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

My amendment reads, "In page 77 ... to insert ... The preparation, making and revision of a regional spatial and economic strategy shall be subject to an assessment in respect of its effect on water quality of water bodies in the region, in respect of requirements under Article 4 of the Water Framework Directive." The Minister of State might think there is no need for a provision like this but there is a need for such a provision because there was a ruling in the European Court of Justice in Case C-461/13 in July 2015 in which Ireland failed to comply with the terms of the need to assess the impacts of the deterioration of the quality of water bodies. The Court of Justice clarified that assessment is needed and required and that there is an obligation to be met under Article 4 that an assessment would be required. The amendment proposes that the making or revision of a regional spatial and economic strategy shall be subject to an assessment in respect of its effect on water bodies. We have discussed already under this Bill the importance of water bodies in terms of the natural environment and biodiversity. There are impacts on nature and human health as well. Water bodies have been neglected for far too long and this amendment is needed to ensure compliance with Article 4.