Public Consultation on the Natura Impact Statement and Strategic Environmental Assessment for the Northern & Western Regional Programme 2021-27
The Northern & Western Regional Assembly invites submissions, observations and comments on the Natura Impact Statement (NIS) and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) for the ERDF co-funded Northern & Western Regional Programme 2021-27 [“the Regional 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 (S.I No 477/2011). The overall purpose of the AA process is to ensure that the Regional Programme 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 SEA has been prepared under EU Directive 2001/42/EC and EC Environmental Assessment of Certain Plans and Programmes Regulations 2004 (S.I 435 of 2004) as amended by S.I No 200 of 2011. The purpose of this SEA Report is to inform the development of the Regional Programme, identify describe and evaluate the likely significant effects (positive or negative) of the implementation of the Regional Programme and its reasonable alternatives; and provide an opportunity for the statutory authorities and the public to offer views on any aspect through consultation.
Public Consultation
The NIS and SEA processes have been, and continue to be iterative, and are assisting in making the final Regional Programme more robust by fully integrating wider environmental considerations into the programme.
The Assembly, as Managing Authority for the Regional Programme, is committed to engaging with stakeholders in a clear, open and transparent manner. Any person or organisation can make a submission in relation to this consultation. The following documents can be viewed at www.nwra.ie and at the offices of the Northern & Western Regional Assembly in Ballaghaderreen up to the 19th September 2022 by appointment by phoning 094 986 2970
- Strategic Environmental Assessment
- Natura Impact Statement (NIS)
- Draft Northern & Western Regional Programme 2021-27
Observations on these documents are welcome by close of business on Monday 19th September 2022 and will be taken into consideration before the finalisation of the programme.
Please address these comments in writing to the Director, Northern and Western Regional Assembly, The Square, Ballaghaderreen, Co Roscommon or by email to: ei.ar1731197254wn@fd1731197254reaes1731197254 before the closing date.
Before making any submission please read the Privacy Notice below.
About the Draft NW Regional Programme 2021-27
The Northern & Western Regional Programme 2021-27 is co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund and the Government of Ireland.
The Programme aims to strengthen EU economic, social and territorial cohesion by correcting imbalances between regions. It supports balanced regional development by co-funding investment under EU policy objectives of a more competitive and smarter Europe, a greener, low-carbon transitioning towards a net zero carbon economy and resilient Europe, and a Europe closer to citizens by fostering sustainable and integrated development.
The Programme will also align with and deliver national and regional objectives under Project Ireland 2040: The National Planning Framework and the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy of the Northern & Western Region.
Data Protection
Responses to this consultation are subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 2014, Access to Information (AIE) on the Environment Regulations 2007-18 and the Data Protection Act 2018.
We intend to publish the contents of all submissions received to this consultation on our website. Please indicate in your response whether you are submitting a response in a personal capacity or on behalf of an organisation.
We will redact personal data prior to publication. There will be no redaction of contact information or names in submissions from an organisation. In responding to this consultation, parties should clearly indicate where their responses contain personal information, commercially sensitive information or confidential information which they would not wish to be released under FOI, AIE or otherwise published.
We would like to draw your attention to our Data Privacy Notice which is available on our website and explains how and when we collect personal data, why we do so and how we treat this information. It also explains your rights in relation to the collection of personal information and how you can exercise those rights.