of assessing the likely environmental effects of
plans and programmes.
(3)The Convention on Biological Diversity requires Parties to
integrate as far as possible and as appropriate the
conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity into
relevant sectoral or cross-sectoral plans and programmes.
(4)Environmental assessment is an important tool for
integrating environmental considerations into the
preparation and adoption of certain plans and programmes
which are likely to have significant effects on the
in environment in the Member States, because it ensures that
such effects of implementing plans and programmes are
taken into account during their preparation and before their
adoption.
1 OJ C 138, 17. 5.1993, p. 5.
2
OJ L 275, 10.10.1998, p. 1.
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59
(5) The adoption of environmental assessment procedures at the
P
planning and programming level should benefit
undertakings by providing a more consistent framework in
l
which to operate by the inclusion of the relevant
environmental information into decision-making. The
a
inclusion of a wider set of factors in decision-making should
contribute to more sustainable and effective solutions.
n
(6) The different environmental assessment systems operating
within Member States should contain a set of common
n
procedural requirements necessary to contribute to a high
level of protection of the environment.
in
(7) The United Nations/Economic Commission for Europe
Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a
Transboundary Context of 25 February 1991, which applies
g
to both Member States and other States, encourages the
parties to the Convention to apply its principles to plans and
programmes as well; at the second meeting of the Parties to
G
the Convention in Sofia on 26 and 27 February 2001, it was
decided to prepare a legally binding protocol on strategic
environmental assessment which would supplement the
u
existing provisions on environmental impact assessment in a
transboundary context, with a view to its possible adoption
i
on the occasion of the 5th Ministerial Conference
"Environment for Europe" at an extraordinary meeting of the
d
Parties to the Convention, scheduled for May 2003 in Kiev,
Ukraine. The systems operating within the Community for
e
environmental assessment of plans and programmes should
ensure that there are adequate transboundary consultations
l
where the implementation of a plan or programme being
i
prepared in one Member State is likely to have significant
effects on the environment of another Member State. The
n
information on plans and programmes having significant
effects on the environment of other States should be
e
forwarded on a reciprocal and equivalent basis within an
appropriate legal framework between Member States and
s
these other States.

60
(8) Action is therefore required at Community level to lay down
a minimum environmental assessment framework, which
would set out the broad principles of the environmental
assessment system and leave the details to the Member States,
having regard to the principle of subsidiarity. Action by the
Community should not go beyond what is necessary to achieve
the objectives set out in the Treaty.
es (9) This Directive is of a procedural nature, and its requirements
should either be integrated into existing procedures in Member
States or incorporated in specifically established procedures.
With a view to avoiding duplication of the assessment, Member
States should take account, where appropriate, of the fact that
assessments will be carried out at different levels of a hierarchy
elin of plans and programmes.
(10) All plans and programmes which are prepared for a number
of sectors and which set a framework for future development
id consent of projects listed in Annexes I and II to Council Directive
85/337/EEC of 27 June 1985 on the assessment of the effects
of certain public and private projects on the environment1,and
all plans and programmes which have been determined to
require assessment pursuant to Council Directive 92/43/EEC
of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of
wild flora and fauna2, are likely to have significant effects on
the environment, and should as a rule be made subject to
systematic environmental assessment. When they determine
the use of small areas at local level or are minor modifications
to the above plans or programmes, they should be assessed
only where Member States determine that they are likely to
in have significant effects on the environment.
n
1 OJ L175, 5.7.1985, p. 40. Directive as amended by Directive 97/11/EC (OJ L73, 14.3.1997, p. 5).
2
OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7. Directive as last amended by Directive 97/62/EC (OJ L 305, 8.11.1997,
p. 42).
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61
(11) Other plans and programmes which set the framework for
P
future development consent of projects may not have
significant effects on the environment in all cases and should
l
be assessed only where Member States determine that they
are likely to have such effects.
a
(12) When Member States make such determinations, they should
n
take into account the relevant criteria set out in this Directive.
(13) Some plans or programmes are not subject to this Directive
n
because of their particular characteristics.
i
(14) Where an assessment is required by this Directive, an
n
environmental report should be prepared containing relevant
information as set out in this Directive, identifying, describing
and evaluating the likely significant environmental effects of
g
implementing the plan or programme, and reasonable
alternatives taking into account the objectives and the
geographical scope of the plan or programme; Member States
G
should communicate to the Commission any measures they
take concerning the quality of environmental reports.
u
(15) In order to contribute to more transparent decision-making
and with the aim of ensuring that the information supplied
i
for the assessment is comprehensive and reliable, it is necessary
to provide that authorities with relevant environmental
d
responsibilities and the public are to be consulted during the
assessment of plans and programmes, and that appropriate
e
time frames are set, allowing sufficient time for consultations,
including the expression of opinion.
li
(16) Where the implementation of a plan or programme prepared
in one Member State is likely to have a significant effect on
n
the environment of other Member States, provision should
be made for the Member States concerned to enter into
e
consultations and for the relevant authorities and the public
to be informed and enabled to express their opinion.     
s

