NDP and strategic environmental assessment

Questions asked in the Dáil by Ciarán - Other

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25 October 2005	Finance	NDP and strategic environmental assessment

Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Finance if the current or proposed new national development plans have been, or will be assessed under the guidelines for strategic environmental assessment; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Finance: I assume the Deputy is referring to a strategic environmental assessment under the EU strategic environmental assessment directive (2001/42/EC). In the case of the National Development Plan 2000-2006, the issue does not arise as the strategic environmental assessment directive only applies to a plan or programmes where the preparation was commenced on or after 21 July 2004. The next NDP, for 2007-2013, will be a financial plan. It is accordingly considered that it does not fall within the framework of the directive and it will not therefore be subject to a formal SEA. The Government has, however, indicated that environmental sustainability will be a key horizontal objective of the investment strategy of the next NDP and consultation on this aspect with environmental interests will take place in the context of drafting the plan.

Ciarán Cuffe is a TD for the Dún Laoghaire Dáil Constituency. Ciarán can be contacted at Dáil Éireann, Kildare Street, Dublin 2 or 96 Patrick Street, Dún Laoghaire Tel. 284 6060 or 618 3082, Fax 618 4341, Email Ciaran CiaranCuffe.com