Hazzard seeks public’s views on environmental regulations
Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard has launched a consultation seeking views on proposed changes to the planning process in assessing environmental impacts of development proposals.
The European Directive on Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) requires the integration of environmental considerations into the preparation and operation of development projects to reduce their impact on the environment.
Recent revisions to the EIA Directive are intended to improve current levels of environmental protection while lightening the administrative burden through a more harmonised regulatory framework.
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Chris Hazzard said, “Balancing the demands of environmental protection with the need for development and economic growth presents us all with a degree of challenge. The new Regulations provide a clearer and simplified legal framework for environmental impact assessments.
“Their introduction will lead to an improved assessment process, better decisions and increased transparency in environmental decision making which will benefit the development industry, the public and our environment.”
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The Infrastructure Minister continued, “The revisions to the EIA Directive aim to improve the soundness and predictability of decisions on public and private investments, ensuring that they are sustainable in the longer term.
“I want to help develop a regionally balanced economy, encourage sustainable development, whilst protecting our environment. I would encourage people to participate in this consultation process so that they can help shape the direction of sustainable development,” he added.
The consultation is open now and will close on 9th February 2017. The consultation is available here: https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/consultations
Short URL: https://newrytimes.com/?p=58822
Posted by Newry Times News
on Jan 5 2017. Filed under Politics.
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