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

Section 9, dealing with exemptions is included to ensure that where such exemptions are appropriate and allowed for under the water framework directive, they can be exercised if necessary.

The scope of the exemptions that would potentially be permitted by regulations made under this section is strictly limited and these activities are listed in section 9. No specific organisations are deemed exempt from any requirements. The broad criteria or matters to which the Minister must have regard when making regulations to allow for exemptions are listed in the section and include: the environmental objectives of the water body concerned, and the requirements of the birds, habitats and environmental impact assessment, EIA, directives. The Minister will be required to consult with and consider the opinion of the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, when making any regulations under this section.