Stages of EIA and AA • Report Preparation • Key Case Law and Legislation

Irish and EU Case Law is reshaping EIA / AA assessment and staying ahead isn’t optional – it’s essential. This one-day course gives planners, consultants, solicitors and environmental professionals the practical tools, legal insights and strategic know-how to navigate EIARs, AA screening and the ever-changing regulatory framework with confidence. You will come away better informed on the latest updates, how to avoid common pitfalls, and master the art of translating complex environmental law into real world projects.

Topics

EIA Session

• EIAR - Stages of the process
• Case Law - Coyne v An Bord Pleanála [2023] / Heather Hill Management Co CLG V An Bord Pleanála [2024] / Salmon Watch Ireland CLG & Ors v The Aquaculture Licenses Appeal Board & Ors [2024]
• EIAR adequacy vs assessment adequacy
• Requirements of the EIA Directive
• Climate Assessment in EIA (Now Essential)
• European and domestic guidance
• EIA Screening
• Defining a project and what to include
• EIA Scoping
• Mandatory Assessment v Case by Case basis
• Criteria to be Considered
• Annex 1 - Specific projects for which an EIA is mandatory
• Annex II Projects
• What information should be provided in an EIAR?
• Mitigation measures
• Project Splitting (Case law examples)
• Cumulative v Indirect Effects – Identifying the scope of the entirety of the project
• Public Participation
• Key considerations before submitting an EIAR

AA Session

• Relevant Guidance on AA
• Appropriate Assessment Flow Chart
• Screening for AA (including case law)
• Mitigation measures at AA Screening (including case law)
• Mitigation Measures:
  
  • Comparison with EIA
  • Mitigation Measures versus Compensation Measures
• Appropriate Assessment Procedure – Stage 2
• “Adverse Effects” on the Integrity of a European Site
• Reasonable Scientific Doubt (including case law)
• Imperative Reasons of Overriding Public Interest (“IROPI”)
• Strict Protection and Derogation Licences

Who Should Attend?

Essentially, anyone involved in land development, infrastructure projects, or policy-making processes where Environmental Impact Assessment and Appropriate Assessment are required, would find huge value in this training course.

Certification

On completion of this one-day training course, you will receive your Certificate of Attendance. Please note certificates are issued at the close of the training course to participants on completion of the course.

This course may qualify for CPD points. Please check directly with your association or awarding body to see how many points they will award.

Cost

An ‘Early Bird’ discounted rate of €545 is currently available. This training course normal rate is €645. Places are limited and are allocated on a first come first served basis. PLEASE NOTE THE EARLY BIRD RATE CLOSES 3 WEEKS PRIOR TO COURSE DATE. The course cost includes all course documentation and Certificate of Attendance.

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“I found today's course to be very beneficial and will be reverting back to the materials provided in future for reference.”‍

- Tríona Walsh, Graduate Planner

“Easy to follow for such a dense topic. Well answered questions. Very well thought out course”

- Brendan Dickerson, Senior Consultant

“The case studies and breakout discussions were very informative, as we got to hear various perspectives based on peoples interests and own career. It was great to gain a wider knowledge on assessment, mitigation, and legal insights of EIA and AA”

- Aoife McSweeney, Graduate Planner