Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)

These are interesting amendments because they expand public participation and take into account the transboundary elements of the EIA directive. The amendments require applicants for strategic infrastructure to include in the newspaper notice, where relevant, that a proposed development is likely to have a significant impact on the environment of another EU member state signatory to the transboundary convention. They cover what kind of decisions the board may make on such applications and also require that an application and its environmental impact statement be copied to the relevant other member state so that it be given a chance to comment.

We made the point that we were very concerned about planning procedures and policy decisions in a neighbouring state, particularly on the nuclear side. I included a very interesting reference to make sure there was no ambiguity on the issue. If we demand transboundary access and the right to comment on projects in other jurisdictions, we should abide by that for our own operations, as I am sure Members will agree.