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Number 27 of 2006
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT (STRATEGIC INFRASTRUCTURE) ACT 2006
ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS
Preliminary and General
Section
Strategic Infrastructure Developments - Jurisdiction of An Bord Pleanála under Principal Act to deal with them
4. Provision of electricity transmission and gas infrastructure.
Amendments of Principal Act (including amendments consequential on Part 2)
13. Judicial review of, and determination of questions of law arising in, certain matters.
36. Environmental impact assessment of certain State developments.
Miscellaneous
48. Amendment of Acquisition of Land (Assessment of Compensation) Act 1919.
49. Amendment of Transport (Railway Infrastructure) Act 2001.
50. Further amendment of Transport (Railway Infrastructure) Act 2001.
Acts Referred to
Acquisition of Land (Assessment of Compensation) Act 1919 | 9 & 10 Geo. 5, c. 57 |
1998, No. 24 | |
1956, No. 46 | |
Data Protection Acts 1988 and 2003 | |
1999, No. 23 | |
1993, No. 12 | |
Foreshore Acts 1933 to 2005 | |
1976, No. 30 | |
2000, No. 26 | |
1966, No. 21 | |
2005, No. 23 | |
1960, No. 40 | |
2001, No. 37 | |
2000, No. 30 | |
Planning and Development Acts 2000 to 2004 | |
2005, No. 31 | |
1993, No. 14 | |
2001, No. 55 |
Number 27 of 2006
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT (STRATEGIC INFRASTRUCTURE) ACT 2006
[16th July, 2006]
PART 1
Preliminary and General
Short title, collective citation and commencement.
1.— (1) This Act may be cited as the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006.
(2) The Planning and Development Acts 2000 to 2004 and this Act may be cited together as the Planning and Development Acts 2000 to 2006.
(3) This Act shall come into operation on such day or days as the Minister may appoint by order or orders either generally or with reference to any particular purpose or provision and different days may be so appointed for different purposes or different provisions.
Definitions.
2.— In this Act—
“ Minister ” means the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government;
“ Principal Act ” means the Planning and Development Act 2000.
PART 2
Strategic Infrastructure Developments - Jurisdiction of An Bord Pleanála under Principal Act to deal with them
Permissions for strategic infrastructure development.
3.— The Principal Act is amended by inserting the following sections after section 37:
“Board’s jurisdiction in relation to certain planning applications.
37A.— (1) An application for permission for any development specified in the Seventh Schedule (inserted by the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006) shall, if the following condition is satisfied, be made to the Board under section 37E and not to a planning authority.
(2) That condition is that, following consultations under section 37B, the Board serves on the prospective applicant a notice in writing under that section stating that, in the opinion of the Board, the proposed development would, if carried out, fall within one or more of the following paragraphs, namely—
(a) the development would be of strategic economic or social importance to the State or the region in which it would be situate,
(b) the development would contribute substantially to the fulfilment of any of the objectives in the National Spatial Strategy or in any regional planning guidelines in force in respect of the area or areas in which it would be situate,
(c) the development would have a significant effect on the area of more than one planning authority.
(3) In subsection (2) ‘ prospective applicant ’ means the person referred to in section 37B(1).
Discussions with Board before making of application.
37B.— (1) A person who proposes to apply for permission for any development specified in the Seventh Schedule shall, before making the application, enter into consultations with the Board in relation to the proposed development.
(2) Such a person is referred to subsequently in this section and in sections 37C and 37D as a ‘prospective applicant’.
(3) In any consultations under subsection (1), the Board may give advice to the prospective applicant regarding the proposed application and, in particular, regarding—
(a) whether the proposed development would, if carried out, fall within one or more of paragraphs (a) to (c) of section 37A(2),
(b) the procedures involved in making a planning application and in considering such an application, and
(c) what considerations, related to proper planning and sustainable development or the environment, may, in the opinion of the Board, have a bearing on its decision in relation to the application.
(4) Where, following consultations under this section, the Board is of the opinion that the proposed development would, if carried out—
(a) fall within one or more of paragraphs (a) to (c) of section 37A(2), it shall serve a notice in writing on the prospective applicant stating that it is of that opinion, or
(b) not fall within any of those paragraphs, it shall serve a notice in writing on the prospective applicant stating that it is of that opinion.
(5) A notice under subsection (4)(b) shall include a statement that the prospective applicant’s application for permission, if it is proceeded with, must be made to the appropriate planning authority (and such an application, if it is proceeded with, shall be made to that planning authority accordingly).
(6) The Board shall serve a copy of a notice under subsection (4)(a) or (b), as the case may be, on the appropriate planning authority.
(7) No application for permission in respect of a development referred to in subsection (1) shall be made to a planning authority unless or until a notice is served under subsection (4)(b) in relation to the development.
(8) In this section ‘appropriate planning auth ority ’ means whichever planning authority would, but for the enactment of section 3 of the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006, be the appropriate planning authority to deal with the application referred to in subsection (1).
Section 37B: supplemental provisions.
37C.— (1) A prospective applicant shall, for the purposes of consultations under section 37B, supply to the Board sufficient information in relation to the proposed development so as to enable the Board to assess the proposed development.
(2) The holding of consultations under section 37B shall not prejudice the performance by the Board of any other of its functions under this Act or regulations under this Act and cannot be relied upon in the formal planning process or in legal proceedings.
(3) The Board shall keep a record in writing of any consultations under section 37B in relation to a proposed development, including the names of those who participated in the consultations, and a copy of such record shall be placed and kept with the documents to which any planning application in respect of the proposed development relates.
(4) The Board may consult with any person who may, in the opinion of the Board, have information which is relevant for the purposes of consultations under section 37B in relation to a proposed development.
Opinion by Board on information to be contained in environmental impact statement.
37D.— (1) Where a notice has been served under section 37B(4)(a) in relation to proposed development, a prospective applicant may request the Board to give to him or her an opinion in writing prepared by the Board on what information will be required to be contained in an environmental impact statement in relation to the development.
(2) On receipt of such a request the Board shall—
(a) consult with the requester and such bodies as may be specified by the Minister for the purpose, and
(b) comply with the request as soon as is practicable.
(3) A prospective applicant shall, for the purposes of the Board’s complying with a request under this section, supply to the Board sufficient information in relation to the proposed development so as to enable the Board to assess the proposed development.
(4) The provision of an opinion under this section shall not prejudice the performance by the Board of any other of its functions under this Act or regulations under this Act and cannot be relied upon in the formal planning process or in legal proceedings.
Application to Board.
37E.— (1) An application for permission for development in respect of which a notice has been served under section 37B(4)(a) shall be made to the Board and shall be accompanied by an environmental impact statement in respect of the proposed development.
(2) The Board may refuse to deal with any application made to it under this section where it considers that the application for permission or the environmental impact statement is inadequate or incomplete, having regard in particular to the permission regulations and any regulations made under section 177 or to any consultations held under section 37B.
(3) Before a person applies for permission to the Board under this section, he or she shall—
(a) publish in one or more newspapers circulating in the area or areas in which it is proposed to carry out the development a notice indicating the nature and location of the proposed development and—
(i) stating that—
(I) the person proposes to make an application to the Board for permission for the proposed development,
(II) an environmental impact statement has been prepared in respect of the proposed development, and
(III) where relevant, the proposed development is likely to have significant effects on the environment of a Member State of the European Communities or other party to the Transboundary Convention,
(ii) specifying the times and places at which, and the period (not being less than 6 weeks) during which, a copy of the application and the environmental impact statement may be inspected free of charge or purchased on payment of a specified fee (which fee shall not exceed the reasonable cost of making such copy),
(iii) inviting the making, during such period, of submissions and observations to the Board relating to—
(I) the implications of the proposed development for proper planning and sustainable development, and
(II) the likely effects on the environment of the proposed development,
if carried out, and
(iv) specifying the types of decision the Board may make, under section 37G, in relation to the application,
(b) send a prescribed number of copies of the application and the environmental impact statement to the planning authority or authorities in whose area or areas the proposed development would be situated,
(c) send a prescribed number of copies of the application and the environmental impact statement to any prescribed authorities together with a notice stating that submissions or observations may, during the period referred to in paragraph (a)(ii), be made in writing to the Board in relation to—
(i) the implications of the proposed development for proper planning and sustainable development, and
(ii) the likely effects on the environment of the proposed development,
if carried out, and
(d) where the proposed development is likely to have significant effects on the environment of a Member State of the European Communities or a state which is a party to the Transboundary Convention, send a prescribed number of copies of the application and the environmental impact statement to the prescribed authority of the relevant state or states together with a notice stating that submissions or observations may, during the period referred to in paragraph (a)(ii), be made in writing to the Board.
(4) The planning authority for the area (or, as the case may be, each planning authority for the areas) in which the proposed development would be situated shall, within 10 weeks from the making of the application to the Board under this section (or such longer period as may be specified by the Board), prepare and submit to the Board a report setting out the views of the authority on the effects of the proposed development on the environment and the proper planning and sustainable development of the area of the authority, having regard in particular to the matters specified in section 34(2).
(5) The manager of a planning authority shall, before submitting any report in relation to a proposed development to the Board under subsection (4), submit the report to the members of the authority and seek the views of the members on the proposed development.
(6) The members of the planning authority may, by resolution, decide to attach recommendations specified in the resolution to the report of the authority; where the members so decide those recommendations (together with the meetings administrator’s record) shall be attached to the report submitted to the Board under subsection (4).
(7) In subsection (6) ‘ the meetings adminis trator’s record ’ means a record prepared by the meetings administrator (within the meaning of section 46 of the Local Government Act 2001) of the views expressed by the members on the proposed development.
(8) In addition to the report referred to in subsection (4), the Board may, where it considers it necessary to do so, require the planning authority or authorities referred to in that subsection or any planning authority or authorities on whose area or areas it would have a significant effect to furnish to the Board such information in relation to the effects of the proposed development on the proper planning and sustainable development of the area concerned and on the environment as the Board may specify.
Section 37E: supplemental provisions.
37F.— (1) Before determining any application for permission under section 37E the Board may, at its absolute discretion and at any time—
(a) require the applicant for permission to submit further information, including a revised environmental impact statement,
(b) indicate that it is considering granting permission, subject to the applicant for permission submitting revised particulars, plans or drawings in relation to the development,
(c) request further submissions or observations from the applicant for permission, any person who made submissions or observations, or any other person who may, in the opinion of the Board, have information which is relevant to the determination of the application,
(d) without prejudice to subsections (2) and (3), make any information relating to the application available for inspection, notify any person or the public that the information is so available and, if it considers appropriate, invite further submissions or observations to be made to it within such period as it may specify, or
(e) hold meetings with the applicant for permission or any other person—
(i) where it appears to the Board to be expedient for the purpose of determining the application, or
(ii) where it appears to the Board to be necessary or expedient for the purpose of resolving any issue with the applicant for permission or any disagreement between the applicant and any other party, including resolving any issue or disagreement in advance of an oral hearing.
(2) Where an applicant submits a revised environmental impact statement to the Board in accordance with subsection (1)(a) or otherwise submits further information or revised particulars, plans or drawings in accordance with subsection (1), which, in the opinion of the Board, contain significant additional information on the effect of the proposed development on the environment to that already submitted, the Board shall—
(a) make the information, particulars, plans or drawings, as appropriate, available for inspection,
(b) give notice that the information, particulars, plans or drawings are so available, and
(c) invite further submissions or observations to be made to it within such period as it may specify.
(3) Where the Board holds a meeting in accordance with subsection (1)(e), it shall keep a written record of the meeting and make that record available for inspection.
(4) The Board, or an employee of the Board duly authorised by the Board, may appoint any person to hold a meeting referred to in subsection (1)(e).
(5) Before making a decision under section 37G in respect of proposed development comprising or for the purposes of an activity for which an integrated pollution control licence or a waste licence is required, the Board may request the Environmental Protection Agency to make observations within such period (which period shall not in any case be less than 3 weeks from the date of the request) as may be specified by the Board in relation to the proposed development.
(6) When making its decision under section 37G on the application the Board shall have regard to the observations, if any, received from the Environmental Protection Agency within the period specified under subsection (5).
(7) The Board may, at any time after the expiration of the period specified in a notice under section 37E(3)(a) for making submissions or observations, make its decision under section 37G on the application.
(8) The making of observations by the Environmental Protection Agency under this section shall not prejudice any other function of the Agency.
Decision by Board on application under section 37E.
37G.— (1) When making a decision in respect of a proposed development for which an application is made under section 37E, the Board may consider any relevant information before it or any other matter to which, by virtue of this Act, it can have regard.
(2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), the Board shall consider—
(a) the environmental impact statement submitted under section 37E(1), any submissions or observations made, in response to the invitation referred to in section 37E(3), within the period referred to in that provision, the report (and the recommendations and record, if any, attached to it) submitted by a planning authority in accordance with section 37E(4), any information furnished in accordance with section 37F(1) and any other relevant information before it relating to—
(i) the likely consequences of the proposed development for proper planning and sustainable development in the area in which it is proposed to situate the development, and
(ii) the likely effects on the environment of the proposed development,
(b) any report or recommendation prepared in relation to the application in accordance with section 146, including the report of the person conducting any oral hearing of the proposed development and the written record of any meeting referred to in section 37F(3),
(c) the provisions of the development plan or plans for the area,
(d) the provisions of any special amenity area order relating to the area,
(e) if the area or part of the area is a European site or an area prescribed for the purposes of section 10(2)(c), that fact,
(f) if the proposed development would have an effect on a European site or an area prescribed for the purposes of section 10(2)(c), that fact,
(g) the matters referred to in section 143,
(h) any relevant provisions of this Act and of any regulations made under this Act.
(3) The Board may, in respect of an application under section 37E for permission—
(a) decide—
(i) to grant the permission, or
(ii) to make such modifications to the proposed development as it specifies in its decision and grant permission in respect of the proposed development as so modified, or
(iii) to grant permission in respect of part of the proposed development (with or without specified modifications of it of the foregoing kind),
or
(b) decide to refuse to grant the permission,
and a decision to grant permission under paragraph (a)(i), (ii) or (iii) may be subject to or without conditions.
(4) Where an application under section 37E relates to proposed development which comprises or is for the purposes of an activity for which an integrated pollution control licence or a waste licence is required, the Board shall not, where it decides to grant permission, subject that permission to conditions which are for the purposes of—
(a) controlling emissions from the operation of the activity, including the prevention, limitation, elimination, abatement or reduction of those emissions, or
(b) controlling emissions related to or following the cessation of the operation or the activity.
(5) Where an application under section 37E relates to proposed development which comprises or is for the purposes of an activity for which an integrated pollution control licence or a waste licence is required, the Board may, in respect of that development, decide to refuse a grant of permission under this section, where the Board considers that the development, notwithstanding the licensing of the activity, is unacceptable on environmental grounds, having regard to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area in which the development will be situated.
(6) The Board may decide to grant a permission for development, or any part of a development, under this section even if the proposed development, or part thereof, contravenes materially the development plan relating to any area in which it is proposed to situate the development.
(7) Without prejudice to the generality of the Board’s powers to attach conditions under subsection (3) the Board may attach to a permission for development under this section—
(a) a condition with regard to any of the matters specified in section 34(4),
(b) a condition requiring the payment of a contribution or contributions of the same kind as the appropriate planning authority could require to be paid under section 48 or 49 (or both) were that authority to grant the permission (and the scheme or schemes referred to in section 48 or 49, as appropriate, made by that authority shall apply to the determination of such contribution or contributions),
(c) a condition requiring the applicant to submit further information to it or any other local or state authority, as the Board may specify before commencing development, or
(d) a condition requiring—
(i) the construction or the financing, in whole or in part, of the construction of a facility, or
(ii) the provision or the financing, in whole or in part, of the provision of a service,
in the area in which the proposed development would be situated, being a facility or service that, in the opinion of the Board, would constitute a substantial gain to the community.
(8) A condition attached pursuant to subsection (7)(d) shall not require such an amount of financial resources to be committed for the purposes of the condition being complied with as would substantially deprive the person in whose favour the permission operates of the benefits likely to accrue from the grant of the permission.
(9) In subsection (7)(b) ‘ appropriate planning authority ’ means whichever planning authority would, but for the enactment of section 3 of the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006, be the appropriate planning authority to grant the permission referred to in this section.
