Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Requirements

Certain tourism developments, depending on their nature, scale or location may be likely to require Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) under the provisions of the Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1999. Schedule 2 of the Regulations lists a number of categories of development, including defined tourism and leisure related projects, which will be likely to require an EIA if they meet or exceed the thresholds specified in the Schedule. In addition, where such development is located within a "sensitive area", EIA will also be required if it is likely to have a significant effect on the environment. Development Control Advice Note 10 Environmental Impact Assessment provides general guidance for prospective developers on this matter.