62
(17) The environmental report and the opinions expressed by the
relevant authorities and the public, as well as the results of
any transboundary consultation, should be taken into account
during the preparation of the plan or programme and before
its adoption or submission to the legislative procedure.
(18) Member States should ensure that, when a plan or programme
es is adopted, the relevant authorities and the public are informed
and relevant information is made available to them.
(19) Where the obligation to carry out assessments of the effects
on the environment arises simultaneously from this Directive
and other Community legislation, such as Council Directive
79/409/EEC of 2 April 1979 on the conservation of wild birds1,
elin Directive 92/43/EEC , or Directive 2000/60/EC of the
European Parliament and the Council of 23 October 2000
establishing a framework for Community action in the field
of water policy2, in order to avoid duplication of the
id assessment, Member States may provide for coordinated or
joint procedures fulfilling the requirements of the relevant
Community legislation.
(20) A first report on the application and effectiveness of this
Directive should be carried out by the Commission five years
after its entry into force, and at seven-year intervals thereafter.
With a view to further integrating environmental protection
requirements, and taking into account the experience acquired,
the first report should, if appropriate, be accompanied by
proposals for amendment of this Directive, in particular as
regards the possibility of extending its scope to other
in areas/sectors and other types of plans and programmes,
n
1 OJ L103, 25.4.1979, p. 1. Directive as last amended by Directive 97/49/EC (OJ L223,
13.8.1997, p. 9).
2
OJ L 327, 22.12.2000, p. 1.
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63
HAVE ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE:
P
Article 1
l
Objectives
a
The objective of this Directive is to provide for a high level of
n
protection of the environment and to contribute to the integration
of environmental considerations into the preparation and adoption
of plans and programmes with a view to promoting sustainable
n
development, by ensuring that, in accordance with this Directive,
an environmental assessment is  carried out of certain plans and
i
programmes which are likely to have significant effects on the
environment.
n
Article 2
g
Definitions
For the purposes of this Directive:
G
(a) "plans and programmes" shall mean plans and programmes,
including those co-financed by the European Community,
u
as well as any modifications to them:
i
-
which are subject to preparation and/or adoption by
an authority at national, regional or local level or which
d
are prepared by an authority for adoption, through a
legislative procedure by Parliament or Government,
e
and
l
-
which are required by legislative, regulatory or
i
administrative provisions;
n
(b)  "environmental assessment" shall mean the preparation of
an environmental report, the carrying out of consultations,
e
the taking into account of the environmental report and the
results of the consultations in decision-making and the
provision of information on the decision in accordance with
s
Articles 4 to 9;

64
(c)  "environmental report" shall mean the part of the plan or
programme documentation containing the information
required in Article 5 and Annex I;
(d)  "the public" shall mean one or more natural or legal persons
and, in accordance with national legislation or practice, their
es
associations, organisations or groups.
Article 3
Scope
1.
An environmental assessment, in accordance with Articles
elin
4 to 9, shall be carried out for plans and programmes referred
to in paragraphs 2 to 4 which are likely to have significant
environmental effects.
id 2. Subject to paragraph 3, an environmental assessment shall
be carried out for all plans and programmes,
u
(a)  which are prepared for agriculture, forestry, fisheries,
energy, industry, transport, waste management, water
G
management, telecommunications, tourism, town and
country planning or land use and which set the
framework for future  development consent of projects
g
listed in Annexes I and II to  Directive 85/337/EEC,
or
(b)  which, in view of the likely effect on sites, have been
in
determined to require an assessment pursuant to Article
6 or 7 of Directive 92/43/EEC.
3. Plans and programmes referred to in paragraph 2 which
determine the use of small areas at local level and minor
n
modifications to plans and programmes referred to in
paragraph 2 shall require an environmental assessment only
where the Member States determine that they are likely to
have significant environmental effects.
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65
4.
Member States shall determine whether plans and
P
programmes,  other than those referred to in paragraph 2,
which set the framework for future development consent
l
of projects, are likely to have significant environmental effects.
a
5.
Member States shall determine whether plans or programmes
referred to in paragraphs 3 and 4 are likely to have significant
n
environmental effects either through case-by-case examination
or by specifying types of plans and programmes or by
combining both approaches. For this purpose, Member States
n
shall in all cases take into account relevant criteria set out
in Annex II, in order to ensure that plans and programmes
i
with likely significant effects on the environment are covered
n
by this Directive.
6.
In the case-by-case examination and in specifying types of
g
plans and programmes in accordance with paragraph 5, the
authorities referred to in Article 6(3) shall be consulted.
G
7.
Member States shall ensure that their conclusions pursuant
to paragraph 5, including the reasons for not requiring an
environmental assessment pursuant to Articles 4 to 9, are
u
made available to the public.
i
8.
The following plans and programmes are not subject to this
Directive:
d
-
plans and programmes the sole purpose of which is
e
to serve national defence or civil emergency,
l
-
financial or budget plans and programmes.
i
9.
This Directive does not apply to plans and programmes co-
n
financed under the current respective programming periods1
for Council Regulations (EC) No 1260/19992 and (EC) No
e
1257/19993.
1
The 2000-2006 programming period for Council Regulation (EC) No 1260/99 and the 2000-2006
s
and 2000-2007 programming periods for Council Regulation (EC) No 1257/99
2
Council Regulation (EC) No 1260/99 of 21 June 1999 laying down general provisions on the
Structural Funds (OJ L 161, 26.6.1999, p. 1.)
3
Council Regulation (EC) No 1257/99 of 17 May 1999 on support for rural development from the
European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF) and amending and repealing
certain regulations (OJ L 160, 26.6.1999, p. 80.)

