Geological Survey Ireland is Ireland’s public earth science knowledge centre, we provide independent geological information and advice and gather various data for that purpose. GSI deals with a diverse array of topics including bedrock, groundwater, seabed mapping, natural disasters, and public health risks. It acts as a project partner in interpreting data and developing models and viewers to allow people to understand the subsurface.
Appropriate Assessment (AA)
Screening for Appropriate Assessment is required under the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC, Article 6(3) and (4), Assessment of Plans and Projects Significantly Affecting Natura 2000 Sites. Such assessments are required where it is identified that a proposed plan or project is likely to have significant impacts on a Natura 2000 site. In Ireland the relevant legislation is transposed as S.I. No. 477/2011 - European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011, as amended.
Regulation 42 of S.I. 477/2011 sets out obligations of Public Authorities around their plans or projects, including consultation with the Minister (of DHLGP). Geological Survey Ireland is listed as a separate “Public Authority” in addition to any “Minister of Government”.
In this regard, Geological Survey Ireland has an obligation to carry out Appropriate Assessment for any plan or project likely to cause damage to a Natura 2000 site including consultation with DHLGP (i.e. Via NPWS) where necessary.
Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)
Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is a process for 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.
SEA of plans and programmes is required by European Directive 2001/42/EC (‘the SEA Directive’). This has been transposed into Irish legislation under two separate regulations:
- S.I. No. 201 of 2011 (the Planning and Development (Strategic Environmental Assessment) (Amendment) Regulations 2011). Hereafter these are referred to as the ‘SEA Planning Regulations’.
- S.I. No. 200 of 2011 (the European Communities (Environmental Assessment of Certain Plans and Programmes) (Amendment) Regulations 2011).
The regulations require that the SEA Report must be made publicly available at the same time as when the draft plan or project is put on public display. In this regard it is common practice to present the SEA Report as a separate appendix to the draft plan or project. An SEA Statement, which is published after the adoption of the plan or project, must also be made available to the public, environmental authorities, and any transboundary States (where relevant).