Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

Amendments No. 883 and 884 relate to section 214. The section outlines the additional provisions that apply to environmental impact assessments and screening for EIA in respect of applications for retrospective consent.

Amendment No. 883 would insert a provision that the screening for EIA also take account of the "cumulative impact likely from the permitted developments in proximity to the development in question." Again this amendment is not necessary. Section 214 requires that EIA screening is to be carried out in accordance with section 207. Section 207 provides that screening will take into account the significant effects of the development on the environment either by itself or cumulatively with any other project. As the substance of amendment is provided for by another provision of the Bill, I have to oppose this amendment.

Amendment No. 884 requests that "and being carried out" be included in section 214. If I understand the intention of this amendment, it is to align the wording section 214(2) to that of section 214(1), which refers to a development that has or is being carried out. I will review this and consult with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel to see if it is necessary to also include this phrase in section 214(2) and, if appropriate, I will bring forward a Report Stage amendment on the issue. However, I must reject the amendment