66
Article 4
General obligations
1.
The environmental assessment referred to in Article 3 shall
be carried out during the preparation of a plan or programme
and before its adoption or submission to the legislative
es
procedure.
2.
The requirements of this Directive shall either be integrated
into existing procedures in Member States for the adoption
of plans and programmes or incorporated in procedures
established to comply with this Directive. 
elin 3. Whereplans and programmes form part of a hierarchy,
Member States shall, with a view to avoiding duplication
of the assessment, take into account the fact that the
assessment will be carried out, in accordance with this
id
Directive, at different levels of the hierarchy. For the purpose
of, inter  alia, avoiding duplication of assessment, Member
u
States shall  apply Article 5(2) and (3).
Article 5
G Environmental Report
1. Where an environmental assessment is required under Article
3(1), an environmental report shall be prepared in which the
likely significant effects on the environment of implementing
the plan or programme, and reasonable alternatives taking
in
into account the objectives and the geographical scope of
the plan or programme, are identified, described and
n
evaluated. The information to be given for this purpose is
referred to in Annex I.
2. The environmental report prepared pursuant to paragraph
1 shall include the information that may reasonably be
required taking into account current knowledge and methods
of assessment, the contents and level of detail in the plan or
la
programme, its stage in the decision-making process and
P

67
the extent to which certain matters are more appropriately
P
assessed at different levels in that process in order to avoid
duplication of the assessment.
l
3.
Relevant information available on environmental effects of
a
the plans and programmes and obtained at other levels of
decision-making or through other Community legislation
n
may be used for providing the information referred to in
Annex I.
n
4.
The authorities referred to in Article 6(3) shall be consulted
when deciding on the scope and level of detail of the
i
information which must be included in the environmental
n
report.
Article 6
g
Consultations
G
1.
The draft plan or programme and the environmental report
prepared in accordance with Article 5 shall be made available
to the authorities referred to in paragraph 3 of this Article
u
and the public.
i
2.
The authorities referred to in paragraph 3 and the public
referred to in paragraph 4 shall be given an early and
d
effective opportunity within appropriate time frames to
express their opinion on the draft plan or programme and
e
the accompanying environmental report before the adoption
of the plan or programme or its submission to the legislative
l
procedure.
i
3.
Member States shall designate the authorities to be consulted
n
which, by reason of their specific environmental
responsibilities, are likely to be concerned by the
e
environmental effects of implementing plans and
programmes.
s
4.
Member States shall identify the public for the purposes of
paragraph 2, including the public affected or likely to be

68
affected by, or having an interest in, the decision-making
subject to this Directive, including relevant non-governmental
organisations, such as those promoting environmental
protection and other organisations concerned.
5.
The detailed arrangements for the information and
consultation of the authorities and the public shall be
es
determined by the Member States.
Article 7
Transboundary consultations
1.
Where a Member State considers that the implementation
elin
of a plan or programme being prepared in relation to its
territory is likely to have significant effects on the environment
in another Member State, or where a Member State likely to
be significantly affected so requests, the Member State in
id
whose territory the plan or programme is being prepared
shall, before its adoption or submission to the legislative
u
procedure, forward a copy of the draft plan or programme
and the relevant environmental report to the other Member
State.
2. Where a Member State is sent a copy of a draft plan or
programme and an environmental report under paragraph
g
1, it shall indicate to the other Member State whether it
wishes to enter into consultations before the adoption of the
plan or programme or its submission to the legislative
procedure and, if it so indicates, the Member States concerned
in
shall enter into consultations concerning the likely
transboundary environmental effects of implementing the
plan or programme and the measures envisaged to reduce
n
or eliminate such effects.
n
Where such consultations take place, the Member States
concerned shall agree on detailed arrangements to ensure
that the authorities referred to in Article 6(3) and the public
referred to in Article 6(4) in the Member State likely to be
la
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69
significantly affected are informed and given an opportunity
P
to forward their opinion within a reasonable time-frame.
l
3.
Where Member States are required under this Article to enter
into consultations, they shall agree, at the beginning of such
a
consultations, on a reasonable timeframe for the duration
of the consultations.
n
Article 8
n
Decision making
i
The environmental report prepared pursuant to Article 5, the 
n
opinions expressed pursuant to Article 6 and the results of any
transboundary consultations entered into pursuant to Article 7
shall be taken into account during the preparation of the plan or
g
programme and before its adoption or submission to the legislative
procedure.
G
Article 9
Information on the decision
u
1.
Member States shall ensure that, when a plan or programme
i
is adopted, the authorities referred to in Article 6(3), the
public and any Member State consulted under Article 7 are
d
informed and the following items are made available to
those so informed:
e
(a)  the plan or programme as adopted;
li
(b)  a statement summarising how environmental
considerations have been integrated into the plan or
n
programme and how the environmental report
prepared pursuant to Article 5, the  opinions expressed
e
pursuant to Article 6 and the results of
consultations entered into pursuant to Article 7 have
s
been taken into account in accordance with Article 8
and the reasons for choosing the plan or programme