(10) The conditions attached under this section to a permission may provide that points of detail relating to the grant of the permission may be agreed between the planning authority or authorities in whose functional area or areas the development will be situate and the person carrying out the development; if that authority or those authorities and that person cannot agree on the matter the matter may be referred to the Board for determination.
(11) Without prejudice to the generality of section 18(a) of the Interpretation Act 2005, a reference, however expressed, in this section or sections 37H to 37J to the area in which the proposed development would be situated includes, if the context admits, a reference to the 2 or more areas in which the proposed development would be situated and cognate references shall be construed accordingly.
Section 37G: supplemental provisions.
37H.— (1) The Board shall send a copy of a decision under section 37G to the applicant, to any planning authority in whose area the development would be situated and to any person who made submissions or observations on the application for permission.
(2) A decision given under section 37G and the notification of the decision shall state—
(a) the main reasons and considerations on which the decision is based,
(b) where conditions are imposed in relation to the grant of any permission, the main reasons for the imposition of any such conditions, and
(c) the sum due to be paid to the Board towards the costs to the Board of determining the application under section 37E, and, in such amount as the Board considers to be reasonable, to any planning authority that incurred costs during the course of consideration of that application and to any other person as a contribution to the costs incurred by that person during the course of consideration of that application (each of which sums the Board may, by virtue of this subsection, require to be paid).
(3) A reference to costs in subsection (2)(c) shall be construed as a reference to such costs as the Board in its absolute discretion considers to be reasonable costs, but does not include a reference to so much of the costs there referred to as have been recovered by the Board by way of a fee charged under section 144.
(4) A grant of permission under section 37G shall be made as soon as may be after the making of the relevant decision but shall not become operative until any requirement made under subsection (2)(c) in relation to the payment by the applicant of a sum in respect of costs has been complied with.
(5) Where an applicant for permission fails to pay a sum in respect of costs in accordance with a requirement made under subsection (2)(c) the Board, the authority or any other person concerned (as may be appropriate) may recover the sum as a simple contract debt in any court of competent jurisdiction.
(6) A person shall not be entitled solely by reason of a permission under section 37G to carry out any development.
Regulations.
37I.— (1) The Minister may make regulations to provide for such matters of procedure and administration as appear to the Minister to be necessary or expedient in respect of—
(a) consultations under section 37B,
(b) the giving of an opinion under section 37D,
(c) applications for permission under section 37E, and
(d) decisions under section 37G.
(2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), regulations under this section may—
(a) make provision for matters of procedure in relation to the making of an application under section 37E, including the giving of public notice and the making of applications in electronic form, and
(b) make provision for matters of procedure relating to the making of observations by the Environmental Protection Agency under section 37F(5) and matters connected therewith.
Objective of the Board in relation to applications under section 37E.
37J.— (1) It shall be the duty of the Board, having regard to the special importance of applications relating to development that may fall within section 37A(2), to ensure that—
(a) consultations held on foot of a request under section 37B are completed, and
(b) a decision under section 37G on an application made under section 37E is made,
as expeditiously as is consistent with proper planning and sustainable development and, for that purpose, to take all such steps as are open to it to ensure that, in so far as is practicable, there are no avoidable delays at any stage in the holding of those consultations or the making of that decision.
(2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1) and subject to subsections (3) to (6), it shall be the objective of the Board to ensure that a decision under section 37G on an application made under section 37E is made—
(a) within a period of 18 weeks beginning on the last day for making submissions or observations in accordance with the notice referred to in section 37E(3)(a), or
(b) within such other period as the Minister may prescribe either generally or in respect of a particular class or classes of matter.
(3) Where it appears to the Board that it would not be possible or appropriate, because of the particular circumstances of the matter with which the Board is concerned, to determine the matter within the period referred to in paragraph (a) or (b) of subsection (2) as the case may be, the Board shall, by notice in writing served on the applicant for permission, any planning authority involved and any other person who submitted submissions or observations in relation to the matter before the expiration of that period, inform the authority and those persons of the reasons why it would not be possible or appropriate to determine the matter within that period and shall specify the date before which the Board intends that the matter shall be determined.
(4) Where a notice has been served under subsection (3), the Board shall take all such steps as are open to it to ensure that the matter is determined before the date specified in the notice.
(5) The Minister may by regulations vary the period referred to in subsection (2)(a) either generally or in respect of a particular class or classes of applications referred to in section 37E, where it appears to him or her to be necessary, by virtue of exceptional circumstances, to do so and, for so long as the regulations are in force, this section shall be construed and have effect in accordance therewith.
(6) Where the Minister considers it to be necessary or expedient that a certain class or classes of application under section 37E that are of special strategic, economic or social importance to the State be determined as expeditiously as is consistent with proper planning and sustainable development, he or she may give a direction to the Board that priority be given to the determination of applications of the class or classes concerned, and the Board shall comply with such a direction.
(7) The Board shall include in each report made under section 118 a statement of the number of matters which the Board has determined within a period referred to in paragraph (a) or (b) of subsection (2) and such other information as to the time taken to determine such matters as the Minister may direct.
Nuclear installations: no development in respect of them authorised.
37K.— Nothing in this Act shall be construed as enabling the authorisation of development consisting of an installation for the generation of electricity by nuclear fission.”.
Provision of electricity transmission and gas infrastructure.
4.— Part XI of the Principal Act is amended by inserting the following sections after section 182:
“Electricity transmission lines.
182A.— (1) Where a person (hereafter referred to in this section as the ‘undertaker’) intends to carry out development comprising or for the purposes of electricity transmission, (hereafter referred to in this section and section 182B as ‘proposed development’), the undertaker shall prepare, or cause to be prepared, an application for approval of the development under section 182B and shall apply to the Board for such approval accordingly.
(2) In the case of development referred to in subsection (1) which belongs to a class of development identified for the purposes of section 176, the undertaker shall prepare, or cause to be prepared, an environmental impact statement in respect of the development.
(3) The proposed development shall not be carried out unless the Board has approved it with or without modifications.
(4) Before an undertaker makes an application under subsection (1) for approval, it shall—
(a) publish in one or more newspapers circulating in the area or areas in which it is proposed to carry out the development a notice indicating the nature and location of the proposed development and—
(i) stating that—
(I) it proposes to seek the approval of the Board for the proposed development,
(II) in the case of an application referred to in subsection (1)(a), an environmental impact statement has been prepared in respect of the proposed development, and
(III) where relevant, the proposed development is likely to have significant effects on the environment of a Member State of the European Communities or other party to the Transboundary Convention,
(ii) specifying the times and places at which, and the period (not being less than 6 weeks) during which, a copy of the application and any environmental impact statement may be inspected free of charge or purchased on payment of a specified fee (which fee shall not exceed the reasonable cost of making such copy),
(iii) inviting the making, during such period, of submissions and observations to the Board relating to—
(I) the implications of the proposed development for proper planning and sustainable development in the area or areas concerned, and
(II) the likely effects on the environment of the proposed development,
if carried out, and
(iv) specifying the types of decision the Board may make, under section 182B, in relation to the application,
(b) send a copy of the application and any environmental impact statement to the local authority or each local authority in whose functional area the proposed development would be situate and to the prescribed authorities together with a notice stating that submissions or observations may, during the period referred to in paragraph (a)(ii), be made in writing to the Board in relation to—
(i) the implications of the proposed development for proper planning and sustainable development in the area or areas concerned, and
(ii) the likely effects on the environment of the proposed development,
if carried out, and
(c) where the proposed development is likely to have significant effects on the environment of a Member State of the European Communities or a state which is a party to the Transboundary Convention, send a prescribed number of copies of the application and the environmental impact statement to the prescribed authority of the relevant state or states together with a notice stating that submissions or observations may, during the period referred to in paragraph (a)(ii), be made in writing to the Board.
(5) The Board may—
(a) if it considers it necessary to do so, require an undertaker that has applied for approval for a proposed development to furnish to the Board such further information in relation to—
(i) the effects on the environment of the proposed development, or
(ii) the consequences for proper planning and sustainable development in the area or areas in which it is proposed to situate the said development of such development,
as the Board may specify, or
(b) if it is provisionally of the view that it would be appropriate to approve the proposed development were certain alterations (specified in the notification referred to in this paragraph) to be made to the terms of it, notify the statutory undertaker that it is of that view and invite the undertaker to make to the terms of the proposed development alterations specified in the notification and, if the undertaker makes those alterations, to furnish to it such information (if any) as it may specify in relation to the development, in the terms as so altered, or, where necessary, a revised environmental impact statement in respect of it.
(6) If an undertaker makes the alterations to the terms of the proposed development specified in a notification given to it under subsection (5), the terms of the development as so altered shall be deemed to be the proposed development for the purposes of this section and section 182B.
(7) The Board shall—
(a) where it considers that any further information received pursuant to a requirement made under subsection (5)(a) contains significant additional data relating to—
(i) the likely effects on the environment of the proposed development, and
(ii) the likely consequences for proper planning and sustainable development in the area or areas in which it is proposed to situate the said development of such development,
or
(b) where the undertaker has made the alterations to the terms of the proposed development specified in a notification given to it under subsection (5)(b),
require the undertaker to do the things referred to in subsection (8).
(8) The things which an undertaker shall be required to do as aforesaid are—
(a) to publish in one or more newspapers circulating in the area or areas in which the proposed development would be situate a notice stating that, as appropriate—
(i) further information in relation to the proposed development has been furnished to the Board, or
(ii) the undertaker has, pursuant to an invitation of the Board, made alterations to the terms of the proposed development (and the nature of those alterations shall be indicated) and, if it be the case, that information in relation to the terms of the development as so altered or a revised environmental impact statement in respect of the development has been furnished to the Board,
indicating the times at which, the period (which shall not be less than 3 weeks) during which and the place, or places, where a copy of the information or the environmental impact statement referred to in subparagraph (i) or (ii) may be inspected free of charge or purchased on payment of a specified fee (which fee shall not exceed the reasonable cost of making such copy) and that submissions or observations in relation to that information or statement may be made to the Board before the expiration of the indicated period, and
(b) to send to each prescribed authority to which a notice was given pursuant to subsection (4)(b) or (c)—
(i) a notice of the furnishing to the Board of, as appropriate, the further information referred to in paragraph (a)(i) or the information or statement referred to in paragraph (a)(ii), and
(ii) a copy of that further information, information or statement,
and to indicate to the authority that submissions or observations in relation to that further information, information or statement may be made to the Board before the expiration of a period (which shall be not less than 3 weeks) beginning on the day on which the notice is sent to the prescribed authority by the undertaker.
(9) In this section ‘ transmission’, in relation to electricity, shall be construed in accordance with section 2(1) of the Electricity Regulation Act 1999 but, for the purposes of this section, the foregoing expression, in relation to electricity, shall also be construed as meaning the transport of electricity by means of—
(a) a high voltage line where the voltage would be 110 kilovolts or more, or
(b) an interconnector, whether ownership of the interconnector will be vested in the undertaker or not.
Section 182A: criteria for decision, certain exemptions, etc.
182B.— (1) Before making a decision in respect of a proposed development the subject of an application under section 182A, the Board shall consider—
(a) the environmental impact statement submitted pursuant to section 182A(1) or (5), any submissions or observations made in accordance with section 182A(4) or (8) and any other information furnished in accordance with section 182A(5) relating to—
(i) the likely consequences for proper planning and sustainable development in the area in which it is proposed to situate the proposed development of such development, and
(ii) the likely effects on the environment of the proposed development,
and
(b) the report and any recommendations of a person conducting any oral hearing relating to the proposed development.
(2) The Board may, where it is satisfied that exceptional circumstances so warrant, grant an exemption in respect of a proposed development from a requirement under section 182A(2) to prepare an environmental impact statement except that no exemption may be granted in respect of proposed development where another Member State of the European Communities or a state which is a party to the Transboundary Convention has indicated that it wishes to furnish views on the effects on the environment in that Member State or state of the proposed development.
(3) The Board shall, in granting an exemption under subsection (2), consider whether—
(a) the effects, if any, of the proposed development on the environment should be assessed in some other manner, and
(b) the information arising from such an assessment should be made available to the members of the public,
and it may apply such requirements regarding these matters in relation to the application for approval as it considers necessary or appropriate.
(4) Notice of any exemption granted under subsection (2), of the reasons for granting the exemption, and of any requirements applied under subsection (3) shall, as soon as may be—
(a) be published in Iris Oifigiúil and in at least one daily newspaper published in the State, and
(b) be given, together with a copy of the information, if any, made available to the members of the public in accordance with subsection (3) to the Commission of the European Communities.
(5) The Board may, in respect of an application under section 182A for approval of proposed development—
(a) approve the proposed development,
(b) make such modifications to the proposed development as it specifies in the approval and approve the proposed development as so modified,
(c) approve, in part only, the proposed development (with or without specified modifications of it of the foregoing kind), or
(d) refuse to approve the proposed development,
and may attach to an approval under paragraph (a), (b) or (c) such conditions as it considers appropriate.
(6) Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power to attach conditions, the Board may attach to an approval under subsection (5)(a), (b) or (c) a condition requiring—
(a) the construction or the financing, in whole or in part, of the construction of a facility, or
(b) the provision or the financing, in whole or in part, of the provision of a service,
in the area in which the proposed development would be situated, being a facility or service that, in the opinion of the Board, would constitute a substantial gain to the community.
(7) A condition attached pursuant to subsection (6) shall not require such an amount of financial resources to be committed for the purposes of the condition being complied with as would substantially deprive the person in whose favour the approval under this section operates of the benefits likely to accrue from the grant of the approval.
(8) The Minister may make regulations to provide for such matters of procedure and administration as appear to the Minister to be necessary or expedient in respect of applications under section 182A for approval.
(9) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (8), regulations under that subsection may require the Board to give information in respect of its decision regarding the proposed development for which approval is sought.
(10) In considering under subsection (1) information furnished relating to the likely consequences for proper planning and sustainable development of a proposed development in the area in which it is proposed to situate such development, the Board shall have regard to—
(a) the provisions of the development plan for the area,
(b) the provisions of any special amenity area order relating to the area,
(c) if the area or part of the area is a European site or an area prescribed for the purposes of section 10(2)(c), that fact,
(d) if the proposed development would have an effect on a European site or an area prescribed for the purposes of section 10(2)(c), that fact,
(e) the matters referred to in section 143, and
(f) the provisions of this Act and regulations under this Act where relevant.
(11) (a) No permission under section 34 or 37G shall be required for any development which is approved under this section.
(b) Part VIII shall apply to any case where development referred to in section 182A(1) is carried out otherwise than in compliance with an approval under this section or any condition to which the approval is subject as it applies to any unauthorised development with the modification that a reference in that Part to a permission shall be construed as a reference to an approval under this section.
(12) Without prejudice to the generality of section 18(a) of the Interpretation Act 2005, a reference, however expressed, in this section to the area in which the proposed development would be situated includes, if the context admits, a reference to the 2 or more areas in which the proposed development would be situated and cognate references shall be construed accordingly.
Application for approval of strategic gas infrastructure development.
182C.— (1) Where a person (hereafter referred to in this section as the ‘undertaker’) intends to carry out a strategic gas infrastructure development (hereafter referred to in this section and section 182D as ‘proposed development’), the undertaker shall prepare, or cause to be prepared—
(a) an application for approval of the development under section 182D, and
(b) an environmental impact statement in respect of the development,
and shall apply to the Board for such approval accordingly, indicating in the application whether the application relates to a strategic upstream gas pipeline or a strategic downstream gas pipeline.
(2) An application under subsection (1) for approval of a proposed development shall, if it will consist of or include a pipeline, be accompanied by a certificate in relation to the pipeline provided under section 26 of the Gas Act 1976, as amended, or section 20 of the Gas (Amendment) Act 2000 by—
(a) in the case of a strategic upstream gas pipeline, the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, or
(b) in the case of a strategic downstream gas pipeline, the Commission.
(3) The proposed development shall not be carried out unless the Board has approved it with or without modifications.
