ENVR09025 2016 ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
This Module explores the origin and development of environmental policy at European and National level, how the Irish Planning system is used to protect the environment and the requirements of European and National legislation in relation to the environmental assessment of projects (Environmental Impact Assessment) and programmes (Strategic Environmental Assessment).
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;
Explain why and how environmental policy is developed and what influences the development and delivery of policy.
Discuss the main EU and Irish policies in relation to the environment and for one or more areas of environmental policy, perform a critical evaluation of its effectiveness.
Explain the legislative framework of the Irish Planning system, the requirements in relation to the submission of a Planning Application and the nature and scope of the use of the Irish Planning system to protect the environment.
Explain the legislative framework for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) at European and National level.
Explain the requirements of the EPA Guidelines for the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
Teaching and Learning Strategies
The students will be exposed to a blend of learning activities e.g. online lectures (via Adobe Connect or similar), independent learning and directed learning. This approach is expected to address various student learning needs. Moodle will be used to upload educational material (e.g. PowerPoint presentations, recordings of online lectures and supplementary reading material) and a means of assessment (e.g. quizzes, uploading assignments and journals). The online delivery will be blended with workshops to bring the learners together to facilitate group learning.
Module Assessment Strategies
Continuous Assessment - 50%, Final Exam - 50%.
Regular assessments will be undertaken via Moodle and assignments uploaded via Moodle. Assignments may be designed across modules delivered in the same semester.
Students may be assessed individually or in group environments, with a strong emphasis on continual improvement and skill building.
Repeat Assessments
Repeat assessment, where relevant, will involve assignment, practical test or examination that provides evidence that the student has met the subject and topic learning outcomes to the required standard.
Module Dependencies
Indicative Syllabus
Review of a selection of environmental policy documents
Overview of Irish Planning Legislation and Administrative Structures
Review of a City or County Development Plan
Overview of the EU and Irish EIA and SEA legislation
Detailed study of the specific requirements of the Irish EPA guidance documents
Detailed review of part of an EIS
Coursework & Assessment Breakdown
Coursework Assessment
Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | In-class discussion, Q&::::amp::::A sessions and team based assignments. | Formative | Multiple Choice/Short Answer Test | 0 % | OnGoing | 1,2,3,4,5,6 |
2 | Review of part of an EIS. | Coursework Assessment | Assignment | 20 % | OnGoing | 1,2,6 |
3 | Number of MCQs | Coursework Assessment | Multiple Choice/Short Answer Test | 30 % | OnGoing | 1,2,3,4,5,6 |
End of Semester / Year Assessment
Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Final theory exam. | Final Exam | Closed Book Exam | 50 % | End of Semester | 3,4,5,6 |
Full Time Mode Workload
Type | Location | Description | Hours | Frequency | Avg Workload |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lecture | Flat Classroom | Lecture | 2.5 | Weekly | 2.50 |
Independent Learning | UNKNOWN | Self-study, research, reading and reflection | 4.5 | Weekly | 4.50 |
Online Learning Mode Workload
Type | Location | Description | Hours | Frequency | Avg Workload |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lecture | Distance Learning Suite | Online Lectures | 2.5 | Weekly | 2.50 |
Independent Learning | Not Specified | Independent Learning - Online | 4.5 | Weekly | 4.50 |
Module Resources
Irish Planning Acts and Regulations.
City or County Development Plans.
Department of Environment, Community & Local Government (2012) A Guide to Planning Enforcement in Ireland.
Irish EPA (2015) Revised Guidelines on the Information to be contained in Environmental Impact Statements.
Irish EPA (2015) Draft Advice Notes for preparing an EIS.
Council Directive 85/337/EEC on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment, including three amendments (EIA Directive).
Directive 2014/52/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 April 2014 amending Directive 2011/92/EU on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment.
Codified Version of the EIA Directive (2014).
DIRECTIVE 2001/42/EC OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 27 June 2001 on the assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes on the environment.
Draft Guidelines for Planning Authorities and An Bord Pleanála on carrying out Environmental Impact Assessment - Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, July 2012.
Recent Irish Environmental Impact Statements
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32014L0052
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/eia/pdf/EIA_Directive_informal.pdf
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32001L0042&from=EN
None
None