Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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85. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his Department carried out an environmental impact assessment before the issuing of offshore exploration licences in the Atlantic margin; if he is satisfied that in the issuing of these licences, the provisions of the Aarhus Convention were complied with by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29590/17]

Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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In advance of any licensing round, my Department undertakes a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) to ensure a high level of environmental protection and promote sustainable development by the early integration of environmental considerations into the planned licensing rounds, and subsequent potential offers of petroleum authorisations.

An Irish Offshore Strategic Environmental Assessment 5 (IOSEA 5) was undertaken in advance of the 2015 Atlantic Margin Licensing Round and the study area included the entire Porcupine Basin, Slyne Basin, Erris Basin, Donegal Basin, Goban Spur Basin, Fastnet Basin, Celtic Sea basins, Kish Basin and a substantial part of the Irish Rockall Basin including perched basins along its margins.

In keeping with the spirit of the Aarhus Convention of ensuring meaningful public participation in environmental decision-making, a six week public consultation formed part of the process which encouraged members of the public and other parties with an interest in the protection of Ireland’s environment to submit comments for consideration ahead of the licensing round. Individual public consultation events were held on 18th, 19th, 25th and 26th May. These events were held in Donegal, Galway, Cork and Dublin respectively. They were supported by relevant information charts and graphics. The Environmental Report produced by the process can be accessed at the first link that follows.

The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directive, the Habitats Directive and the Birds Directive, require assessment of applications for plans, programmes and projects which may potentially have a significant effect on the environment or an adverse effect on  protected sites. In accordance with these requirements, all activities proposed to be carried out under any petroleum authorisation is subject to these assessments prior to the grant of any approval. 

The relevant assessments for all licensed activities in recent years can also be accessed on my Department’s website at the second link that follows. www.dccae.gov.ie/en-ie/natural-resources/topics/Oil-Gas-Exploration-Production/environment/strategic-environmental-assessment/Pages/Irish-Offshore-Environmental-Assessment-(IOSEA)-5.aspx.

www.dccae.gov.ie/en-ie/natural-resources/topics/Oil-Gas-Exploration-Production/environment/statuatory-consents/Pages/Statutory-Consents.aspx.