Mr. Peter Carvill:

Let us say that the requirements of the habitats directive, as set out in the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011, extend to all agencies of the State that are involved in giving consents, permits or licences.

Basically, what we are talking about is that where such consents or licences or permits are being given, whatever agency is empowered under the legislation to do so - it may be a local authority, the Marine Institute or the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government - it will be required under the directive and under the birds and habitats regulations to satisfy itself that what it is agreeing to will not, on its own or in combination with other plants and projects, impact on what is called the integrity of a European site which is a special area of conservation or a special protection area.