70
as adopted, in the light of the other reasonable
alternatives dealt with, and
(c)  the measures decided concerning monitoring in
accordance with Article 10.
2.
The detailed arrangements concerning the information
es
referred to in paragraph 1 shall be determined by the Member
States.
Article 10
Monitoring
elin 1. Member States shall monitor the significant environmental
effects of the implementation of plans and programmes in
order, inter alia, to identify at an early stage unforeseen
adverse effects, and to be able to undertake appropriate
id
remedial action.
2. In order to comply with paragraph 1, existing monitoring
arrangements may be used if appropriate, with a view to
avoiding duplication of monitoring.
G Article 11
g Relationship with other Community legislation
1.
An environmental assessment carried out under this Directive
shall be without prejudice to any requirements under
in
Directive 85/337/EEC and to any other Community law
requirements.
2. For plans and programmes for which the obligation to carry
out assessments of the effects on the environment arises
n
simultaneously from this Directive and other Community
legislation, Member States may provide for co-ordinated 
or joint procedures fulfilling the requirements of the relevant
Community legislation in order, inter alia, to avoid duplication
la
of assessment.
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71
3.
For plans and programmes co-financed by the European
P
Community, the environmental assessment in accordance
with this Directive shall be carried out in conformity with
the specific provisions in relevant Community legislation.
la
Article 12
Information, reporting and review
n
1.
Member States and the Commission shall exchange
n
information on the experience gained in applying this
Directive.
i
2.
Member States shall ensure that environmental reports are
n
of a sufficient quality to meet the requirements of this
Directive and shall communicate to the Commission any
measures they take concerning the quality of these reports.
g
3.
Before 21 July 2006 the Commission shall send a first report
on the application and effectiveness of this Directive to the
European Parliament and to the Council.  
G
With a view further to integrating environmental protection
u
requirements, in accordance with Article 6 of the Treaty, and
taking into account the experience acquired in the application
of this Directive in the Member States, such a report will be
i
accompanied by proposals for amendment of this Directive,
d
if appropriate. In particular, the Commission will consider
the possibility of extending the scope of this Directive to
other areas/sectors and other types of plans and programmes. 
e
A new evaluation report shall follow at seven-year intervals.
li
4.
The Commission shall report on the relationship between
this Directive and Regulations (EC) No. 1260/1999 and (EC)
n
No. 1257/1999 well ahead of the expiry of the programming
periods provided for in those Regulations, with a view to
e
ensuring a coherent approach with regard to this Directive
and subsequent Community Regulations.
s

72
Article 13
Implementation of the Directive
1.
Member States shall bring into force the laws, regulations
and administrative provisions necessary to comply with this
Directive before 21 July 2004. They shall forthwith inform
es
the Commission thereof.
2.
When Member States adopt the measures, they shall contain
a reference to this Directive or shall be accompanied by such
reference on the occasion of their official publication. The
methods of making such reference shall be laid down by
Member States.
elin 3. The obligation referred to in Article 4(1) shall apply to the
plans and programmes of which the first formal preparatory
act is subsequent to the date referred to in paragraph 1.  Plans
id
and programmes of which the first formal preparatory act
is before that date and which are adopted or submitted to
u
the legislative procedure more than 24 months thereafter,
shall be made subject to the obligation referred to in Article
4(1) unless Member States decide on a case-by-case basis
G
that this is not feasible and inform the public of their decision.
4.
Before 21 July 2004, Member States shall communicate to
g
the Commission, in addition to the measures referred to in
paragraph 1, separate information on the types of plans and
programmes which, in accordance with Article 3, would be
subject to an environmental assessment pursuant to this
in
Directive. The Commission shall make this information
available to the Member States. The information will be
n
updated on a regular basis.
n
la
P


73
Article 14
P
Entry into force
l
This Directive shall enter into force on the day of its
a
publication in the Official Journal of the European
Communities.
n
Article 15
n
Addressees
This Directive is addressed to the Member States.
in
Done at Luxembourg, 27 June 2001.
For the European Parliament 
For the Council
g
The President 
The President
N. FONTAINE
B. ROSENGREN
ANNEX I
G
Information referred to in Article 5(1)
u
The information to be provided under Article 5(1), subject to 
Article 5(2) and (3), is the following:
i
(a)  an outline of the contents, main objectives of the plan or
d
programme and relationship with other relevant plans and
programmes;
e
(b)  the relevant aspects of the current state of the  environment
and the likely evolution thereof without implementation of
l
the plan or programme;
i
(c)  the environmental characteristics of areas likely to be
n
significantly affected;
e
(d)  any existing environmental problems which are relevant to
the plan or programme including, in particular, those relating
to any areas of a particular environmental importance, such
s
as areas designated pursuant to Directives 79/409/EEC and
92/43/EEC;

