Environmental Impact Assessment

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What is an Environmental Impact Assessment?

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is the process of examining the anticipated environmental effects of a proposed project. This spans across:

  • Consideration of environmental effects at design stage
  • Consultation and preparation of an Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR)
  • Evaluation of the EIAR by a competent authority
  • The subsequent decision as to whether the project should be permitted to proceed

Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR)

An EIAR is a report of the effects which the proposed project would have on the environment if carried out. It is prepared by the developer to inform the EIA process.

What projects require an EIA?

The projects which require EIA are listed in Annex I and Annex II of the EIA Directive.

Projects listed in Annex I of the EIA Directive have mandatory EIA requirements. Each Member State decides on a case-by-case basis whether Annex II projects require an EIA. Thresholds have been set for Annex II projects in Irish legislation. Projects which do not meet the threshold may still require an EIA if the project is likely to have significant effects on the environment (sub-threshold projects).

The Annex I and Annex II projects have been transposed into Section 5 (Parts 1 and 2) of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, as amended.

Legal basis: EU EIA Directive 2011/92/EU and Planning and Development Act 2000

What is the process?

The EIA process is a systematic approach, involving the following steps:

Stakeholder consultation

Engage with stakeholders to gather input and address concerns about the proposed project.

Screening

An initial assessment to determine whether a project requires an EIA. This is based on set thresholds outlined in the Planning and Development Regulations. The screening stage identifies projects that may have significant environmental impacts.

Scoping

Define the scope of the EIA, including which environmental factors will be assessed and what methodologies will be used. This helps focus the assessment on relevant issues.

Considering alternatives

Evaluate alternative options for the project. This includes different locations, designs or technologies that could minimize negative impacts.

Project description

Provide a detailed description of the proposed project. Include its purpose, design and operational aspects.

Baseline description

Establish existing environmental conditions in the area where the project will occur. This serves as a reference point for assessing potential impacts.

Assess impacts

Analyse both direct and indirect effects of the project on various environmental factors. These factors include biodiversity, human health, air quality and cultural heritage.

Mitigation and monitoring

Propose measures to mitigate identified negative impacts. Outline plans for monitoring these impacts throughout the project's lifecycle.

Preparing the Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR)

Compile all findings into an EIAR including a non-technical summary for public understanding. This report must be submitted with the planning application.

Submitting your assessment

The results of this assessment should be included with your submission to the relevant planning authority.

Supporting information