From Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage
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The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien, TD, has published the Natura Impact Statement of the 3rd Cycle River Basin Management Plan for Ireland 2022-2027 for consultation.
A key commitment in the Programme for Government, launching a new strengthened River Basin Management Plan will help Ireland protect, improve and sustainably manage our water environment to 2027. Achieving good water quality in our rivers, lakes, estuaries and seas is essential for protecting Ireland’s drinking water sources, environment and people’s quality of life. The plan is produced in implementation of the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD). The draft River Basin Management Plan for Ireland 2022-2027 has undergone public consultation between 27th September 2021 and 31st March 2022. On consideration of the submissions, observations and comments submitted during that phase, the 3rd Cycle River Basin Management Plan (Water Action Plan 2024) has been prepared.
The purpose of this consultation is to seek the public’s views on the Natura Impact Statement of the finalised Plan. The Ecological Assessment Unit of the Housing, Local Government and Heritage shall have regard to any submissions or observations received during the public consultation. Following a review of the responses, the Ecological Assessment Unit will make a determination to the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage pursuant to Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive.
An Appropriate Assessment is being conducted of the draft Water Action Plan 2024 by the Ecological Assessment Unit, as required under Regulation 42 of the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011-2021. This public consultation is being carried out in accordance with Regulation 42(13) of these Regulations. The Ecological Assessment Unit shall have regard to any submissions or observations received during the public consultation and may subsequently determine that the plan shall, or shall not, adversely affect the integrity of a European site.
The Minister now invites members of the public to make submissions, observations and comments on the Natura Impact Statement during the period from Tuesday 28th May 2024 to 5pm Monday 24th June 2024 .
A copy of:
are all available for public inspection online and at the 90 North King Street (Smithfield) offices of the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Dublin 7, during office hours (9.15 to 5.30pm Monday to Thursday and 9.15am to 5.15pm on Fridays, excluding public holidays) during the period from Tuesday 28th May 2024 until 5pm Monday 24th June 2024 .
If you wish to view the documents in person, please email eau@npws.gov.ie or call (01) 888 2052 and reference the consultation to make an appointment.
Submissions or observations in relation to the Natura Impact Statement can be made either to eau@npws.gov.ie or by post to:
Head of Ecological Assessment
Room 2.23 Ecological Assessment Unit
National Parks and Wildlife Service
90 North King Street
Smithfield
Dublin D07 N7CV.
These submissions will be considered by the Ecological Assessment Unit (EAU) and will inform a determination pursuant to Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive and the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011-2021.
Please note that submissions received may be made available on the Government’s website. See the consultation’s Privacy Statement under the Documents link for further information.
Draft Water Action Plan 2024 - A River Basin Management Plan for Ireland
Natura Impact Statement - 3rd Cycle River Basin Management Plan
Public Consultation on the Natura Impact Statement of the 3rd Cycle River Basin Management Plan - Privacy Statement
All submissions and observations submitted to the Department for this purpose are subject to release under the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 2014 and the European Communities (Access to Information on the Environment) Regulations 2007-2014. Submissions are also subject to Data Protection legislation.
Personal, confidential or commercially sensitive information should not be included in your submission (other than your name and contact details). It will be presumed that all information contained in your submission is releasable under the Freedom of Information Act 2014.
Please note that all submissions and observations received may be made available on the department’s website. In any event, all submissions received will be subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, Access to Information on the Environment Regulations, and Data Protection legislation. See also the Privacy Statement below.
Submissions and observations will be considered in the finalisation of the plan and the associated assessments, as outlined above.