74
(e)  the environmental protection objectives, established at
international, Community or Member State level, which are
relevant to the plan or programme and the way those
objectives and any environmental considerations have been
taken into account during its preparation;
(f)  the likely significant effects1 on the environment, including
es
on issues such as biodiversity, population, human health,
fauna, flora, soil, water, air, climatic factors, material assets,
cultural heritage including architectural and archaeological
heritage, landscape and the interrelationship between the
above factors;
(g)  the measures envisaged to prevent, reduce and as fully as
elin
possible offset any significant adverse effects on the
environment of implementing the plan or programme;
(h)  an outline of the reasons for selecting the alternatives dealt
id
with, and a description of how the assessment was
undertaken including any difficulties (such as technical
u
deficiencies or lack of know-how) encountered in compiling
the required information;
(i)  adescription of the measures envisaged concerning
monitoring in accordance with Article 10;
(j)  a non-technical summary of the information provided under
the above headings.
in ANNEX II
Criteria for determining the likely significance of effects referred
n to in Article 3(5)
1. The characteristics of plans and programmes, having regard,
in particular, to 
1
la These effects should include secondary,cumulative, synergistic, short, medium and long-term,
permanent and temporary, positive and negative effects.
P

75
-
the degree to which the plan or programme sets a
P
framework for projects and other activities, either with
regard to the location, nature, size and operating
l
conditions or by allocating resources,
a
-
the degree to which the plan or programme influences
other plans and programmes including those in a
n
hierarchy,
-
the relevance of the plan or programme for the
n
integration of environmental considerations in
particular with a view to promoting sustainable
i
development,
n
-
environmental problems relevant to the plan or
programme,
g
-
the relevance of the plan or programme for the
implementation of Community legislation on the
G
environment (e.g. plans and programmes linked to
waste-management or water protection).
u
2.
Characteristics of the effects and of the area likely to be
affected, having regard, in particular, to
i
-
the probability, duration, frequency and reversibility
d
of the effects,
e
-
the cumulative nature of the effects,
l
-
the transboundary nature of the effects,
i
-
the risks to human health or the environment (e.g. due
n
to accidents),
e
-
the magnitude and spatial extent of the effects
(geographical area and size of the population likely
s
to be affected),

76
-
the value and vulnerability of the area likely to be
affected due to:
-
special natural characteristics or cultural heritage,
-
exceeded environmental quality standards or
limit values,
es
-
intensive land-use,
-
the effects on areas or landscapes which have a
recognised national, Community or international
protection status.
elin
id
u
G
g
in
n
n
la
P


77
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78
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79
P
Appendix C
l
Checklist of Policy Documents, Strategies,
a
Guidelines, Directives, Conventions, etc which are
relevant to the Setting of Environmental Protection
n
Objectives   [Schedule 2B(e) of the Planning and
Development Regulations 2001 refers]
n
National:
i

The National Spatial Strategy (2002)
(www.irishspatialplanning.ie) is based on the principles of
n
sustainable development, and includes policies on
environmental quality (e.g. chapter 5.5).
g

Sustainable Development: A Strategy for Ireland (1997)
(www.environ.ie) is a useful compilation of sectoral objectives,
many of which are of potential relevance to land-use planning.
G

Making Ireland's Development Sustainable: Review,
u
assessment and future action (2002) (www.environ.ie)
contained a review of Ireland's 1997 Strategy for Sustainable
Development and was published in advance of the World
i
Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg in
d
2002.  It also included details of Principles for Sustainable
Development 
(2002) (www.comhar-nsdp.ie) prepared by
e
Comhar - the National Sustainable Development Partnership
- which seeks to make sustainable development more relevant
and practical in an Irish context.
li

National Climate Change Strategy (2000) (www.environ.ie):
n
Under the Kyoto Protocol, the overall EU target is to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions by 8% (from 1990 levels) by 2012.
Within this target, an EU burden-sharing agreement in 1998
e
recognised differing circumstances in Member States.  This
agreement allows Ireland an emissions target of +13% on
s
1990 levels.  The Strategy provides an integrated, co-ordinated
framework for achieving the national target.

80

Discussion Paper - Strategy to Reduce Emissions of
Transboundary Air Pollution by 2010 (2003)
(www.environ.ie):  This paper sets out the background to
national emission ceilings for certain air pollutants to be
achieved by 2010, and current, planned and potential
measures to achieve these ceilings.
es • National Biodiversity Plan(2002) (www.environ.ie):  This
Plan, prepared in response to the UN Convention on
Biological Diversity (see below), covers the three levels at
which biodiversity may be considered, namely ecosystem
diversity, species diversity and genetic diversity.  The overall
objective is to secure the conservation, including where
possible the enhancement, and sustainable use of biological
elin
diversity in Ireland and to contribute to conservation and
sustainable use of biodiversity globally.

