ENVR07056 2019 EIA and Planning

Differentiate between what constitutes Development and Exempted Development and outline the nature and extent of the documentation required for a Planning Application.

Identify the main functions and roles of various organisations in relation to the Irish Planning system at National, Regional and Local level

Explain how the Irish Planning System can assist in protecting the Environment.

Explain the requirements of the Irish EPA Guidelines on the Information to be contained in Environmental Impact Assessment Reports (EIARs).

Carry out a Critical Review of an EIS/Development Plan/Planning Report/Planning Permission.

This module will be delivered full-time (or part-time for online modules). This will include lectures, augmented by independent learning and directed learning. This approach is expected to address student learning needs. Moodle will be used as a repository of educational resources and as a means of assessment (e.g. quizzes, uploading assignments and journals).

This module is 50% Continuous Assessment and 50% Final Exam.

There are two separate MCQs worth 15% each.

There is one continuous assessment assignment (20%) (either individual or group) which will involve a review of documents available in the public domain such as planning files, development plans or environmental impact assessment reports.

Repeat Continuous Assessment and/or Final Theory Exam.

1. Differentiate between what constitutes Development and Exempted Development and outline the nature and extent of the documentation required for a Planning Application

• Legal definitions of development and exempted development
• Overview of requirements for the documentation required to ensure a valid planning application based on the Irish Planning Acts and Regulations 

2. Identify the main functions and roles of various organisations/bodies in relation to the Irish Planning system at National, Regional and Local level

Roles of the various organisations/bodies/public in relation to Planning system in Ireland, including:

• Government and various Government Departments 
• Regional and Local Planning Authorities
• The Planning Appeals Board (An Bord Pleanala)
• The Courts
• European Commission
• Prescribed Bodies
• Rights of the Public to comment/object

3. Explain how the Irish Planning System can assist in protecting the Environment.

• Land-Use Zoning
• Nature and legal status of Planning Conditions
• Planning Control system

4. Explain the requirements of the Irish EPA Guidelines on the Information to be contained in Environmental Impact Assessment Reports (EIARs).

• Fundamental Principles of EIA
• Screening
• Scoping
• Alternatives
• How to describe a Project in an EIAR
• How to describe the existing Environment in EIA
• Impact Assessment Methodologies
• Developing Mitigation and Monitoring Measures

5. Carry out a Critical Review of an EIAR/Development Plan/Planning Report/Planning Permission.

• Students work individually and/or in groups to critically review a  professionally produced document and assess the document based on a set of criteria set out by the lecturer.