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

On the last question on the environmental impact assessment, EIA, it is the case that in circumstances where an environmental impact assessment report, EIAR, or a Natura impact statement, NIS, is required in respect of a housing proposal, the development cannot avail of the Part 8 exemption. In such instances, the local authority should follow the applicable process for environmental impact assessment and appropriate assessment of the proposed development, while also being required to be submitted to the elected members of the local authority for approval, in line with the normal Part 8 approval procedures. I think that clarifies that element of the amendment for the Deputy. The criteria are quite strict and this goes back to the question posed by Deputy Ó Snodaigh as well. I listened to some of that debate yesterday on Údarás na Gaeltachta where 12 pilots would not qualify because they do not own any land with Údarás na Gaeltachta. The land has to be owned by the local authority or another specified body and the list is-----