National Heritage Plan (2002) (www.npws.ie): In relation
id
to heritage generally, this Plan forms the basis of a co-
ordinated strategic approach to the protection and
u
management of heritage up to 2007.

Framework and Principles for the Protection of the
G
Archaeological Heritage (1999) (www.environ.ie): This policy
document seeks to ensure compliance with the 1992 European
Convention on the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage
g
(see below) by setting out the archaeological policies and
principles which all public bodies should apply when
undertaking or authorising development.
in • Changing Our Ways(1998) (www.environ.ie): This policy
statement provides a national policy framework for the
adoption and implementation of strategic waste management
n
plans, under which specific national objectives and targets
would be attained.  
• Preventing and Recycling Waste: Delivering Change(2002)
(www.environ.ie): Building on “Changing Our Ways”, this
policy statement provides for a range of actions to be taken
la
P


81
in order to achieve the Government's policy objectives for
P
the prevention of waste and for the re-use and recycling of
waste that is produced.
l

Taking Stock and Moving Forward (2004) (www.environ.ie):
a
The objective of this policy statement is two-fold: firstly it
reviews progress that has been made in implementing the
n
regional Waste Management Plans and secondly, it outlines
a programme of “key points” to drive future implementation
of those plans.
n

National Development Plan (NDP) 2000-2006 (1999)
i
(www.ndp.ie):  The NDP is designed to strengthen and
n
improve on Ireland’s international competitiveness in order
to support continued, but more balanced, economic and
social development.  Its specific objectives are continuing
g
sustainable national economic and employment growth;
consolidating and improving Ireland's international
competitiveness; fostering balanced regional development;
G
and promoting social inclusion.  The Plan is delivered through
six operational programmes (OPs) - the Economic and Social
Infrastructure OP; the Productive Sector OP; the Investment
u
in Employment and Human Resources Development OP;
two Regional OPs; and the PEACE Programme. 
i

Managing Ireland's Rivers and Lakes: A Catchment-Based
d
Strategy Against Pollution (1997): This document sets out
a strategy to protect water quality against pollution by
e
phosphorus from all sources.
l

Guidelines for Planning Authorities:
i
-
Wind Farm Developments (revised consultation draft
n
- August 2004) (www.environ.ie): Under the Kyoto
Protocol, the EU is committed to reducing greenhouse
e
gas emissions.  By replacing carbon-based fuels in
electricity generation, wind power can help limit CO2
s
and other emissions associated with the generation of
electricity.  Ireland has one of the richest wind energy
resources in Europe.  Development Plans should

82
include acceptance of the importance of wind energy
as a renewable energy source when carried out in an
environmentally acceptable manner.  
-
Residential Density (1999) (www.environ.ie): In
general, increased densities should be encouraged,
particularly in town and city centres, “brownfield”
es
sites, inner suburban/infill sites, outer suburban/
“greenfield” sites, institutional lands, and in towns
and villages, subject to appropriate design criteria.
-
Retail Planning (2000) (www.environ.ie): Policy
objectives include:
elin

promoting forms of development which are
easily accessible, particularly by public transport

supporting the continuing role of town and
district centres.
id
-
Sustainable Rural Housing (consultation draft - March
u
2004) (www.environ.ie):  Subject to good planning
practice, people with rural links are to be favoured for
planning, as will any applicant applying for permission
G
in an area suffering from population decline.
Applicants for housing in rural areas must meet normal
planning requirements in relation to matters such as
g
the proper disposal of waste water and road safety.
The guidelines also include recommendations
concerning site selection and design of rural houses.
in
-
Telecommunications Antennae and Support
Structures (1996). The Guidelines set out a locational
hierarchy in relation to the siting of radio masts; only
n
as a last resort, and if all the alternatives are either
unavailable or unsuitable, should free-standing masts
n
be located in a residential area or beside schools.
Furthermore, only as a last resort should masts be
located within or near small towns and villages; in the
vicinity of large towns or city suburbs, developers
la
P


83
should strive to locate masts in industrial estates or
P
industrial zoned land. The Guidelines are available
by e-mail (xxxxxxxx@xxxxxxx.xx).  
l
-
Quarries and Ancillary Activities (2004)
a
(www.environ.ie): The guidelines were published at
the same time as the commencement of section 261 of
n
the Planning and Development Act 2000, which
introduces a once-off system of registration for quarries,
except those for which planning permission was
n
granted in the last 5 years.  Under the registration
system, quarry operators must supply full details of
i
their operations to the relevant planning authority, by
27 April 2005.  The guidelines offer guidance to
n
planning authorities on making provision for the
aggregates industry through the development plan
g
and on applying the highest planning and
environmental standards to applications for planning
permission for quarrying activities.  They are also
intended as a practical guide to the implementation
G
of section 261 of the Planning and Development Act
2000.
u
European:
i

EU Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) transposed into Irish law
d
by the EU (Natural Habitats) Regulations 1997 (S.I. No. 94
of 1997).  The Directive lists certain habitats and species that
must be given protection in Special Areas of Conservation
e
(SACs).  Irish habitats include raised bogs, active blanket
bogs, turloughs, sand dunes, machair (flat sandy plains on
l
the north and west coasts), heaths, lakes, rivers, woodlands,
i
estuaries and sea inlets.  
n

EU Birds Directive (79/409/EEC) The Directive, transposed
into Irish law through the EU (Natural Habitats) Regulations
e
1997 (S.I. No. 94 of 1997), requires the designation of Special
Protection Areas (SPAs) for:
s

84
(a) listed rare and vulnerable species (such as whooper
swan)
(b) regularly occurring migratory species (such as ducks
and geese)
(c)  wetlands, especially those of international importance,
es
which attract large  numbers of migratory birds each
year.
SACs and SPAs collectively form part of “Natura 2000,” a
network of protected areas throughout the EU.