(4) Before an undertaker makes an application for approval under subsection (1), it shall—
(a) publish in one or more newspapers circulating in the area or areas in which it is proposed to carry out the development a notice indicating the nature and location of the proposed development and—
(i) stating that—
(I) it proposes to seek the approval of the Board for the proposed development,
(II) an environmental impact statement has been prepared in respect of the proposed development, and
(III) where relevant, the proposed development is likely to have significant effects on the environment of a Member State of the European Communities or other party to the Transboundary Convention,
(ii) specifying the times and places at which, and the period (not being less than 6 weeks) during which, a copy of the application and the environmental impact statement may be inspected free of charge or purchased on payment of a specified fee (which fee shall not exceed the reasonable cost of making such copy),
(iii) inviting the making, during such period, of submissions and observations to the Board relating to—
(I) the implications of the proposed development for proper planning and sustainable development in the area or areas concerned, and
(II) the likely effects on the environment of the proposed development,
if carried out, and
(iv) specifying the types of decision the Board may make, under section 182D, in relation to the application,
and
(b) send a copy of the application and the environmental impact statement to—
(i) the local authority or each local authority in whose functional area the proposed development would be situate,
(ii) any prescribed bodies,
(iii) where the proposed development comprises or is for the purposes of a strategic downstream gas pipeline, the Commission, and
(iv) where the proposed development is likely to have significant effects on the environment of a Member State of the European Communities or a state which is a party to the Transboundary Convention, the prescribed body of the relevant state or states,
together with a notice stating that submissions or observations may, during the period referred to in paragraph (a)(ii), be made in writing to the Board in relation to—
(I) the implications of the proposed development for proper planning and sustainable development in the area concerned, and
(II) the likely effects on the environment of the proposed development,
if carried out.
(5) The Board may—
(a) if it considers it necessary to do so, require an undertaker that has applied for approval for a proposed development to furnish to the Board such further information in relation to—
(i) the effects on the environment of the proposed development, or
(ii) the consequences for proper planning and sustainable development in the area or areas in which it is proposed to situate the said development of such development,
as the Board may specify, or
(b) if it is provisionally of the view that it would be appropriate to approve the proposed development were certain alterations (specified in the notification referred to in this paragraph) to be made to the terms of it, notify the undertaker that it is of that view and invite the undertaker to make to the terms of the proposed development alterations specified in the notification and, if the undertaker makes those alterations, to furnish to it such information (if any) as it may specify in relation to the development, in the terms as so altered, or, where necessary, a revised environmental impact statement in respect of it.
(6) If an undertaker makes the alterations to the terms of the proposed development specified in a notification given to it under subsection (5), the terms of the development as so altered shall be deemed to be the proposed development for the purposes of this section and section 182D.
(7) The Board shall—
(a) where it considers that any further information received pursuant to a requirement made under subsection (5)(a) contains significant additional data relating to—
(i) the likely effects on the environment of the proposed development, and
(ii) the likely consequences for proper planning and sustainable development in the area or areas in which it is proposed to situate the said development of such development,
or
(b) where the undertaker has made the alterations to the terms of the proposed development specified in a notification given to it under subsection (5)(b),
require the undertaker to do the things referred to in subsection (8).
(8) The things which an undertaker shall be required to do as aforesaid are—
(a) to publish in one or more newspapers circulating in the area or areas in which the proposed development would be situate a notice stating that, as appropriate—
(i) further information in relation to the proposed development has been furnished to the Board, or
(ii) the undertaker has, pursuant to an invitation of the Board, made alterations to the terms of the proposed development (and the nature of those alterations shall be indicated) and, if it be the case, that information in relation to the terms of the development as so altered or a revised environmental impact statement in respect of the development has been furnished to the Board,
indicating the times at which, the period (which shall not be less than 3 weeks) during which and the place, or places, where a copy of the information or the environmental impact statement referred to in subparagraph (i) or (ii) may be inspected free of charge or purchased on payment of a specified fee (which fee shall not exceed the reasonable cost of making such copy) and that submissions or observations in relation to that information or statement may be made to the Board before the expiration of the indicated period, and
(b) to send to each prescribed authority to which a notice was given pursuant to subsection (4)(b)—
(i) a notice of the furnishing to the Board of, as appropriate, the further information referred to in paragraph (a)(i) or the information or statement referred to in paragraph (a)(ii), and
(ii) a copy of that further information, information or statement,
and to indicate to the authority that submissions or observations in relation to that further information, information or statement may be made to the Board before the expiration of a period (which shall be not less than 3 weeks) beginning on the day on which the notice is sent to the prescribed authority by the undertaker.
(9) In the case of a proposed development comprising or for the purposes of a strategic downstream pipeline, the Board shall request the Commission to make observations within such period (which period shall not be less than 3 weeks from the date of the request) as may be specified by the Board in relation to the proposed development, including observations in relation to any safety or operational matters.
(10) The Minister, after consultation with the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, may make regulations to provide for matters of procedure in relation to the making of a request of the Commission under subsection (9) and the making of observations by the Commission on foot of such a request.
(11) In this section ‘Commission’ means the Commission for Energy Regulation.
Section 182C: criteria for decision, certain exemptions, etc.
182D.— (1) Before making a decision in respect of a proposed development the subject of an application under section 182C, the Board shall consider—
(a) the environmental impact statement submitted pursuant to section 182C(1) or (5), any submissions or observations made in accordance with section 182C(4), (8) or (9) and any other information furnished in accordance with section 182C(5) relating to—
(i) the likely consequences for proper planning and sustainable development in the area in which it is proposed to situate the proposed development of such development, and
(ii) the likely effects on the environment of the proposed development,
and
(b) the report and any recommendations of a person conducting any oral hearing relating to the proposed development.
(2) The Board may where it is satisfied that exceptional circumstances so warrant, grant an exemption in respect of proposed development from a requirement under section 182C(1) to prepare an environmental impact statement except that no exemption may be granted in respect of proposed development where another Member State of the European Communities or a state which is a party to the Transboundary Convention has indicated that it wishes to furnish views on the effects on the environment in that Member State or state of the proposed development.
(3) The Board shall, in granting an exemption under subsection (2), consider whether—
(a) the effects, if any, of the proposed development on the environment should be assessed in some other manner, and
(b) the information arising from such an assessment should be made available to the members of the public,
and it may apply such requirements regarding these matters in relation to the application for approval as it considers necessary or appropriate.
(4) Notice of any exemption granted under subsection (2), of the reasons for granting the exemption, and of any requirements applied under subsection (3) shall, as soon as may be—
(a) be published in Iris Oifigiúil and in at least one daily newspaper published in the State, and
(b) be given, together with a copy of the information, if any, made available to the members of the public in accordance with subsection (3), to the Commission of the European Communities.
(5) The Board may, in respect of an application under section 182C for approval of proposed development—
(a) approve the proposed development,
(b) make such modifications to the proposed development as it specifies in the approval and approve the proposed development as so modified,
(c) approve, in part only, the proposed development (with or without specified modifications of it of the foregoing kind), or
(d) refuse to approve the proposed development,
and may attach to an approval under paragraph (a), (b) or (c) such conditions as it considers appropriate.
(6) Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power to attach conditions, the Board may attach to an approval under subsection (5)(a), (b) or (c) a condition requiring—
(a) the construction or the financing, in whole or in part, of the construction of a facility, or
(b) the provision or the financing, in whole or in part, of the provision of a service,
in the area in which the proposed development would be situated, being a facility or service that, in the opinion of the Board, would constitute a substantial gain to the community.
(7) A condition attached pursuant to subsection (6) shall not require such an amount of financial resources to be committed for the purposes of the condition being complied with as would substantially deprive the person in whose favour the approval under this section operates of the benefits likely to accrue from the grant of the approval.
(8) The Minister may, after consultation with the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, make regulations to provide for such matters of procedure and administration as appear to the Minister to be necessary or expedient in respect of applications under section 182C for approval.
(9) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (8), regulations under that subsection may require the Board to give information in respect of its decision regarding the proposed development for which approval is sought.
(10) In considering under subsection (1) information furnished relating to the likely consequences for proper planning and sustainable development of a proposed development in the area in which it is proposed to situate such development, the Board shall have regard to—
(a) the provisions of the development plan for the area,
(b) the provisions of any special amenity area order relating to the area,
(c) if the area or part of the area is a European site or an area prescribed for the purposes of section 10(2)(c), that fact,
(d) if the proposed development would have an effect on a European site or an area prescribed for the purposes of section 10(2)(c), that fact,
(e) the matters referred to in section 143, and
(f) the provisions of this Act and regulations under this Act where relevant.
(11) (a) No permission under section 34 or 37G shall be required for any development which is approved under this section.
(b) Part VIII shall apply to any case where development referred to in section 182C(1) is carried out otherwise than in compliance with an approval under this section or any condition to which the approval is subject as it applies to any unauthorised development with the modification that a reference in that Part to a permission shall be construed as a reference to an approval under this section.
(12) Without prejudice to the generality of section 18(a) of the Interpretation Act 2005, a reference, however expressed, in this section to the area in which the proposed development would be situated includes, if the context admits, a reference to the 2 or more areas in which the proposed development would be situated and cognate references shall be construed accordingly.
Procedures in advance of seeking approval under section 182B or 182D.
182E.— (1) A person (a ‘prospective applicant’) who proposes to apply for approval under section 182B or 182D shall, before making the application, enter into consultations with the Board in relation to the proposed development.
(2) In any consultations under subsection (1), the Board may give advice to the prospective applicant regarding the proposed application and, in particular, regarding—
(a) the procedures involved in making such an application, and
(b) what considerations, related to proper planning and sustainable development or the environment, may, in the opinion of the Board, have a bearing on its decision in relation to the application.
(3) A prospective applicant may request the Board to give to him or her an opinion in writing prepared by the Board on what information will be required to be contained in an environmental impact statement in relation to the proposed development; on receipt of such a request the Board, after consulting the prospective applicant and such bodies as may be specified by the Minister for the purpose, shall comply with it as soon as is practicable.
(4) A prospective applicant shall, for the purposes of—
(a) consultations under subsection (1), and
(b) the Board's complying with a request under subsection (3),
supply to the Board sufficient information in relation to the proposed development so as to enable the Board to assess the proposed development.
(5) Neither—
(a) the holding of consultations under subsection (1), nor
(b) the provision of an opinion under subsection (3),
shall prejudice the performance by the Board of any other of its functions under this Act or regulations under this Act, or any other enactment and cannot be relied upon in the formal planning process or in legal proceedings.
(6) The Board shall keep a record in writing of any consultations under this section in relation to a proposed development, including the names of those who participated in the consultations, and a copy of such record shall be placed and kept with the documents to which any application in respect of the proposed development relates.
(7) The Board may, at its absolute discretion, consult with any person who may, in the opinion of the Board, have information which is relevant for the purposes of consultations under this section in relation to a proposed development.”.
Addition of Seventh Schedule to Principal Act.
5.— The Principal Act is amended by inserting the following Schedule after the Sixth Schedule:
Section 37A.
“SEVENTH SCHEDULE
Infrastructure Developments for the purposes of sections 37A and 37B
Energy Infrastructure
1.— Development comprising or for the purposes of any of the following:
—An installation for the onshore extraction of petroleum or natural gas.
—A crude oil refinery (excluding an undertaking manufacturing only lubricants from crude oil) or an installation for the gasification and liquefaction of 500 tonnes or more of coal or bituminous shale per day.
—A thermal power station or other combustion installation with a total energy output of 300 megawatts or more.
—An industrial installation for the production of electricity, steam or hot water with a heat output of 300 megawatts or more.
—An industrial installation for carrying gas, steam or hot water with a potential heat output of 300 megawatts or more, or transmission of electrical energy by overhead cables, where the voltage would be 220 kilovolts or more, but excluding any proposed development referred to in section 182A(1).
—An oil pipeline and any associated terminals, buildings and installations, where the length of the pipeline (whether as originally provided or as extended) would exceed 20 kilometres.
—An installation for surface storage of natural gas, where the storage capacity would exceed 200 tonnes.
—An installation for underground storage of combustible gases, where the storage capacity would exceed 200 tonnes.
—An installation for the surface storage of oil or coal, where the storage capacity would exceed 100,000 tonnes.
—An installation for hydroelectric energy production with an output of 300 megawatts or more, or where the new or extended superficial area of water impounded would be 30 hectares or more, or where there would be a 30 per cent change in the maximum, minimum or mean flows in the main river channel.
—An installation for the harnessing of wind power for energy production (a wind farm) with more than 50 turbines or having a total output greater than 100 megawatts.
—An onshore terminal, building or installation, whether above or below ground, associated with a natural gas storage facility, where the storage capacity would exceed 1mscm.
—An onshore terminal, building or installation, whether above or below ground, associated with an LNG facility and, for the purpose of this provision, ‘LNG facility’ means a terminal which is used for the liquefaction of natural gas or the importation, offloading and re-gasification of liquefied natural gas, including ancillary services.
Transport Infrastructure
2.— Development comprising or for the purposes of any of the following:
—An intermodal transhipment facility, an intermodal terminal or a passenger or goods facility which, in each case, would exceed 5 hectares in area.
—A terminal, building or installation associated with a long-distance railway, tramway, surface, elevated or underground railway or railway supported by suspended lines or similar lines of a particular type, used exclusively or mainly for passenger transport, but excluding any proposed railway works referred to in section 37(3) of the Transport (Railway Infrastructure) Act 2001 (as amended by the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006).
—An airport (with not less than 2 million instances of passenger use per annum) or any runway, taxiway, pier, car park, terminal or other facility or installation related to it (whether as regards passenger traffic or cargo traffic).
—A harbour or port installation—
(a) where the area or additional area of water enclosed would be 20 hectares or more, or
(b) which would involve the reclamation of 5 hectares or more of land, or
(c) which would involve the construction of one or more quays which or each of which would exceed 100 metres in length, or
(d) which would enable a vessel of over 1350 tonnes to enter within it.
Environmental Infrastructure
3.— Development comprising or for the purposes of any of the following:
—A waste disposal installation for—
(a) the incineration, or
(b) the chemical treatment (within the meaning of Annex IIA to Council Directive 75/442/EEC 1 under heading D9), or
(c) the landfill,
of hazardous waste to which Council Directive 91/689/EEC 2 applies (other than an industrial waste disposal installation integrated into a larger industrial facility).
—A waste disposal installation for—
(a) the incineration, or
(b) the chemical treatment (within the meaning of Annex IIA to Council Directive 75/442/EEC under heading D9),
of non-hazardous waste with a capacity for an annual intake greater than 100,000 tonnes.
—An installation for the disposal, treatment or recovery of waste with a capacity for an annual intake greater than 100,000 tonnes.
—A groundwater abstraction or artificial groundwater recharge scheme, where the annual volume of water abstracted or recharged is equivalent to or exceeds 2 million cubic metres.
—Any works for the transfer of water resources between river basins, where the annual volume of water abstracted or recharged would exceed 2 million cubic metres.
—A waste water treatment plant with a capacity greater than a population equivalent of 10,000 and, for the purpose of this provision, population equivalent shall be determined in accordance with Article 2, point 6, of Council Directive 91/271/EEC 3 .
—A sludge-deposition site with the capacity for the annual deposition of 50,000 tonnes of sludge (wet).
—Any canalisation or flood relief works where—
(a) the immediate contributing sub-catchment of the proposed works (namely the difference between the contributing catchments at the upper and lower extent of the works) would exceed 1000 hectares, or
(b) more than 20 hectares of wetland would be affected, or
(c) the length of river channel on which works are proposed would be greater than 2 kilometres.
—A dam or other installation designed for the holding back or the permanent or long-term storage of water, where the new or extended area of water impounded would be 30 hectares or more or where a new or additional amount of water held back or stored would exceed 10 million cubic metres.
—An installation of overground aqueducts each of which would have a diameter of 1,000 millimetres or more and a length of 500 metres or more.
—Any coastal works to combat erosion or maritime works capable of altering the coast through the construction, for example, of dikes, moles, jetties and other sea defence works, where in each case the length of coastline on which the works would take place would exceed 1 kilometre, but excluding the maintenance or reconstruction of such works or works required for emergency purposes.”.
PART 3
Amendments of Principal Act (including amendments consequential on Part 2)
Amendment of section 2 of Principal Act.
