Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

On amendment No. 54, the issue here is that the current wording in terms of EIA or appropriate assessment is fine but it does not cover all environmental issues. The amendment's wording would add "or where the activity may have a significant impact on the environment”. This would ensure compliance with the Aarhus Convention, Articles 6(1) and 6(1)b. With exempted development, the development is exempt from the planning process and exempt then from public participation as it does not go through the planning process. As we know, under the Aarhus Convention, anything that has an environmental impact needs public participation. Environmental matters that have a significant impact on the environment are not covered by EIA or appropriate assessment. If the Minister does not accept our amendment, there will not be public participation for such environmental matters or impacts. Therefore, we would not be compliant with the Aarhus Convention. If the Minister is not accepting our amendment, will he let us know how he thinks not accepting it is compliant with the Aarhus Convention in terms of significant environmental impacts and public participation?