EU Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC)
elin
(www.wfdireland.ie) aims to prevent any deterioration in
the status of any waters and to achieve at least “good status”
in all waters by 2015.  The Directive is transposed into Irish
law mainly by the European Communities (Water Policy)
id
Regulations 2003 (S.I. No. 722 of 2003).  These Regulations
require in respect of each River Basin District (at Article 12)
u
the establishment, by 22 June 2009, by the relevant local
authorities of environmental objectives and a programme
of measures to meet those objectives and (at Article 13) the
G
making of a River Basin Management Plan.  The
environmental objectives and the programme of measures
must, inter alia, include appropriate measures to give effect
g
to, and achieve the objectives of, Directives such as the
Bathing Water Directive (76/160/EEC), the Birds Directive
(79/409/EEC), the Groundwater Directive (80/68/EEC),
the Drinking Water Directives (80/778/EEC and 98/82/EC),
in
the Sewage Sludge in Agriculture Directive (86/278/EEC),
the Nitrates Directive (91/676/EEC), the Major Accident
(Seveso) Directive (96/82/EC) [see Annex VI of Water
n
Framework Directive for the full list].
• EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC)
sets target dates for the provision of specified levels of waste
water collection and treatment facilities to specified sizes of
agglomeration.
la
P


85

EU Nitrates Directive (91/676/EEC) requires an action
P
programme with binding measures to protect waters against
pollution by nitrates.
l

European Convention on the Protection of the
a
Archaeological Heritage (1992): This establishes standards
for the protection of the archaeological heritage.  The
n
Convention, which was ratified by Ireland in 1997, requires
that appropriate consideration be given to archaeological
issues at all stages of the planning and development process.
n

Granada Convention for the protection of the Architectural
i
Heritage of Europe (1985): The Convention, which was
n
ratified by Ireland in 1997, established common principles
and obligations regarding identification of properties and
the implementation of statutory protection procedures (such
g
as those in Part IV of the 2000 Planning Act).

European Landscape Convention (2000): The Convention,
G
which was ratified by Ireland in 2002, encourages public
authorities to adopt policies at local, national and international
level to protect and manage landscapes throughout Europe.
u
International:
i

Agenda 21 (1992): This was the main product of the UN
d
Conference on Environment and Development held in Rio
de Janeiro in 1992, which endorsed the concept of sustainable
e
development.  This required, inter alia, that environmental
protection should constitute an integral part of the
l
development process; the precautionary approach should
i
be applied; that public access to environmental information
and participation in decision-making should be facilitated;
n
and that EIA should be undertaken for activities likely to
have a significant environmental impact.  Local Agenda 21
e
aims to promote sustainable development at local and
regional level.
s

Kyoto Protocol (1997): The Protocol commits the developed
world to begin taking real action to combat climate change.

86
Industrialised countries have agreed legally binding targets
to reduce their combined greenhouse gas emissions by at
least 5% (compared to 1990 levels) by 2012.  See National
Climate Change Strategy 
above for Ireland's target.

Johannesburg Plan of Implementation (2002) contains
programmes of actions adopted at the World Summit on
es
Sustainable Development in 2002.

UN Convention on Biological Diversity (1992): Ireland
ratified the Convention in 1996, and has prepared a National
Biodiversity Plan (see above) to reflect its requirements.

OSPAR Convention (1992): The Convention (which was
elin
ratified by Ireland in 1997) for the protection of the marine
environment of the north-east Atlantic provides a
comprehensive environmental protection regime, including
all Irish coastal waters.  All possible steps must be taken to
id
prevent and eliminate pollution of the marine environment,
including pollution from land-based activities.
• ESPOO Convention (1991):The Convention (which was
ratified by Ireland in 2002) aims to improve international
G
co-operation in assessing the environmental impact of
proposed major developments, where these developments
are likely to have environmental effects in more than one
g
State.