6.— Section 2(1) of the Principal Act is amended—
(a) by inserting the following definition after the definition of “Minister”:
“ ‘ National Spatial Strategy ’ means the ‘National Spatial Strategy: 2002 – 2020’ published by the Government on 28 November 2002, or any document published by the Government which amends or replaces that Strategy;”,
(b) by inserting the following definition after the definition of “party to an appeal or referral”:
“ ‘ permission ’ means a permission granted under section 34 or 37G, as appropriate;”,
(c) by inserting the following definitions after the definition of “statutory undertaker”:
“ ‘ strategic downstream gas pipeline ’ means any proposed gas pipeline, other than an upstream gas pipeline, which is designed to operate at 16 bar or greater, and is longer than 20 kilometres in length;
‘ strategic gas infrastructure development ’ means any proposed development comprising or for the purposes of a strategic downstream gas pipeline or a strategic upstream gas pipeline, and associated terminals, buildings and installations, whether above or below ground, including any associated discharge pipe;
‘ strategic infrastructure development ’ means—
(a) any proposed development in respect of which a notice has been served under section 37B(4)(a),
(b) any proposed development by a local authority referred to in section 175(1) or 226(6),
(c) any proposed development referred to in section 181A(1),
(d) any proposed development referred to in section 182A(1),
(e) any proposed strategic gas infrastructure development referred to in section 182C(1),
(f) any scheme or proposed road development referred to in section 215,
(g) any proposed railway works referred to in section 37(3) of the Transport (Railway Infrastructure) Act 2001 (as amended by the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006), or
(h) any compulsory acquisition of land referred to in section 214, 215A or 215B, being an acquisition related to development specified in any of the preceding paragraphs of this definition;
‘ Strategic Infrastructure Division ’ means the division of the Board referred to in section 112A(1);
‘ strategic upstream gas pipeline ’ means so much of any gas pipeline proposed to be operated or constructed—
(a) as part of a gas production project, or
(b) for the purpose of conveying unprocessed natural gas from one or more than one such project to a processing plant or terminal or final coastal landing terminal,
as will be situate in the functional area or areas of a planning authority or planning authorities;”,
and
(d) in the definitions of “unauthorised structure”, “unauthorised use” and “unauthorised works”, by substituting “or under section 34 or 37G of this Act” for “or under section 34 of this Act” in each place where those words occur.
Amendment of section 7 of Principal Act.
7.— Section 7(2) of the Principal Act is amended by inserting the following paragraph after paragraph (t):
“(tt) particulars of any development referred to in section 179(4)(b),”.
Amendment of section 34 of Principal Act.
8.— (1) Section 34(4) of the Principal Act is amended by substituting the following paragraph for paragraph (a):
“(a) conditions for regulating the development or use of any land which adjoins, abuts or is adjacent to the land to be developed and which is under the control of the applicant if the imposition of such conditions appears to the planning authority—
(i) to be expedient for the purposes of or in connection with the development authorised by the permission, or
(ii) to be appropriate, where any aspect or feature of that adjoining, abutting or adjacent land constitutes an amenity for the public or a section of the public, for the purposes of conserving that amenity for the public or that section of the public (and the effect of the imposition of conditions for that purpose would not be to burden unduly the person in whose favour the permission operates);”.
(2) Section 34(5) of the Principal Act is amended by substituting “the person carrying out the development; if the planning authority and that person cannot agree on the matter the matter may be referred to the Board for determination” for “the person to whom the permission is granted and that in default of agreement the matter is to be referred to the Board for determination”.
Amendment of section 35 of Principal Act.
9.— Section 35 of the Principal Act is amended by substituting the following subsections for subsections (4) to (6):
“(4) If the planning authority considers that there are good grounds for its being able to form the opinion under subsection (1) in relation to an application for permission in respect of the development concerned and, accordingly, to exercise the power under subsection (5) to refuse that permission, it shall serve a notice in writing on the applicant to that effect and that notice shall—
(a) specify the failures to comply that the authority intends to take into consideration with regard to the proposed exercise of that power, and
(b) invite the applicant to make submissions to the authority, within a period specified in the notice, as to why the applicant considers that the authority should not exercise that power (whether because the applicant contends the views of the authority in relation to compliance by the applicant or any other person with any previous permission, or any condition to which it is subject, are incorrect or that there are not good grounds for forming the opinion under subsection (1)).
(5) If the planning authority, having considered any submissions made to it in accordance with a notice under subsection (4), proceeds to form the opinion under subsection (1) in relation to the application concerned it shall decide to refuse to grant the permission concerned and notify the applicant accordingly.
(6) The applicant may, within 8 weeks from the receipt of that notification, notwithstanding sections 50 and 50A, apply, by motion on notice to the planning authority, to the High Court for an order annulling the planning authority’s decision and, on the hearing of such application, the High Court may, as it considers appropriate, confirm the decision of the authority, annul the decision and direct the authority to consider the applicant’s application for planning permission without reference to the provisions of this section or make such other order as it thinks fit.
(6A) If, in pursuance of subsection (6), the High Court directs the planning authority to consider the applicant’s application for planning permission without reference to the provisions of this section, the planning authority shall make its decision on the application within the period of 8 weeks from the date the order of the High Court in the matter is perfected but this subsection is subject to the provisions of section 34(8) as applied to the foregoing case by subsection (6B).
(6B) For the purposes of the foregoing case the provisions of section 34(8) shall apply with the following modifications:
(a) in paragraph (a) of section 34(8), after “paragraphs (b), (c), (d) and (e)”, there shall be inserted “and section 35(6A)”;
(b) for the reference in paragraph (b) of section 34(8) to “8 weeks of the receipt of a planning application” there shall be substituted “8 weeks of the date the order of the High Court in the matter is perfected”;
(c) in paragraph (f) of section 34(8), after “paragraph (a), (b), (c), (d) or (e)”, there shall be inserted “, the period specified in section 35(6A) or, as the case may be, the period specified in paragraph (b), (c), (d) or (e) as that paragraph is applied by virtue of section 35(6B)”; and
(d) any other necessary modifications.
(6C) No appeal shall lie to the Board from a decision of a planning authority to refuse to grant planning permission under subsection (5).”.
Amendment of section 37 of Principal Act.
10.— Section 37(4) of the Principal Act is amended by inserting the following paragraphs after paragraph (b):
“(c) Notwithstanding subsection (1), a body or organisation referred to in paragraph (d) shall be entitled to appeal to the Board against a decision by a planning authority on an application for development (being development in respect of which an environmental impact statement was required to be submitted to the planning authority in accordance with section 172) before the expiration of the appropriate period within the meaning of that subsection.
(d) The body or organisation mentioned in paragraph (c) is a body or organisation (not being a State authority, a public authority or a governmental body or agency)—
(i) the aims or objectives of which relate to the promotion of environmental protection,
(ii) which has, during the period of 12 months preceding the making of the appeal, pursued those aims or objectives, and
(iii) which satisfies such additional requirements (if any) as are prescribed under paragraph (e).
(e) The Minister may prescribe additional requirements which a body or organisation of the foregoing kind must satisfy in order to make an appeal under paragraph (c), being requirements of a general nature and for the purposes of promoting transparency and accountability in the operation of such organisations, including requirements—
(i) in relation to its membership,
(ii) that the pursuit of its aims or objectives be otherwise than for profit,
(iii) in relation to the possession of a specified legal personality and the possession of a constitution or rules,
(iv) that the area of environmental protection to which its aims or objectives relate is relevant to the class of matter into which the decision, the subject of the appeal, falls.
(f) The Board may dismiss any appeal made under paragraph (c) where it considers that the body or organisation concerned does not satisfy the requirements of paragraph (d)(i), (ii) or (iii).”.
Amendment of section 38 of Principal Act.
11.— Section 38(2) of the Principal Act is amended by inserting “and the Data Protection Acts 1988 and 2003” after “those regulations,”.
Amendment of section 41 of Principal Act.
12.— Section 41 of the Principal Act is amended—
(a) by substituting “section 34, 37 or 37G” for “sections 34 and 37” in each place where those words occur, and
(b) by inserting “or the Board” after “planning authority” where those words secondly occur.
Judicial review of, and determination of questions of law arising in, certain matters.
13.— The following sections are substituted for section 50 of the Principal Act:
“Judicial review of applications, appeals, referrals and other matters.
50.— (1) Where a question of law arises on any matter with which the Board is concerned, the Board may refer the question to the High Court for decision.
(2) A person shall not question the validity of any decision made or other act done by—
(a) a planning authority, a local authority or the Board in the performance or purported performance of a function under this Act,
(b) the Board in the performance or purported performance of a function transferred under Part XIV, or
(c) a local authority in the performance or purported performance of a function conferred by an enactment specified in section 214 relating to the compulsory acquisition of land,
otherwise than by way of an application for judicial review under Order 84 of the Rules of the Superior Courts (S.I. No. 15 of 1986) (the ‘Order’).
(3) Subsection (2)(a) does not apply to an approval or consent referred to in Chapter I or II of Part VI.
(4) A planning authority, a local authority or the Board may, at any time after the bringing of an application for leave to apply for judicial review of any decision or other act to which subsection (2) applies and which relates to a matter for the time being before the authority or the Board, as the case may be, apply to the High Court to stay the proceedings pending the making of a decision by the authority or the Board in relation to the matter concerned.
(5) On the making of such an application, the High Court may, where it considers that the matter before the authority or the Board is within the jurisdiction of the authority or the Board, make an order staying the proceedings concerned on such terms as it thinks fit.
(6) Subject to subsection (8), an application for leave to apply for judicial review under the Order in respect of a decision or other act to which subsection (2)(a) applies shall be made within the period of 8 weeks beginning on the date of the decision or, as the case may be, the date of the doing of the act by the planning authority, the local authority or the Board, as appropriate.
(7) Subject to subsection (8), an application for leave to apply for judicial review under the Order in respect of a decision or other act to which subsection (2)(b) or (c) applies shall be made within the period of 8 weeks beginning on the date on which notice of the decision or act was first sent (or as may be the requirement under the relevant enactment, functions under which are transferred under Part XIV or which is specified in section 214, was first published).
(8) The High Court may extend the period provided for in subsection (6) or (7) within which an application for leave referred to in that subsection may be made but shall only do so if it is satisfied that—
(a) there is good and sufficient reason for doing so, and
(b) the circumstances that resulted in the failure to make the application for leave within the period so provided were outside the control of the applicant for the extension.
(9) References in this section to the Order shall be construed as including references to the Order as amended or replaced (with or without modification) by rules of court.
Section 50: supplemental provisions.
50A.— (1) In this section—
‘ Court ’, where used without qualification, means the High Court (but this definition shall not be construed as meaning that subsections (2) to (6) and (9) do not extend to and govern the exercise by the Supreme Court of jurisdiction on any appeal that may be made);
‘ Order ’ shall be construed in accordance with section 50;
‘ section 50 leave ’ means leave to apply for judicial review under the Order in respect of a decision or other act to which section 50(2) applies.
(2) An application for section 50 leave shall be made by motion on notice (grounded in the manner specified in the Order in respect of an ex parte motion for leave)—
(a) if the application relates to a decision made or other act done by a planning authority or local authority in the performance or purported performance of a function under this Act, to the authority concerned and, in the case of a decision made or other act done by a planning authority on an application for permission, to the applicant for the permission where he or she is not the applicant for leave,
(b) if the application relates to a decision made or other act done by the Board on an appeal or referral, to the Board and each party or each other party, as the case may be, to the appeal or referral,
(c) if the application relates to a decision made or other act done by the Board on an application for permission or approval, to the Board and to the applicant for the permission or approval where he or she is not the applicant for leave,
(d) if the application relates to a decision made or other act done by the Board or a local authority in the performance or purported performance of a function referred to in section 50(2)(b) or (c), to the Board or the local authority concerned, and
(e) to any other person specified for that purpose by order of the High Court.
(3) The Court shall not grant section 50 leave unless it is satisfied that—
(a) there are substantial grounds for contending that the decision or act concerned is invalid or ought to be quashed, and
(b) (i) the applicant has a substantial interest in the matter which is the subject of the application, or
(ii) where the decision or act concerned relates to a development identified in or under regulations made under section 176, for the time being in force, as being development which may have significant effects on the environment, the applicant—
(I) is a body or organisation (other than a State authority, a public authority or governmental body or agency) the aims or objectives of which relate to the promotion of environmental protection,
(II) has, during the period of 12 months preceding the date of the application, pursued those aims or objectives, and
(III) satisfies such requirements (if any) as a body or organisation, if it were to make an appeal under section 37(4)(c), would have to satisfy by virtue of section 37(4)(d)(iii) (and, for this purpose, any requirement prescribed under section 37(4)(e)(iv) shall apply as if the reference in it to the class of matter into which the decision, the subject of the appeal, falls were a reference to the class of matter into which the decision or act, the subject of the application for section 50 leave, falls).
(4) A substantial interest for the purposes of subsection (3)(b)(i) is not limited to an interest in land or other financial interest.
(5) If the court grants section 50 leave, no grounds shall be relied upon in the application for judicial review under the Order other than those determined by the Court to be substantial under subsection (3)(a).
(6) The Court may, as a condition for granting section 50 leave, require the applicant for such leave to give an undertaking as to damages.
(7) The determination of the Court of an application for section 50 leave or of an application for judicial review on foot of such leave shall be final and no appeal shall lie from the decision of the Court to the Supreme Court in either case save with leave of the Court which leave shall only be granted where the Court certifies that its decision involves a point of law of exceptional public importance and that it is desirable in the public interest that an appeal should be taken to the Supreme Court.
(8) Subsection (7) shall not apply to a determination of the Court in so far as it involves a question as to the validity of any law having regard to the provisions of the Constitution.
(9) If an application is made for judicial review under the Order in respect of part only of a decision or other act to which section 50(2) applies, the Court may, if it thinks fit, declare to be invalid or quash the part concerned or any provision thereof without declaring invalid or quashing the remainder of the decision or other act or part of the decision or other act, and if the Court does so, it may make any consequential amendments to the remainder of the decision or other act or the part thereof that it considers appropriate.
(10) The Court shall, in determining an application for section 50 leave or an application for judicial review on foot of such leave, act as expeditiously as possible consistent with the administration of justice.
(11) On an appeal from a determination of the Court in respect of an application referred to in subsection (10), the Supreme Court shall—
(a) have jurisdiction to determine only the point of law certified by the Court under subsection (7) (and to make only such order in the proceedings as follows from such determination), and
(b) in determining the appeal, act as expeditiously as possible consistent with the administration of justice.
(12) Rules of court may make provision for the expeditious hearing of applications for section 50 leave and applications for judicial review on foot of such leave.”.
Amendment of section 104 of Principal Act.
14.— Section 104(1) of the Principal Act is amended by substituting “9 ordinary members” for “7 other ordinary members”.
Amendment of section 106 of Principal Act.
15.— Section 106 of the Principal Act is amended—
(a) by substituting the following subsections for subsections (1) and (2):
“(1) The Minister shall appoint the 9 ordinary members of the Board as follows:
(a) 2 members shall be appointed from amongst persons nominated for such appointment by such organisations that, in the Minister’s opinion, are representative of persons whose professions or occupations relate to physical planning, engineering and architecture as may be prescribed;
(b) 2 members shall be appointed from amongst persons nominated for such appointment by such organisations that, in the Minister’s opinion, are concerned with economic development, the promotion of and carrying out of development, the provision of infrastructure or the development of land or otherwise connected with the construction industry as may be prescribed;
(c) 2 members shall be appointed from among persons nominated for such appointment by such—
(i) organisations that, in the Minister’s opinion, are representative of the interests of local government,
(ii) bodies representing farming, and
(iii) trade unions,
as may be prescribed;
(d) 2 members shall be appointed from among persons nominated for such appointment by such—
(i) organisations that, in the Minister’s opinion, are representative of persons concerned with the protection and preservation of the environment and of amenities,
(ii) voluntary bodies and bodies having charitable objects,
(iii) bodies that, in the Minister’s opinion, have a special interest or expertise in matters relating to rural and local community development, the promotion of the Irish language or the promotion of heritage, the arts and culture,
(iv) bodies that are representative of people with disabilities, and
(v) bodies that are representative of young people,
as may be prescribed;
(e) one member shall be appointed from among the officers of the Minister who are established civil servants for the purposes of the Civil Service Regulation Act 1956.
