Proposed Environmental Impact Assessment (Fish Farming in Marine Waters) Regulations

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development proposes to make the above Regulation, Environmental Impact Assessment (Fish Farming in Marine Waters) to meet EU obligations in Council Directive (85/337/EEC) as further amended by the Public Participation Directive (2003/35/EC).

The proposed Regulations will revoke and re-enact, with amendments, the Environmental Impact Assessment (Fish Farming in Marine Waters) Regulations 1999. The proposed Regulations set out the environmental impact assessment procedures to be undertaken in respect of certain fish farming projects. The proposed amendments further extend the procedures in respect of public consultation and participation in relation to decision making by the Departments on the environmental impact of certain projects.

The enclosed Consultation Document has been prepared on the proposed Regulations and explains the changes in procedures.

Comments on the proposed Regulations are invited and should be made in writing, by letter, fax, or e-mail to the address below:

Any comments should be made by Monday 16 January 2006 in view of the urgent timetable for making the legislation in accordance with EU obligations.