Protocol on Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)
(2003): 
This Protocol to the Espoo Convention was signed
in
by Ireland at the 5th Ministerial “Environment for Europe”
Conference in Kiev in May 2003.  It aims to provide for a
high level of protection of the environment by ensuring that
n
environmental considerations are taken into account in the
development of plans and programmes. 
n
la
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87
P
Appendix D
l
Sources of Environmental Data
a
1.
General
n
EPA, "Irelands Environment, 2004" (www.epa.ie)
n
EPA, “Environment in focus 2002: Key environmental
i
indicators for Ireland” (2002) (www.epa.ie);
n
OECD, “Environmental Performance Review: Ireland”
(2000)(www.oecd.org)
g
2.
Biodiversity, fauna and flora
Data
Sources
G
• Special Areas of
• Department of the
Conservation; Natural
Environment, Heritage and
u
Heritage Areas; Special
Local Government
Protection Areas; Nature
(www.environ.ie)
Reserves; National Parks
id
• Research on threatened
birds and their habitats
e
• RAMSAR sites
• www.ramsar.org
(internationally
l
important wetlands)
i
• UNESCO Biosphere
• Ireland's two Reserves are
n
Reserves
Killarney National Park and
North Bull Island, County
e
Dublin (www.unesco.org)

s
Forest cover
• Forest Service
(www.agriculture.gov.ie)
• General
• Environmental Impact
Statements (ENFO: e-mail:
xxxx@xxxx.xx)

88
3.
Population and human health
Data
Sources
Demographic Data
Census of Population
(www.cso.ie)
Seveso II sites
Development Plan maps;
Health and Safety Authority
(www.hsa.ie)
Traffic counts
National Roads Authority
(www.nra.ie); local authorities
es Note:For health, see also under soil, water and air/climate factors
4.
Soil
Data
Sources
Classification of soils
National Soil Survey of Ireland
(www.teagasc.ie)
elin Contaminated soils Environmental Impact
Statements (ENFO: e-mail:
xxxx@xxxx.xx)/site investigation
id
data
5.
Water
u Data
Sources
River water quality; lake Environmental Protection
water quality; drinking
Agency (www.epa.ie); The EPA
water quality;
publishes regular reports on
groundwater quality;
water quality monitoring and
bathing water quality publishes regular reports on
urban waste water discharges
and on drinking water quality.
in
Local authorities with “Blue
Flag” beaches;
n
ENFO Briefing Sheets
(www.enfo.ie)
Urban waste water Local authorities
treatment
Aquifer/groundwater
Geological Survey of Ireland
la protection schemes (www.gsi.ie)
P

89
P
6.
Air and climate factors
Data
Sources


l
Emissions of greenhouse
Environmental Protection
gases; sulphur dioxide;
Agency (www.epa.ie). The
a
nitrogen oxides; carbon
EPA publishes annual air
monoxide; volatile
quality monitoring reports.
organic compounds;
Certain urban local authorities
n
airborne particulate
carry out air quality
matter (PM10); smoke
monitoring.
n
concentrations in urban
areas. 
in
7.
Material assets and cultural heritage
Data
Sources
• Record of protected • Development Plans
g
structures (RPS) and
Architectural
Conservation Areas
• Heritage Plans
• City/County Councils
G
• Heritage Appraisals of • Planning authorities/Heritage
Development Plans
Council
• National Inventory of • Local authority offices and
u
Architectural Heritage
public libraries
(NIAH):
(a) Town Surveys
i
(b) Interim County
d
Surveys 
• Record of Monuments • Local authority offices, public
and Places (RMP): sites
libraries and Teagasc offices.
e
protected under the
RMP data is also available on:
National Monuments
www.heritagedata.ie
l
(Amendment) Act, 1994
• Archaeological County • Available for consultation in
i
Inventory Series and
public libraries or for purchase
n
survey of megalithic
from the Government
tombs
Publications Sales Office,
Molesworth Street, Dublin 2
e
• Data on residential / • Planning authorities / 
commercial / industrial
Environmental Impact 
s
development
Statements  (ENFO: e-mail:
xxxx@xxxx.xx)
• Specific heritage data
• Local amenity/local history 
groups

90
Note: 
Databases on the “heritage data” website require users to have a database
of their own to access the data.  In addition, the map information contained
in the Arcinfo export files requires Geographical Information System
software to operate.

8.
Landscape
Data
Sources
es •Landscape character •Development Plans
assessments
• Landscape Conservation • Planning authorities
Areas
• Tree Preservation Orders • Planning authorities
• Forest cover/Indicative • Forest Service
elin Forest Strategies (www.agriculture.gov.ie)
id
u Note: 
The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government
is not responsible for the contents of any of the websites listed above, other
than its own (including ENFO).
g
in
n
n
la
P


91
P
Appendix E
la
Further Reading
n
“Development of Strategic Environmental Assessment
Methodologies for Plans and Programmes in Ireland: Synthesis
Report”  (2003) Environmental Protection Agency/ERM Ireland
n
Ltd. [The fuller Final Report can be downloaded from the EPA
website: www.epa.ie]
in
“Implementation of Directive 2001/42 on the assessment of the
effects of certain plans and programmes on the environment”
(September 2003) European Commission. www.europa.eu.int/
g
comm/environment
“Heritage appraisal of Development Plans: A methodology for
G
planning authorities” (2000) Heritage Council.
www.heritagecouncil.ie
u
“A Draft Practical Guide to the Strategic Environmental Assessment
Directive”  (July 2004) Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (UK).
i
www.odpm.gov.uk
d
elines