(2) The Minister shall prescribe at least 2 organisations for the purposes of each of paragraphs (a) to (d) of subsection (1).”,
(b) in subsection (4), by substituting “paragraph (a), (b), (c) or (d)” for “paragraph (a), (b), (c), (d), (e) or (f)”, and
(c) in subsection (5), by substituting “subsection (1)(e)” for “subsection (1)(g)”.
Amendment of section 108 of Principal Act.
16.— Section 108(4) of the Principal Act is amended, in paragraph (a), by substituting, “section 106(1)(e)” for “section 106(1)(g)”.
Amendment of section 110 of Principal Act.
17.— Section 110 of the Principal Act is amended by substituting the following subsections for subsection (1):
“(1) The chairperson and, subject to the overall direction of the chairperson or where subsection (1A) applies, the deputy chairperson shall each have the function of—
(a) ensuring the efficient discharge of the business of the Board, and
(b) arranging the distribution of the business of the Board among its members.
(1A) The functions referred to in subsection (1) shall also fall to be performed by the deputy chairperson where the chairperson is not available or where the office of chairperson is vacant.
(1B) The chairperson may assign to any ordinary member any function necessary to ensure the best or most efficient discharge of the business of the Board.
(1C) The chairperson, or the deputy chairperson where the chairperson is not available or where the office of chairperson is vacant, shall take all practical steps to ensure that the organisation and disposition of the staff and resources of the Board are such as to enable the Strategic Infrastructure Division to discharge its business expeditiously.”.
Amendment of section 112 of Principal Act.
18.— Section 112 of the Principal Act is amended by adding the following subsection after subsection (3):
“(4) This section is without prejudice to section 112A.”.
Strategic Infrastructure Division.
19.— The following section is inserted after section 112 of the Principal Act:
“Strategic Infrastructure Division.
112A.— (1) A division of the Board which shall be known as the Strategic Infrastructure Division is established on the commencement of section 19 of the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006.
(2) That division is in addition to any division for the time being constituted under section 112.
(3) The Strategic Infrastructure Division—
(a) shall, subject to subsections (8) and (9), determine any matter falling to be determined by the Board under this Act in relation to strategic infrastructure development, and
(b) shall determine any other matter falling to be determined by the Board under this or any other enactment, including any class of appeals or referrals, that the chairperson or the deputy chairperson may from time to time assign to it.
(4) For the purpose of business of either of the foregoing kinds, the Strategic Infrastructure Division shall have all the functions of the Board.
(5) The Strategic Infrastructure Division shall consist of the chairperson and the deputy chairperson and 3 other ordinary members nominated by the chairperson to be, for the time being, members of the Division.
(6) The chairperson may authorise any other ordinary member to act in place of any member of the Strategic Infrastructure Division referred to in subsection (5) where the latter member is absent.
(7) The quorum for a meeting of the Strategic Infrastructure Division shall be 3.
(8) Either—
(a) the chairperson or, in his or her absence, the deputy chairperson, or
(b) a person acting as chairperson of a meeting of the Division,
may, at any stage before a decision is made by the Division, transfer the consideration of any matter from the Strategic Infrastructure Division to a meeting of all available members of the Board where he or she considers the matter to be of particular complexity or significance.
(9) The chairperson may, if he or she considers that the issues arising in respect of any particular case of strategic infrastructure development, or any particular class or classes of such case, are not of sufficient complexity or significance as to warrant that case, or that class or those classes of case, being dealt with by the Strategic Infrastructure Division, transfer the consideration of that case, or that class or those classes of case, to another division or part of the Board.”.
Amendment of section 125 of Principal Act.
20.— The following section is substituted for section 125 of the Principal Act:
“Appeals, referrals and applications with which the Board is concerned.
125.— This Chapter shall apply—
(a) to appeals and referrals to the Board, and
(b) to the extent provided, to applications made to the Board under section 37E and any other matter with which the Board may be concerned,
but shall not apply to appeals under section 182(4)(b).”.
Amendment of section 128 of Principal Act.
21.— The following section is substituted for section 128 of the Principal Act:
“Submission of documents, etc. to Board by planning authorities.
128.— (1) Where an appeal or referral is made to the Board the planning authority concerned shall, within a period of 2 weeks beginning on the day on which a copy of the appeal or referral is sent to it by the Board, submit to the Board—
(a) in the case of an appeal under section 37—
(i) a copy of the planning application concerned and of any drawings, maps, particulars, evidence, environmental impact statement, other written study or further information received or obtained by it from the applicant in accordance with regulations under this Act,
(ii) a copy of any submission or observation made in accordance with regulations under this Act in respect of the planning application,
(iii) a copy of any report prepared by or for the planning authority in relation to the planning application, and
(iv) a copy of the decision of the planning authority in respect of the planning application and a copy of the notification of the decision given to the applicant,
(b) in the case of any other appeal or referral, any information or documents in its possession which is or are relevant to that matter.
(2) The Board, in determining an appeal or referral, may take into account any fact, submission or observation mentioned, made or comprised in any document or other information submitted under subsection (1).”.
Oral hearings.
22.— The following sections are substituted for section 134 (as amended by the Local Government Act 2001) of the Principal Act:
“Oral hearings of appeals, referrals and applications.
134.— (1) The Board may in its absolute discretion, hold an oral hearing of an appeal, a referral under section 5 or an application under section 37E.
(2) (a) A party to an appeal or a referral under section 5 or an applicant under section 37E or any person who makes a submission or observation under section 37E may request an oral hearing of the appeal, referral or application, as appropriate.
(b) (i) A request for an oral hearing of an appeal, referral or application shall be made in writing to the Board and shall be accompanied by such fee (if any) as may be payable in respect of the request in accordance with section 144.
(ii) A request for an oral hearing of an appeal, referral or application which is not accompanied by such fee (if any) as may be payable in respect of the request shall not be considered by the Board.
(c) (i) A request by an appellant for an oral hearing of an appeal under section 37 shall be made within the appropriate period referred to in that section and any request received by the Board after the expiration of that period shall not be considered by the Board.
(ii) Where a provision of this Act, other than sections 37 and 254(6), authorising an appeal to the Board enables the appeal only to be made within, or before the expiration of, a specified period or before a specified day, a request by an appellant for an oral hearing of an appeal may only be made within, or before the expiration of, the specified period or before the specified day and any request for an oral hearing not so received by the Board shall not be considered by the Board.
(iii) A request by a person making a referral, by an applicant under section 37E or by an appellant under section 254(6) for an oral hearing of the referral, application or appeal, as the case may be, shall accompany the referral, application or appeal, and any request for an oral hearing received by the Board, other than a request which accompanies the referral, application or appeal, shall not be considered by the Board.
(d) A request by a party to an appeal or referral other than the appellant, or by a person who makes a submission or observation in relation to an application under section 37E, for an oral hearing shall be made—
(i) in respect of an appeal or referral, within the period referred to in section 129(2)(a) within which the party may make submissions or observations to the Board in relation to the appeal or referral,
(ii) in respect of an application under section 37E, within the period specified in a notice under that section within which the person may make submissions or observations to the Board in relation to the application,
and any such request received by the Board after the expiration of that period shall not be considered by the Board.
(3) Where the Board is requested to hold an oral hearing of an appeal, referral or application and decides to determine the appeal, referral or application without an oral hearing, the Board shall serve notice of its decision on—
(a) the person who requested the hearing and on each other party to the appeal or referral or, as appropriate, (unless he or she was the requester) the applicant under section 37E, and
(b) each person who has made submissions or observations to the Board in relation to the appeal, referral or application (not being the person who was the requester).
(4) (a) A request for an oral hearing may be withdrawn at any time.
(b) Where, following a withdrawal of a request for an oral hearing under paragraph (a), the appeal, referral or application falls to be determined without an oral hearing, the Board shall give notice that it falls to be so determined—
(i) to each other party to the appeal or referral or, as appropriate, (unless he or she was the person who withdrew the request) the applicant under section 37E, and
(ii) to each person who has made submissions or observations to the Board in relation to the appeal, referral or application (not being the person who withdrew the request).
Further power to hold oral hearings.
134A.— (1) Where the Board considers it necessary or expedient for the purposes of making a determination in respect of any of its functions under this Act or any other enactment, it may, in its absolute discretion, hold an oral hearing and shall, in addition to any other requirements under this Act or other enactment, as appropriate, consider the report and any recommendations of the person holding the oral hearing before making such determination.
(2) Section 135 shall apply to any oral hearing held in accordance with subsection (1) and that section shall be construed accordingly.
(3) This section is in addition to section 134.”.
Amendment of section 135 of Principal Act.
23.— Section 135 of the Principal Act is amended—
(a) by substituting the following subsections for subsections (1) to (3):
“(1) The Board or an employee of the Board duly authorised by the Board may assign a person to conduct an oral hearing of an appeal, referral or application on behalf of the Board.
(2) The person conducting an oral hearing of an appeal, referral or application shall have discretion as to the conduct of the hearing and shall conduct the hearing expeditiously and without undue formality (but subject to any direction given by the Board under subsection (2A)).
(2A) The Board may give a direction to the person conducting an oral hearing that he or she shall require persons intending to appear at the hearing to submit to him or her, in writing and in advance of the hearing, the points or a summary of the arguments they propose to make at the hearing; where such a direction is given that person shall comply with it (and, accordingly, is enabled to make such a requirement).
(2B) Subject to the foregoing provisions, the person conducting the oral hearing—
(a) shall decide the order of appearance of persons at the hearing,
(b) shall permit any person to appear in person or to be represented by another person,
(c) may limit the time within which each person may make points or arguments (including arguments in refutation of arguments made by others at the hearing), or question the evidence of others, at the hearing,
(d) may refuse to allow the making of a point or an argument if—
(i) the point or a summary of the argument has not been submitted in advance to the person in accordance with a requirement made pursuant to a direction given under subsection (2A),
(ii) the point or argument is not relevant to the subject matter of the hearing, or
(iii) it is considered necessary so as to avoid undue repetition of the same point or argument,
(e) may hear a person other than a person who has made submissions or observations to the Board in relation to the subject matter of the hearing if it is considered appropriate in the interests of justice to allow the person to be heard.
(3) A person conducting an oral hearing of any appeal, application or referral may require any officer of a planning authority or a local authority to give to him or her any information in relation to the appeal, application or referral which he or she reasonably requires for the purposes of the appeal, application or referral, and it shall be the duty of the officer to comply with the requirement.”,
and
(b) by substituting in subsections (4), (5) and (8), “appeal, referral or application” for “appeal or referral” in each place where those words occur.
Amendment of section 138 of Principal Act.
24.— Section 138(1) of the Principal Act is amended by substituting the following paragraph for paragraph (a):
“(a) where, having considered the grounds of appeal or referral or any other matter to which, by virtue of this Act, the Board may have regard in dealing with or determining the appeal or referral, the Board is of the opinion that the appeal or referral—
(i) is vexatious, frivolous or without substance or foundation, or
(ii) is made with the sole intention of delaying the development or the intention of securing the payment of money, gifts, consideration or other inducement by any person,”.
Amendment of section 140 of Principal Act.
25.— Section 140 of the Principal Act is amended—
(a) by substituting the following subsection for subsection (1):
“(1) (a) A person who has made—
(i) an appeal,
(ii) a planning application to which an appeal relates,
(iii) a referral,
(iv) an application for permission or approval (as may be appropriate) in respect of a strategic infrastructure development,
may withdraw, in writing, the appeal, application or referral at any time before that appeal, application, or referral is determined by the Board.
(b) As soon as maybe after receipt of a withdrawal, the Board shall notify each other party or person who has made submissions or observations on the appeal, application or referral of the withdrawal.”,
and
(b) in subsection (2)(a), by inserting “an application for permission or approval (as may be appropriate) in respect of a strategic infrastructure development,” after “a planning application to which an appeal relates,”.
Amendment of section 143 of Principal Act.
26.— The following section is substituted for section 143 of the Principal Act:
“Board to have regard to certain policies and objectives.
143.— (1) The Board shall, in performing its functions, have regard to—
(a) the policies and objectives for the time being of the Government, a State authority, the Minister, planning authorities and any other body which is a public authority whose functions have, or may have, a bearing on the proper planning and sustainable development of cities, towns or other areas, whether urban or rural,
(b) the national interest and any effect the performance of the Board’s functions may have on issues of strategic economic or social importance to the State, and
(c) the National Spatial Strategy and any regional planning guidelines for the time being in force.
(2) In this section ‘ public authority ’ means any body established by or under statute which is for the time being declared, by regulations made by the Minister, to be a public authority for the purposes of this section.”.
Amendment of section 144 of Principal Act.
27.— Section 144(1) of the Principal Act is amended—
(a) by inserting “or in respect of a strategic infrastructure development (including an application under section 146B or the submission of an environmental impact statement under 146C)” after “under section 37(5)”, and
(b) by substituting “appeals, referrals and applications” for “appeals and referrals”.
Amendment of section 145 of Principal Act.
28.— Section 145(1) of the Principal Act is amended by substituting the following paragraph for paragraph (b):
“(b) in case—
(i) the decision of the planning authority in relation to an appeal or referral is confirmed or varied and the Board, in determining the appeal or referral, does not accede in substance to the grounds of appeal or referral, or
(ii) the appeal or referral is decided, dismissed under section 138 or withdrawn under section 140 and the Board, in any of those cases, considers that the appeal or referral was made with the intention of delaying the development or securing a monetary gain by a party to the appeal or referral or any other person,
the Board may, if it so thinks proper, direct the appellant or person making the referral to pay—
(I) to the planning authority, such sum as the Board, in its absolute discretion, specifies as compensation to the planning authority for the expense occasioned to it in relation to the appeal or referral,
(II) to any of the other parties to the appeal or referral, such sum as the Board, in its absolute discretion, specifies as compensation to the party for the expense occasioned to him or her in relation to the appeal or referral, and
(III) to the Board, such sum as the Board, in its absolute discretion, specifies as compensation to the Board towards the expense incurred by the Board in relation to the appeal or referral.”.
Amendment of section 146 of Principal Act.
29.— Section 146 of the Principal Act is amended by substituting the following subsections for subsections (3) and (4):
“(3) Where, during the consideration by it of any matter falling to be decided by it in performance of a function under or transferred by this Act or any other enactment, the Board either—
(a) is required by or under this Act or that other enactment to supply to any person documents, maps, particulars or other information in relation to the matter, or
(b) considers it appropriate, in the exercise of its discretion, to supply to any person such documents, maps, particulars or information (‘relevant material or information’),
subsection (4) applies as regards compliance with that requirement or such supply in the exercise of that discretion.
(4) It shall be sufficient compliance with the requirement referred to in subsection (3) for the Board to do both of the following (or, as appropriate, the Board, in the exercise of the discretion referred to in that subsection, may do both of the following), namely:
(a) make the relevant material or information available for inspection—
(i) at the offices of the Board or any other place, or
(ii) by electronic means;
and
(b) notify the person concerned that the relevant material or information is so available for inspection.
(5) Within 3 days following the making of a decision on any matter falling to be decided by it in performance of a function under or transferred by this Act or under any other enactment, the documents relating to the matter—
(a) shall be made available by the Board for inspection at the offices of the Board by members of the public, and
(b) may be made available by the Board for such inspection—
(i) at any other place, or
(ii) by electronic means,
as the Board considers appropriate.
(6) Copies of the documents referred to in subsection (5) and of extracts from such documents shall be made available for purchase at the offices of the Board, or such other places as the Board may determine, for a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making the copy.
(7) The documents referred to in subsection (5) shall be made available by the means referred to in paragraph (a) of that subsection for a period of at least 5 years beginning on the third day following the making by the Board of the decision on the matter concerned.”.
Amendment of permissions, approvals, etc.
30.— The following Chapter is inserted after Chapter III of Part VI of the Principal Act:
“Chapter IV
Additional powers of Board in relation to permissions, decisions, approvals, etc.
Amendments of permissions, etc. of clerical or technical nature.
146A.— (1) Subject to subsection (2)—
(a) a planning authority or the Board, as may be appropriate, may amend a planning permission granted by it, or
(b) the Board may amend any decision made by it in performance of a function under or transferred by this Act or under any other enactment,
for the purposes of—
(i) correcting any clerical error therein,
(ii) facilitating the doing of any thing pursuant to the permission or decision where the doing of that thing may reasonably be regarded as having been contemplated by a particular provision of the permission or decision or the terms of the permission or decision taken as a whole but which was not expressly provided for in the permission or decision, or
(iii) otherwise facilitating the operation of the permission or decision.
