Public Consultation on the Natura Impact Statement and Strategic Environmental Assessment for Ireland’s Draft Fifth Nitrates Action Programme

This NIS has been prepared to inform the Appropriate Assessment (AA) process required under the Habitats Directive and the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011. The overall purpose of the AA process is to ensure that the NAP does not result in any adverse effects on the integrity of any European sites in view of its conservation objectives and to detail proposed mitigation measures needed to avoid, reduce or eliminate likely effects on a European Site or adverse effects on the integrity of a European Site.

The purpose of this SEA Report is to inform the development of the NAP, identify describe and evaluate the likely significant effects of the implementation of the NAP and its reasonable alternatives; and provide an opportunity for the statutory authorities and the public to offer views on any aspect through consultation.

The NIS and SEA processes have been, and continue to be iterative, and are assisting in making the final NAP more robust by fully integrating wider environmental considerations into the programme.