Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)

The amendment to section 182A(4)(b) provides that an application for the consent and the accompanying environmental impact statement, EIS, for an electricity transmission line will have to be sent to the local authority in an area as well as to prescribed bodies. This refers back to something Senator Bannon was highlighting earlier, namely, the importance of having a cross-reference to ensure that local authorities receive the necessary documentation. It is normal practice that local authorities are sent copies of applications of this type for observation and this will follow in the other consent processes provided for in the Bill. The requirement will help to standardise practice as regards the notification procedures with regard to strategic infrastructure applications. It is appropriate that we have a standard process.

Government amendment No. 111 in section 24 makes the same change in respect of an EIS sought by the board before it considers amending a consent for a strategic infrastructure. What I am proposing in both of these amendments is to ensure that a single system applies in all cases, which is consistent, and in particular that local authorities have sight of significant reports, as Senators Bannon and McCarthy have suggested is necessary. I hope the House will support both amendments.