(2) A planning authority or the Board shall not exercise the powers under subsection (1) if to do so would, in its opinion, result in a material alteration of the terms of the development, the subject of the permission or decision concerned.
(3) A planning authority or the Board, before it decides whether to exercise the powers under subsection (1) in a particular case, may invite submissions in relation to the matter to be made to it by any person who made submissions or observations to the planning authority or the Board in relation to the permission or other matter concerned, and shall have regard to any submissions made to it on foot of that invitation.
(4) In this section ‘term’ includes a condition.
Alteration by Board of strategic infrastructure development on request made of it.
146B.— (1) Subject to subsections (2) to (8) and section 146C, the Board may, on the request of any person who is carrying out or intending to carry out a strategic infrastructure development, alter the terms of the development the subject of a planning permission, approval or other consent granted under this Act.
(2) (a) As soon as practicable after the making of such a request, the Board shall make a decision as to whether the making of the alteration to which the request relates would constitute the making of a material alteration of the terms of the development concerned.
(b) Before making a decision under this subsection, the Board may invite submissions in relation to the matter to be made to it by such person or class of person as the Board considers appropriate (which class may comprise the public if, in the particular case, the Board determines that it shall do so); the Board shall have regard to any submissions made to it on foot of that invitation.
(3) If the Board decides that the making of the alteration—
(a) would not constitute the making of a material alteration of the terms of the development concerned, it shall alter the planning permission, approval or other consent accordingly and notify the person who made the request under this section, and the planning authority or each planning authority for the area or areas concerned, of the alteration,
(b) would constitute the making of such a material alteration, it shall determine whether to—
(i) make the alteration,
(ii) make an alteration of the terms of the development concerned, being an alteration that would be different from that to which the request relates (but which would not, in the opinion of the Board, represent, overall, a more significant change to the terms of the development than that which would be represented by the latter alteration), or
(iii) refuse to make the alteration.
(4) Before making a determination under subsection (3)(b), the Board shall determine whether the extent and character of—
(a) the alteration requested under subsection (1), and
(b) any alternative alteration it is considering under subsection (3)(b)(ii),
are such that the alteration, were it to be made, would be likely to have significant effects on the environment (and, for this purpose, the Board shall have reached a final decision as to what is the extent and character of any alternative alteration the making of which it is so considering).
(5) If the Board determines that the making of either kind of alteration referred to in subsection (3)(b)—
(a) is not likely to have significant effects on the environment, it shall proceed to make a determination under subsection (3)(b), or
(b) is likely to have such effects, the provisions of section 146C shall apply.
(6) If, in a case to which subsection (5)(a) applies, the Board makes a determination to make an alteration of either kind referred to in subsection (3)(b), it shall alter the planning permission, approval or other consent accordingly and notify the person who made the request under this section, and the planning authority or each planning authority for the area or areas concerned, of the alteration.
(7) In making a determination under subsection (4), the Board shall have regard to the criteria for the purposes of determining which classes of development are likely to have significant effects on the environment set out in any regulations made under section 176.
(8) (a) Before making a determination under subsection (3)(b) or (4), the Board shall—
(i) make, or require the person who made the request concerned under subsection (1) to make, such information relating to that request available for inspection for such period,
(ii) notify, or require that person to notify, such person, such class of person or the public (as the Board considers appropriate) that the information is so available, and
(iii) invite, or require that person to invite, submissions or observations (from any foregoing person or, as appropriate, members of the public) to be made to it in relation to that request within such period,
as the Board determines and, in the case of a requirement under any of the preceding subparagraphs, specifies in the requirement; such a requirement may specify the means by which the thing to which it relates is to be done.
(b) The Board shall have regard to any submissions or observations made to it in accordance with an invitation referred to in paragraph (a).
(c) The Board shall notify any person who made a submission or observation to it in accordance with that invitation of its determination under subsection (3)(b) or (4).
(9) In this section ‘term’ has the same meaning as it has in section 146A.
Preparation of environmental impact statement for purposes of section 146B.
146C.— (1) This section applies to a case where the determination of the Board under section 146B(4) is that the making of either kind of alteration referred to in section 146B(3)(b) is likely to have significant effects on the environment.
(2) In a case to which this section applies, the Board shall require the person who made the request under section 146B (‘the requester’) to prepare an environmental impact statement in relation to the proposed alteration of the terms of the development concerned and, in this subsection and the following subsections of this section, ‘ proposed alteration of the terms of the development concerned ’ means—
(a) the alteration referred to in subsection (3)(b)(i), and
(b) any alternative alteration under subsection (3)(b)(ii) the making of which the Board is considering (and particulars of any such alternative alteration the making of which is being so considered shall be furnished, for the purposes of this subsection, by the Board to the requester).
(3) An environmental impact statement under this section shall contain—
(a) any information that any regulations made under section 177 require to be contained in environmental impact statements generally under this Act, and
(b) any other information prescribed in any regulations made under section 177 to the extent that—
(i) such information is relevant to—
(I) the given stage of the consent procedure and to the specific characteristics of the development or type of development concerned, and
(II) the environmental features likely to be affected,
and
(ii) the person or persons preparing the statement may reasonably be required to compile it having regard to current knowledge and methods of assessment,
and
(c) a summary, in non-technical language, of the information referred to in paragraphs (a) and (b).
(4) When an environmental impact statement under this section is prepared, the requester shall as soon as may be—
(a) submit a copy of the statement to the Board, together with either—
(i) a copy of the published notice referred to in paragraph (c), or
(ii) a copy of the notice proposed to be published in accordance with paragraph (c) together with details of its proposed publication and date,
(b) publish a notice, in the prescribed form, in one or more newspapers circulating in the area in which the development concerned is proposed to be, or is being, carried out—
(i) stating that an environmental impact statement has been submitted to the Board in relation to the proposed alteration of the terms of the development concerned,
(ii) indicating the times at which, the period (which shall not be less than 4 weeks) during which and the place or places where a copy of the environmental impact statement may be inspected,
(iii) stating that a copy of the environmental impact statement may be purchased on payment of a specified fee (which fee shall not exceed the reasonable cost of making such copy), and
(iv) stating that submissions or observations may be made in writing to the Board before a specified date (which date shall not be less than 4 weeks after the notice was first published) in relation to the likely effects on the environment of the proposed alteration of the foregoing terms,
(c) send a copy of the environmental impact statement together with a notice in the prescribed form to the local authority or each local authority in whose functional area the proposed development would be situate and to any prescribed body or person stating that—
(i) the statement has been submitted to the Board in relation to the proposed alteration of the terms of the development concerned,
(ii) before a specified date (which date shall be the same as provided or proposed to be provided for by the notice under paragraph (b)) submissions or observations may be made in writing to the Board in relation to the likely effects on the environment of the proposed alteration of the foregoing terms,
(d) send a copy of the environmental impact statement, together with a notice in the prescribed form, to a Member State of the European Communities or a state which is a party to the Transboundary Convention where, in the Board’s opinion, the proposed alteration of the terms of the development concerned is likely to have significant effects on the environment in that state, together with a notice (in the prescribed form, if any) stating that—
(i) the statement has been submitted to the Board in relation to the likely effects on the environment of the proposed alteration of the foregoing terms,
(ii) before a specified date (which date shall be the same as provided or proposed to be provided for by the notice under paragraph (b)) submissions or observations may be made in writing to the Board in relation to the likely effects on the environment in that state of the proposed alteration of those terms,
and the Board may, at its discretion and from time to time, extend any time limits provided for by this subsection.
(5) On the preceding subsections having been complied with, the Board shall, subject to subsections (6) and (7), proceed to make a determination under section 146B(3)(b) in relation to the matter.
(6) In making that determination, the Board shall, to the extent that they appear to the Board to be relevant, have regard to the following:
(a) the environmental impact statement submitted pursuant to subsection (4)(a), any submissions or observations made in response to the invitation referred to in subsection (4)(b) or (c) before the date specified in the notice concerned for that purpose and any other relevant information before it relating to the likely effects on the environment of the proposed alteration of the terms of the development concerned;
(b) where such alteration is likely to have significant effects on the environment in another Member State of the European Communities, or a state which is a party to the Transboundary Convention, the views of such Member State or party;
(c) the development plan or plans for the area in which the development concerned is proposed to be, or is being, carried out (referred to subsequently in this subsection as ‘the area’);
(d) the provisions of any special amenity area order relating to the area;
(e) if the area or part of the area is a European site or an area prescribed for the purposes of section 10(2)(c), that fact;
(f) if the development concerned (were it to be carried out in the terms as they are proposed to be altered) would have an effect on a European site or an area prescribed for the purposes of section 10(2)(c), that fact;
(g) the matters referred to in section 143;
(h) any social or economic benefit that would accrue to the State, a region of the State or the area were the development concerned to be carried out in the terms as they are proposed to be altered;
(i) commitments entered into and the stage at which the development concerned has progressed under the permission, approval or other consent in the terms as originally granted; and
(j) any relevant provisions of this Act and of any regulations made under this Act.
(7) The Board shall not make a determination under section 146B(3)(b) in a case to which this section applies at any time prior to the date specified, pursuant to subparagraph (iv) of subsection (4)(b), in the notice under subsection (4)(b).
(8) Where the Board makes a determination under section 146B(3)(b) in a case to which this section applies—
(a) it shall give public notice of the determination (including notice in the area in which the development concerned is proposed to be, or is being, carried out) and inform any state to which an environmental impact statement has been sent under subsection (4)(d) of the determination, including, if the determination is of the kind referred to in paragraph (b), particulars of the determination, and
(b) if the determination is a determination to make an alteration of either kind referred to in section 146B(3)(b), it shall alter the planning permission, approval or other consent accordingly and notify the requester of the alteration.
(9) Without prejudice to the generality of section 18(a) of the Interpretation Act 2005, a reference, however expressed, in this section to the area in which the proposed development would be situated includes, if the context admits, a reference to the 2 or more areas in which the proposed development would be situated and cognate references shall be construed accordingly.
Application of sections 146A to 146C to railway orders.
146D.— Sections 146A to 146C shall apply to a railway order under the Transport (Railway Infrastructure) Act 2001 (whether made before or after the amendment of that Act by the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006) as they apply to a permission, decision or approval referred to in them with the following modifications:
(a) a reference in those sections to the terms of the development shall be construed as a reference to the terms of the railway works, the subject of the railway order;
(b) a reference in those sections to altering the terms of the development shall be construed as a reference to amending, by order, the railway order with respect to the terms of the railway works, the subject of the railway order; and
(c) a reference in section 146A to submissions or observations made to the Board in relation to the permission or other matter concerned shall be construed as a reference to submissions made to the Minister for Transport or the Board, as the case may be, under the Transport (Railway Infrastructure) Act 2001 in relation to the railway order.”.
Amendment of section 156 of Principal Act.
31.— Section 156 of the Principal Act is amended—
(a) in subsection (1), by inserting “135(7),” after “63,”, and
(b) by adding the following subsection after subsection (8):
“(9) Where a person is convicted, on indictment, of an offence under section 135(7), the court may, where it finds that the act or omission constituting the offence delayed the conduct of the oral hearing concerned referred to in section 135(7), order—
(a) the person convicted, or
(b) any body with whose consent, connivance or approval the court is satisfied the offence was committed,
to pay to the Board or to any party or person who appeared at the oral hearing such an amount as is equal to the amount of any additional costs that it is shown to the court to have been incurred by the Board, party or person in appearing or being represented at the oral hearing by reason of the commission of the offence.”.
Amendment of section 173 of Principal Act.
32.— Section 173 of the Principal Act is amended by substituting the following subsection for subsection (2):
“(2) (a) If an applicant or a person intending to apply for permission so requests, the planning authority concerned shall give a written opinion on the information to be contained in an environmental impact statement, subject to—
(i) consultation with the Board, and
(ii) any prescribed consultations,
to be carried out by the planning authority in relation to such an opinion, and the written opinion shall be given before the submission by that person of an application for the grant of planning permission.
(b) The giving of a written opinion in accordance with paragraph (a) shall not prejudice the exercise by the planning authority concerned or the Board of its powers under this Act, or any regulations made thereunder, to require the person who made the request to submit further information regarding the application concerned or, as the case may be, any appeal.
(c) The Minister may, by regulations, provide for additional, incidental, consequential or supplementary matters as regards procedures in respect of the provision of a written opinion under paragraph (a).”.
Amendment of section 174 of Principal Act.
33.— Section 174 of the Principal Act is amended—
(a) in subsection (1)(a), by substituting “, or the Board in dealing with any application or appeal,” for “, or the Board on appeal,”,
(b) in subsection (2), by substituting “sections 34(3), 37G(2), 146C(6), 173(1), 181B(1), 182B(1) and 182D(1)” for “sections 173(1) and 34(3)”, and
(c) in subsection (3), by substituting “grant of permission or approval” for “grant of permission”.
Amendment of section 175 of Principal Act.
34.— Section 175 of the Principal Act is amended—
(a) by substituting the following subsection for subsection (5):
“(5) (a) The Board may—
(i) if it considers it necessary to do so, require a local authority that has applied for approval for a proposed development to furnish to the Board such further information in relation to—
(I) the effects on the environment of the proposed development, or
(II) the consequences for proper planning and sustainable development in the area in which it is proposed to situate the said development of such development,
as the Board may specify, or
(ii) if it is provisionally of the view that it would be appropriate to approve the proposed development were certain alterations (specified in the notification referred to in this subparagraph) to be made to the terms of it, notify the local authority that it is of that view and invite the authority to make to the terms of the proposed development alterations specified in the notification and, if the authority makes those alterations, to furnish to it such information (if any) as it may specify in relation to the development, in the terms as so altered, or, where necessary, a revised environmental impact statement in respect of it.
(b) If a local authority makes the alterations to the terms of the proposed development specified in a notification given to it under paragraph (a), the terms of the development as so altered shall be deemed to be the proposed development for the purposes of this section.
(c) The Board shall—
(i) where it considers that any further information received pursuant to a requirement made under paragraph (a)(i) contains significant additional data relating to—
(I) the likely effects on the environment of the proposed development, and
(II) the likely consequences for the proper planning and sustainable development in the area in which it is proposed to situate the said development of such development,
or
(ii) where the local authority has made the alterations to the terms of the proposed development specified in a notification given to it under paragraph (a)(ii),
require the local authority to do the things referred to in paragraph (d).
(d) The things which a local authority shall be required to do as aforesaid are—
(i) to publish in one or more newspapers circulating in the area in which the proposed development would be situate a notice stating that, as appropriate—
(I) further information in relation to the proposed development has been furnished to the Board, or
(II) the local authority has, pursuant to an invitation of the Board, made alterations to the terms of the proposed development (and the nature of those alterations shall be indicated) and, if it be the case, that information in relation to the terms of the development as so altered or a revised environmental impact statement in respect of the development has been furnished to the Board,
indicating the times at which, the period (which shall not be less than 3 weeks) during which and the place, or places, where a copy of the information or the environmental impact statement referred to in clause (I) or (II) may be inspected free of charge or purchased and that submissions or observations in relation to that information or statement may be made to the Board before the expiration of the indicated period, and
(ii) to send to each prescribed authority to which notice was given pursuant to subsection (4)(b)—
(I) a notice of the furnishing to the Board of, as appropriate, the further information referred to in subparagraph (i)(I) or the information or statement referred to in subparagraph (i)(II), and
(II) a copy of that further information, information or statement,
and to indicate to the authority that submissions or observations in relation to that further information, information or statement may be made to the Board before the expiration of a period (which shall not be less than 3 weeks) beginning on the day on which the notice is sent to the prescribed authority by the local authority.”,
(b) in subsection (6)(a), by substituting “the environmental impact statement submitted pursuant to subsection (1) or (5)(a)(ii), any submission or observations made in accordance with subsection (4) or (5)” for “the environmental impact statement submitted pursuant to subsection (1), any submissions or observations made in accordance with subsection (4)”, and
(c) by substituting the following subsections for subsection (9):
“(9) (a) The Board may, in respect of an application for approval under this section of proposed development—
(i) approve the proposed development,
(ii) make such modifications to the proposed development as it specifies in the approval and approve the proposed development as so modified,
(iii) approve, in part only, the proposed development (with or without specified modifications of it of the foregoing kind), or
(iv) refuse to approve the proposed development,
and may attach to an approval under subparagraph (i), (ii) or (iii) such conditions as it considers appropriate.
