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Strategic Environmental Assessment

Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is the process by which environmental considerations are required to be fully integrated into the preparation and adoption of plans and programmes. The objective of the SEA process is to provide for a high level of protection of the environment and to contribute to the integration of environmental considerations into the preparation and adoption of specified plans and programmes with a view to promoting sustainable development. 

Eleven sectors are specified in the legislation where competent authorities must subject specific plans and programmes, which are likely to have significant effects on the environment, to an environmental assessment. 

Three statutory environmental authorities have been designated under the SEA Regulations in Ireland :

• EPA
• Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government
• Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources

The designated environmental authorities must (by reason of their specific environmental responsibilities) be consulted by competent authorities (plan/programme makers) during the environmental assessment process.

Steps involved

The steps involved in the environmental assessment are:

• The preparation of an environmental report
• The carrying out of consultations
• The integration of environmental considerations   
• The publication of information on the decision

In addition, the significant environmental effects of the implementation of plans/programmes are required to be monitored.