Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 March 2026
373. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the specific EIA or appropriate assessment thresholds are proposed to be raised under Action 4; whether regulatory impact analysis has been completed; whether public consultation will be undertaken; and the projected commencement date of any statutory instruments. [16709/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAction 4 of the Accelerating Infrastructure Report and Action Plan commits to the progression of reforms to the system of Environmental Impact Assessment. Reform is warranted because the assessments being conducted in Ireland are disproportionate to those applied in other EU Member States, despite being conducted under the same underpinning EU legislation.
A more targeted and proportionate approach is required. By streamlining the scope of information required, it will reduce the volume of material submitted and, in turn, shorten the time needed to carry out the assessments. This will be done while maintaining compliance with Ireland's obligations under the Directive.
In line with the responsible body identified in the report, the completion of this action is being led by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. There are a series of sub actions assigned to this Department for completion over 2026. This includes, inter alia, examining where targeted exemptions might be applied for critical infrastructure works, raising the threshold for triggering EIA, including for expansions of existing facilities and considering further reforms to align with EU best practice.
My Department monitors the overall implementation of the Accelerated Infrastructure Action Plan. As per the latest update by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, a public consultation on EIA thresholds will be undertaken in Q1 2026.