(b) Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power to attach conditions, the Board may attach to an approval under paragraph (a)(i), (ii) or (iii) a condition requiring—
(i) the construction or the financing, in whole or in part, of the construction of a facility, or
(ii) the provision or the financing, in whole or in part, of the provision of a service,
in the area in which the proposed development would be situated, being a facility or service that, in the opinion of the Board, would constitute a substantial gain to the community.
(c) A condition attached pursuant to paragraph (b) shall not require such an amount of financial resources to be committed for the purposes of the condition being complied with as would substantially deprive the person in whose favour the approval operates of the benefits likely to accrue from the grant of the approval.
(9A) (a) The Board shall direct the payment of such sum as it considers reasonable by the local authority concerned to the Board towards the costs and expenses incurred by the Board in determining an application under this section for approval of a proposed development, including—
(i) the costs of holding any oral hearing in relation to the application,
(ii) the fees of any consultants or advisers engaged in the matter, and
(iii) an amount equal to such portion of the remuneration and any allowances for expenses paid to the members and employees of the Board as the Board determines to be attributable to the performance of duties by the members and employees in relation to the application,
and the local authority shall pay the sum.
(b) If a local authority fails to pay a sum directed to be paid under paragraph (a), the Board may recover the sum from the authority as a simple contract debt in any court of competent jurisdiction.”.
Amendment of section 181 of Principal Act.
35.— Section 181(1) of the Principal Act is amended—
(a) in paragraph (a), by inserting “and sections 181A to 181C” after “except for this section”, and
(b) in paragraph (b), by deleting subparagraph (iv).
Environmental impact assessment of certain State developments.
36.— The following sections are inserted after section 181 of the Principal Act:
“Approval of certain State development requiring environmental impact assessment.
181A.— (1) Subject to section 181B(4), where a State authority proposes to carry out or have carried out development—
(a) of a class specified in regulations made under section 181(1)(a), and
(b) identified as likely to have significant effects on the environment in accordance with section 176,
(hereafter referred to in this section and sections 181B and 181C as ‘proposed development’), the authority shall prepare, or cause to be prepared, an application for approval of the development under section 181B and an environmental impact statement in respect of the development and shall apply to the Board for such approval accordingly.
(2) Subject to section 181B(4), the proposed development shall not be carried out unless the Board has approved it with or without modifications.
(3) Before a State authority makes an application for approval under subsection (1), it shall—
(a) publish in one or more newspapers circulating in the area or areas in which it is proposed to carry out the development a notice indicating the nature and location of the proposed development and—
(i) stating that—
(I) it proposes to seek the approval of the Board for the proposed development,
(II) an environmental impact statement has been prepared in respect of the proposed development,
(III) where relevant, the proposed development is likely to have significant effects on the environment in another Member State of the European Communities or other party to the Transboundary Convention,
(ii) specifying the times and places at which, and the period (not being less than 6 weeks) during which, a copy of the application and the environmental impact statement may be inspected free of charge or purchased on payment of a specified fee (which fee shall not exceed the reasonable cost of making such copy),
(iii) inviting the making, during such period, of submissions and observations to the Board relating to—
(I) the implications of the proposed development for proper planning and sustainable development in the area or areas concerned, and
(II) the likely effects on the environment of the proposed development,
if carried out, and
(iv) specifying the types of decision the Board may make, under section 181B, in relation to the application,
(b) send a copy of the application and the environmental impact statement to the local authority or each local authority in whose functional area the proposed development would be situate and to any prescribed bodies, together with a notice stating that submissions or observations may, during the period referred to in paragraph (a)(ii), be made in writing to the Board in relation to—
(i) the implications of the proposed development for proper planning and sustainable development in the area concerned, and
(ii) the likely effects on the environment of the proposed development,
if carried out, and
(c) where the proposed development is likely to have significant effects on the environment of a Member State of the European Communities or a state which is a party to the Transboundary Convention, send a prescribed number of copies of the application and the environmental impact statement to the prescribed authority of the relevant state or states together with a notice stating that submissions or observations may, during the period referred to in paragraph (a)(ii), be made in writing to the Board.
(4) The Board may—
(a) if it considers it necessary to do so, require a State authority that has applied for approval for a proposed development to furnish to the Board such further information in relation to the effects on proper planning and sustainable development or the environment of the proposed development as the Board may specify, or
(b) if it is provisionally of the view that it would be appropriate to approve the proposed development were certain alterations (specified in the notification referred to in this paragraph) to be made to the terms of it, notify the State authority that it is of that view and invite the State authority to make to the terms of the proposed development alterations specified in the notification and, if the State authority makes those alterations, to furnish to it such information (if any) as it may specify in relation to the development, in the terms as so altered, or, where necessary, a revised environmental impact statement in respect of it.
(5) If a State authority makes the alterations to the terms of the proposed development specified in a notification given to it under subsection (4), the terms of the development as so altered shall be deemed to be the proposed development for the purposes of this section and section 181B.
(6) The Board shall—
(a) where it considers that any further information received pursuant to a requirement made under subsection (4)(a) contains significant additional data relating to—
(i) the likely effects on the environment of the proposed development, and
(ii) the likely consequences for proper planning and sustainable development in the area or areas in which it is proposed to situate the said development of such development,
or
(b) where the State authority has made the alterations to the terms of the proposed development specified in a notification given to it under subsection (4)(b),
require the State authority to do the things referred to in subsection (7).
(7) The things which a State authority shall be required to do as aforesaid are—
(a) to publish in one or more newspapers circulating in the area or areas in which the proposed development would be situate a notice stating that, as appropriate—
(i) further information in relation to the proposed development has been furnished to the Board, or
(ii) the State authority has, pursuant to an invitation of the Board, made alterations to the terms of the proposed development (and the nature of those alterations shall be indicated) and, if it be the case, that information in relation to the terms of the development as so altered or a revised environmental impact statement in respect of the development has been furnished to the Board,
indicating the times at which, the period (which shall not be less than 3 weeks) during which and the place, or places, where a copy of the information or the environmental impact statement referred to in subparagraph (i) or (ii) may be inspected free of charge or purchased on payment of a specified fee (which fee shall not exceed the reasonable cost of making such copy) and that submissions or observations in relation to that information or statement may be made to the Board before the expiration of the indicated period, and
(b) to send to each prescribed authority to which a notice was given pursuant to subsection (3)(b) or (c)—
(i) a notice of the furnishing to the Board of, as appropriate, the further information referred to in paragraph (a)(i) or the information or statement referred to in paragraph (a)(ii), and
(ii) a copy of that further information, information or statement,
and to indicate to the authority that submissions or observations in relation to that further information, information or statement may be made to the Board before the expiration of a period (which shall be not less than 3 weeks) beginning on the day on which the notice is sent to the prescribed authority by the State authority.
Section 181A: criteria for decision, certain exemptions, etc.
181B.— (1) Before making a decision in respect of a proposed development the subject of an application under section 181A, the Board shall consider—
(a) the environmental impact statement submitted pursuant to section 181A(1) or (4), any submissions or observations made in accordance with section 181A(3) or (7) and any other information furnished in accordance with section 181A(4) relating to—
(i) the likely consequences for proper planning and sustainable development in the area in which it is proposed to situate the proposed development of such development, and
(ii) the likely effects on the environment of the proposed development,
and
(b) the report and any recommendations of a person conducting any oral hearing relating to the proposed development.
(2) The Board may, where it is satisfied that exceptional circumstances so warrant, grant an exemption in respect of proposed development from a requirement under section 181A(1) to prepare an environmental impact statement except that no exemption may be granted in respect of proposed development where another Member State of the European Communities or a state which is a party to the Transboundary Convention has indicated that it wishes to furnish views on the effects on the environment in that Member State or state of the proposed development.
(3) The Board shall, in granting an exemption under subsection (2), consider whether—
(a) the effects, if any, of the proposed development on the environment should be assessed in some other manner, and
(b) the information arising from such an assessment should be made available to the members of the public,
and it may apply such requirements regarding these matters in relation to the application for approval as it considers necessary or appropriate.
(4) The Minister for Defence may, in the case of proposed development in connection with, or for the purposes of, national defence, grant an exemption in respect of the development from a requirement under section 181A(1) to apply for approval and prepare an environmental impact statement if he or she is satisfied that the application of section 181A or 181C would have adverse effects on those purposes.
(5) Notice of any exemption granted under subsection (2) or (4), of the reasons for granting the exemption and, where appropriate, of any requirements applied under subsection (3) shall, as soon as may be—
(a) be published in Iris Oifigiúil and in at least one daily newspaper published in the State, and
(b) be given, together with a copy of the information, if any, made available to the members of the public in accordance with subsection (3), to the Commission of the European Communities.
(6) The Board may, in respect of an application under section 181A for approval of proposed development—
(a) approve the proposed development,
(b) make such modifications to the proposed development as it specifies in the approval and approve the proposed development as so modified,
(c) approve, in part only, the proposed development (with or without specified modifications of it of the foregoing kind), or
(d) refuse to approve the proposed development,
and may attach to an approval under paragraph (a), (b) or (c) such conditions as it considers appropriate.
(7) Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power to attach conditions, the Board may attach to an approval under subsection (6)(a), (b) or (c) a condition requiring—
(a) the construction or the financing, in whole or in part, of the construction of a facility, or
(b) the provision or the financing, in whole or in part, of the provision of a service,
in the area in which the proposed development would be situated, being a facility or service that, in the opinion of the Board, would constitute a substantial gain to the community.
(8) A condition attached pursuant to subsection (7) shall not require such an amount of financial resources to be committed for the purposes of the condition being complied with as would substantially deprive the person in whose favour the approval under this section operates of the benefits likely to accrue from the grant of the approval.
(9) The Minister may make regulations to provide for such matters of procedure and administration as appear to the Minister to be necessary or expedient in respect of consultations under section 181C or applications for approval under section 181A.
(10) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (9), regulations under that subsection may make provision for requiring the Board to give information in respect of its decision regarding the proposed development for which approval is sought.
(11) In considering under subsection (1) information furnished relating to the likely consequences for proper planning and sustainable development of a proposed development in the area in which it is proposed to situate such development, or on the environment, the Board shall have regard to—
(a) the provisions of the development plan for the area,
(b) the provisions of any special amenity area order relating to the area,
(c) if the area or part of the area is a European site or an area prescribed for the purposes of section 10(2)(c), that fact,
(d) if the proposed development would have an effect on a European site or an area prescribed for the purposes of section 10(2)(c), that fact,
(e) where relevant, the matters referred to in section 143, and
(f) the provisions of this Act and regulations under this Act where relevant.
(12) Regulations made under section 181(1)(b) shall not apply to any development which is approved under this section.
(13) Nothing in this section or section 181A or 181C shall require the disclosure by a State authority or the Board of details of the internal arrangements of a development which might prejudice the internal or external security of the development or facilitate any unauthorised entrance to, or exit from, the development of any person when it is completed.
(14) Without prejudice to the generality of section 18(a) of the Interpretation Act 2005, a reference, however expressed, in this section to the area in which the proposed development would be situated includes, if the context admits, a reference to the 2 or more areas in which the proposed development would be situated and cognate references shall be construed accordingly.
Procedures in advance of seeking approval under section 181B.
181C.— (1) A State authority (a ‘prospective applicant’) which proposes to apply for approval under section 181B shall, before making the application, enter into consultations with the Board in relation to the proposed development.
(2) In any consultations under subsection (1), the Board may give advice to the prospective applicant regarding the proposed application and, in particular, regarding—
(a) the procedures involved in making the application, and
(b) what considerations, related to proper planning and sustainable development or the environment, may, in the opinion of the Board, have a bearing on its decision in relation to the application.
(3) A prospective applicant may request the Board—
(a) to make a determination of whether a development of a class specified in regulations made under section 181(1)(a) which it proposes to carry out or have carried out is likely to have significant effects on the environment in accordance with section 176 (and inform the applicant of the determination), or
(b) to give to the applicant an opinion in writing prepared by the Board on what information will be required to be contained in an environmental impact statement in relation to the proposed development.
(4) On receipt of such a request, the Board shall comply with it as soon as is practicable.
(5) A prospective applicant shall, for the purposes of—
(a) consultations under subsection (1), and
(b) the Board’s complying with a request under subsection (3),
supply to the Board sufficient information in relation to the proposed development so as to enable the Board to assess the proposed development.
(6) Neither—
(a) the holding of consultations under subsection (1), nor
(b) the provision of an opinion under subsection (3),
shall prejudice the performance by the Board of any other of its functions under this Act or regulations under this Act, or any other enactment and cannot be relied upon in the formal planning process or in legal proceedings.
(7) The Board shall keep a record in writing of any consultations under this section in relation to a proposed development, including the names of those who participated in the consultations, and a copy of such record shall be placed and kept with the documents to which any application in respect of the proposed development relates.”.
Transfer of certain Ministerial functions to Board.
37.— The following sections are inserted after section 215 of the Principal Act:
“Transfer of certain Ministerial functions under Gas Act 1976 to Board.
215A.— (1) The functions of—
(a) the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources,
(b) any other Minister of the Government, or
(c) the Commission for Energy Regulation,
under sections 31 and 32 of, and the Second Schedule to, the Gas Act 1976, as amended, in relation to the compulsory acquisition of land in respect of a strategic gas infrastructure development are transferred to, and vested in, the Board, and relevant references in that Act to the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, any other Minister of the Government or the Commission for Energy Regulation shall be construed as references to the Board and any connected references shall be construed accordingly.
(2) The transfer of the functions of the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, any other Minister of the Government or the Commission for Energy Regulation to the Board in relation to the compulsory acquisition of land in accordance with subsection (1) shall include the transfer of all necessary ancillary powers in relation to deviation limits, substrata of land, easements, rights over land (including wayleaves and public rights of way), rights of access to land, the revocation or modification of planning permissions or other such functions as may be necessary in order to ensure that the Board can fully carry out its functions in relation to the enactments referred to in subsection (1).
(3) Article 5 of the Second Schedule to the Gas Act 1976 shall not apply in respect of the function of compulsory acquisition transferred to the Board under subsection (1).
Transfer of certain Ministerial functions under Air Navigation Act 1998.
215B.— (1) The functions of the Minister for Transport under section 17 of, and the Second Schedule to, the Air Navigation and Transport (Amendment) Act 1998, as amended, in relation to the compulsory acquisition of land for the purposes set out in section 18 of that Act, are transferred to, and vested in, the Board, and relevant references in that Act to the Minister for Transport shall be construed as references to the Board and any connected references shall be construed accordingly.
(2) The transfer of the functions of the Minister for Transport in relation to the compulsory acquisition of land in accordance with subsection (1) shall include the transfer of all necessary ancillary powers in relation to substrata of land, easements, rights over land (including wayleaves and public rights of way), rights over land or water or other such functions as may be necessary in order to ensure that the Board can fully carry out its functions in relation to the enactments referred to in subsection (1).”.
Transferred functions: supplemental provisions.
38.— The following sections are inserted after section 217 of the Principal Act:
“Transferred functions under this Part: supplemental provisions.
217A.— (1) The Board may, in respect of any of the functions transferred under this Part concerning the confirming or otherwise of any compulsory acquisition, at its absolute discretion and at any time before making a decision in respect of the matter—
(a) request submissions or observations from any person who may, in the opinion of the Board, have information which is relevant to its decision concerning the confirming or otherwise of such compulsory acquisition (and may have regard to any submission or observation so made in the making of its decision), or
(b) hold meetings with the local authority, or in the case of section 215A the person who applied for the acquisition order, or any other person where it appears to the Board to be necessary or expedient for the purpose of—
(i) making a decision concerning the confirming or otherwise of such compulsory acquisition, or
(ii) resolving any issue with the local authority or the applicant, as may be appropriate, or any disagreement between the authority or the applicant, as may be appropriate, and any other person, including resolving any issue or disagreement in advance of an oral hearing.
(2) Where the Board holds a meeting in accordance with subsection (1)(b), it shall keep a written record of the meeting and make that record available for inspection.
(3) The Board, or an employee of the Board duly authorised by the Board, may appoint any person to hold a meeting referred to in subsection (1)(b).
Section 215: supplemental provisions.
217B.— (1) The Board may, at its absolute discretion and at any time before making a decision on a scheme or proposed road development referred to in section 215—
(a) request further submissions or observations from any person who made submissions or observations in relation to the scheme or proposed road development, or any other person who may, in the opinion of the Board, have information which is relevant to its decision on the scheme or proposed road development, or
(b) hold meetings with the road authority or any other person where it appears to the Board to be necessary or expedient for the purpose of—
(i) making a decision on the scheme or proposed road development, or
(ii) resolving any issue with the road authority or any disagreement between the authority and any other person, including resolving any issue or disagreement in advance of an oral hearing.
(2) Where the Board holds a meeting in accordance with subsection (1)(b), it shall keep a written record of the meeting and make that record available for inspection.
(3) The Board, or an employee of the Board duly authorised by the Board, may appoint any person to hold a meeting referred to in subsection (1)(b).
(4) The Board may—
(a) if it considers it necessary to do so, require a road authority that has submitted a scheme under section 49 of the Roads Act 1993 or made an application for approval under section 51 of that Act to furnish to the Board such further information in relation to—
(i) the effects on the environment of the proposed scheme or road development, or
(ii) the consequences for proper planning and sustainable development in the area or areas in which it is proposed to situate the said scheme or road development of such scheme or road development,
as the Board may specify, or
(b) if it is provisionally of the view that it would be appropriate to approve the scheme or proposed road development were certain alterations (specified in the notification referred to in this paragraph) to be made to the terms of it, notify the road authority that it is of that view and invite the authority to make to the terms of the scheme or proposed road development alterations specified in the notification and, if the authority makes those alterations, to furnish to it such information (if any) as it may specify in relation to the scheme or road development, in the terms as so altered, or, where necessary, a revised environmental impact statement in respect of it.
(5) If a road authority makes the alterations to the terms of the scheme or proposed road development specified in a notification given to it under subsection (4), the terms of the scheme or road development as so altered shall be deemed to be the scheme or proposed road development for the purposes of sections 49, 50 and 51 of the Roads Act 1993.
(6) The Board shall—
(a) where it considers that any further information received pursuant to a requirement made under subsection (4)(a) contains significant additional data relating to—
(i) the likely effects on the environment of the scheme or proposed road development, and
(ii) the likely consequences for proper planning and sustainable development in the area or areas in which it is proposed to situate the said scheme or road development of such scheme or road development,
or
(b) where the road authority has made the alterations to the terms of the proposed development specified in a notification given to it under subsection (4)(b),
require the authority to do the things referred to in subsection (7).
(7) The things which a road authority shall be required to do as aforesaid are—
(a) to publish in one or more newspapers circulating in the area or areas in which the development to which the scheme relates or, as the case may be, the proposed road development would be situate a notice stating that, as appropriate—
(i) further information in relation to the scheme or proposed road development has been furnished to the Board, or
(ii) the road authority has, pursuant to an invitation of the Board, made alterations to the terms of the scheme or proposed road development (and the nature of those alterations shall be indicated) and, if it be the case, that information in relation to the terms of the scheme or road development as so altered or a revised environmental impact statement in respect of the scheme or development has been furnished to the Board,
indicating the times at which, the period (which shall not be less than 3 weeks) during which and the place, or places, where a copy of the information or the environmental impact statement referred to in subparagraph (i) or (ii) may be inspected free of charge or purchased on payment of a specified fee (which fee shall not exceed the reasonable cost of making such copy) and that submissions or observations in relation to that information or statement may be made to the Board before the expiration of the indicated period, and
(b) to send to each body or prescribed authority to which a notice was given pursuant to section 51(3)(b) or (c) of the Roads Act 1993—
(i) a notice of the furnishing to the Board of, as appropriate, the further information referred to in paragraph (a)(i) or the information or statement referred to in paragraph (a)(ii), and
(ii) a copy of that further information, information or statement,
and to indicate to the body or authority that submissions or observations in relation to that further information, information or statement may be made to the Board before the expiration of a period (which shall be not less than 3 weeks) beginning on the day on which the notice is sent to the prescribed authority by the road authority.
(8) The Board shall, in making its decision in respect of a scheme or proposed road development, have regard to any information submitted on foot of a notice under subsection (4), including any revised environmental impact statement or any submissions or observations made on foot of a request under subsection (1) or a notice under subsection (7).
Board’s powers to make decisions on transferred functions.
217C.— (1) Notwithstanding any provision of any of the enactments referred to in section 214, 215A or 215B concerning the confirming or otherwise of any compulsory acquisition, the Board shall, in relation to any of the functions transferred under this Part respecting those matters, have the power to confirm a compulsory acquisition or any part thereof, with or without conditions or modifications, or to annul an acquisition or any part thereof.
(2) Notwithstanding any provision of the Roads Act 1993 concerning the approval of any scheme or proposed road development, the Board shall, in relation to any of the functions transferred under this Part respecting those matters, have the power to approve the scheme or development or any part thereof, with or without conditions or modifications, or to refuse to approve the scheme or development or any part thereof.
(3) Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power to attach conditions, the Board may attach to any approval of a scheme or proposed road development under the Roads Act 1993 a condition requiring—
(a) the construction or the financing, in whole or in part, of the construction of a facility, or
(b) the provision or the financing, in whole or in part, of the provision of a service,
in the area in which the proposed development would be situated, being a facility or service that, in the opinion of the Board, would constitute a substantial gain to the community.
(4) A condition attached pursuant to subsection (3) shall not require such an amount of financial resources to be committed for the purposes of the condition being complied with as would substantially deprive the person in whose favour the approval operates of the benefits likely to accrue from the grant of the approval.”.
Amendment of section 218 of Principal Act.
39.— Section 218 of the Principal Act is amended—
(a) by substituting the following subsection for subsection (1):
“(1) Where, as a result of the transfer of functions under section 214, 215, 215A or 215B, the Board would otherwise be required to hold a local inquiry, public local inquiry or oral hearing, that requirement shall not apply to the Board but the Board may, at its absolute discretion, hold an oral hearing in relation to the matter, the subject of the function transferred.”,
and
(b) in subsection (4), by substituting “sections 214 to 215B” for “sections 214 and 215”.
Amendment of section 219 of Principal Act.
40.— The following section is substituted for section 219 of the Principal Act:
“Power to direct payment of certain costs.
219.— (1) Where the Board has made a decision in the performance of any functions transferred under section 214, 215, 215A or 215B, it may at its absolute discretion direct the payment of such sum as it considers reasonable by the local authority concerned or, in the case of section 215A or 215B, the person who applied for the acquisition order (hereafter in this section referred to as the ‘applicant’)—
(a) to the Board towards the costs and expenses incurred by the Board in determining the matter, including—
(i) the costs of holding any oral hearing in relation to the matter,
(ii) the fees of any consultants or advisers engaged in the matter, and
(iii) an amount equal to such portion of the remuneration and any allowances for expenses paid to the members and employees of the Board as the Board determines to be attributable to the performance of duties by the members and employees in relation to the matter,
and
(b) to any person appearing at an oral hearing held in relation to the matter as a contribution towards the costs, other than the costs referred to in section 135, incurred by that person of appearing at that hearing,
and the local authority or applicant, as appropriate, shall pay the sum.
(2) The reference in subsection (1)(b) to costs shall be construed as a reference to such costs as the Board in its absolute discretion considers to be reasonable costs.
(3) If a local authority or applicant, as appropriate, fails to pay a sum directed to be paid under subsection (1), the Board or any other person concerned, as the case may be, may recover the sum from the authority or applicant, as appropriate, as a simple contract debt in any court of competent jurisdiction.”.
Amendment of section 221 of Principal Act.
41.— Section 221 of the Principal Act is amended—
(a) in subsections (1) and (7), by substituting “section 214, 215, 215A or 215B” for “sections 214 and 215”, and
(b) in subsections (2) and (5), by substituting “section 214, 215, 215A or 215B” for “section 214 or 215”.
Amendment of section 223 of Principal Act.
42.— Section 223 of the Principal Act is amended—
(a) in subsection (1), by substituting “section 214, 215, 215A or 215B to the Minister, any other Minister of the Government or the Commission for Energy Regulation” for “section 214 or 215 to the Minister”, and
(b) in subsection (2), by substituting “section 214, 215, 215A or 215B” for “section 214 or 215”.
Amendment of section 226 of Principal Act.
43.— Section 226 of the Principal Act is amended—
(a) by substituting the following subsection for subsection (2):
“(2) (a) The Board may approve, approve subject to conditions, or refuse to approve a proposed development.
(b) Without prejudice to the generality of paragraph (a), the Board may attach to an approval under this section conditions for or in connection with the protection of the marine environment (including the protection of fisheries) or, if the subject of a recommendation by the Minister for Transport to the Board with regard to the exercise of the power under this subsection in the particular case (which recommendation that Minister of the Government may, by virtue of this subsection, make), the safety of navigation.”,
(b) by substituting the following subsections for subsection (6):
“(6) (a) In the following case:
(i) the local authority concerned, if it is of the opinion that the development concerned would be likely to have significant effects on the environment, shall refer; or
(ii) the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources may refer;
to the Board for its determination the question of whether the following development would be likely to have significant effects on the environment.
(b) That case is one of development that is identified for the purposes of section 176 (other than development falling within a class of development identified for the purposes of that section) and which is proposed to be carried out wholly or partly on the foreshore—
(i) by a local authority that is a planning authority, whether in its capacity as a planning authority or otherwise, or
(ii) by some other person on behalf of, or jointly or in partnership with a local authority that is a planning authority, pursuant to an agreement entered into by that authority, whether in its capacity as a planning authority or otherwise.
(c) Where required by the Board, the local authority or the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources shall provide to the Board such information as may be specified by the Board in respect of the effects on the environment of the proposed development, the subject of the question referred to it under this subsection.
(7) (a) The Board shall consider and determine the question referred to it under subsection (6) and, where it determines that the development concerned would be likely to have significant effects on the environment, it shall—
(i) notify the local authority concerned (and, where the question has been referred by the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, that Minister of the Government) that it has determined that the development would be likely to have those effects, and
(ii) specify, in that notification, that any application by the local authority concerned for approval under subsection (1) in respect of the development shall be accompanied by an environmental impact statement prepared or caused to be prepared by the authority in respect of the development,
and, where that notification so specifies, any such application shall be accompanied by such a statement accordingly.
(b) In making that determination, the Board shall have regard to the criteria for the purposes of determining which classes of development are likely to have significant effects on the environment set out in any regulations made under section 176.
(c) Notwithstanding any other enactment, the determination of the Board of a question referred to it under subsection (6) shall be final.
(8) The Minister may make regulations to provide for such matters of procedure and administration as appear to the Minister, after consultation with the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, to be necessary or expedient in respect of referring a question under subsection (6) or of making a determination under subsection (7).
(9) This section shall apply to proposed development—
(a) that, if carried out wholly within the functional area of a local authority that is a planning authority, would be subject to the provisions of section 175,
(b) that a local authority has been notified under paragraph (a)(i) of subsection (7) is one which the Board has determined under that subsection would be likely to have significant effects on the environment, or
(c) that is prescribed for the purposes of this section.”.
Amendment of section 227 of Principal Act.
44.— Section 227 of the Principal Act is amended—
(a) in subsection (5), by substituting “Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources and the Minister for Transport” for “Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources”,
(b) by substituting the following subsection for subsection (8):
“(8) (a) Subject to paragraph (b), the Foreshore Acts 1933 to 2005 shall not apply in relation to any application to the Board under section 226, or matters to which subsection (5)(b) applies or a scheme submitted under section 49 of the Roads Act 1993.
(b) In any case where a local authority that is a planning authority applies for an approval for proposed development under section 226 or has been granted such an approval by the Board, but has not sought the compulsory acquisition of any foreshore on which the proposed development would be carried out under an enactment specified in section 214, the authority may apply for a lease or licence under section 2 or 3 of the Foreshore Act 1933 in respect of that proposed development; in such cases, it shall not, notwithstanding the provisions of any other enactment, be necessary for—
(i) the local authority to submit an environmental impact statement in connection with its application for such lease or licence, or
(ii) the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources to consider the likely effects on the environment of the proposed development.”,
and
(c) by deleting subsection (9).
Amendment of section 228 of Principal Act.
45.— Section 228 of the Principal Act is amended by adding the following subsection:
“(5) No licence shall be required under the Foreshore Act 1933 in respect of any such entry or any site investigations carried out in accordance with this section.”.
Amendment of section 265 of Principal Act.
46.— Section 265(3) of the Principal Act is amended by substituting “under Part XII” for “under this Act”.
Amendment of Part XIX of Principal Act.
47.— Part XIX of the Principal Act is amended by inserting the following section after section 270:
“Exempted developments not affected.
270A.— For the avoidance of doubt, any category of exempted development by virtue of section 4 or regulations thereunder is not affected by the amendments of this Act made by the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006.”.
PART 4
Miscellaneous
Amendment of Acquisition of Land (Assessment of Compensation) Act 1919.
48.— (1) Section 2 of the Acquisition of Land (Assessment of Compensation) Act 1919, as it stands amended in cases where any compensation assessed will be payable by a planning authority or any other local authority, is amended by inserting the following Rule after Rule (16):
“(17) The value of any land lying 10 metres or more below the surface of that land shall be taken to be nil, unless it is shown to be of a greater value by the claimant.”.
(2) Where the provisions of the Acquisition of Land (Assessment of Compensation) Act 1919 fall to be applied in the assessment of any compensation that a person, other than a planning authority or other local authority, may be liable to pay, a like provision to the Rule inserted by subsection (1) shall be regarded as having effect in relation to the assessment of that compensation.
Amendment of Transport (Railway Infrastructure) Act 2001.
49.— The Transport (Railway Infrastructure) Act 2001 is amended—
(a) in section 2—
(i) in the definition of “environmental impact statement”, by substituting “section 37(3)(e)” for “section 37(2)(d)”,
(ii) by inserting after the definition of “planning authority” the following definition:
“ ‘ prescribed ’, in Part 3, means prescribed by regulations made by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government;”,
and
(iii) in the definition of “railway undertaking”, by substituting “section 43(5)” for “section 43(6)”,
and
(b) by substituting the following sections for sections 37 to 47 (as amended by the Railway Safety Act 2005):
“Application for a railway order.
37.— (1) The Agency, CIÉ, or any other person with the consent of the Agency, may apply to An Bord Pleanála (referred to subsequently in this Act as the ‘Board’) for a railway order.
(2) An application under subsection (1) shall specify if it is as a light rail, a metro or otherwise that the applicant desires the railway concerned be designated by the order.
(3) An application under subsection (1) shall be made in writing in such form as the Minister may specify and shall be accompanied by—
(a) a draft of the proposed order,
(b) a plan of the proposed railway works,
(c) in the case of an application by the Agency or a person with the consent of the Agency, a plan of any proposed commercial development of land adjacent to the proposed railway works,
(d) a book of reference to a plan required under this subsection (indicating the identity of the owners and of the occupiers of the lands described in the plan), and
(e) a statement of the likely effects on the environment (referred to subsequently in this Part as an ‘environmental impact statement’) of the proposed railway works,
and a draft plan and book of reference shall be in such form as the Minister may specify or in a form to the like effect.
(4) The construction of railway works, the subject of an application for a railway order under this Part, shall not be undertaken unless the Board has granted an order under section 43.
Exempted development.
38.— Each of the following shall be exempted development for the purposes of the Act of 2000:
(a) development consisting of the carrying out of railway works, including the use of the railway works or any part thereof for the purposes of the operation of a railway, authorised by the Board and specified in a railway order or of any incidental or temporary works connected with such development;
(b) development consisting of the carrying out of railway works for the maintenance, improvement or repair of a railway that has been built pursuant to a railway order.
Environmental impact statement.
39.— (1) An environmental impact statement shall contain the following information:
(a) a description of the proposed railway works comprising information on the site, design and size of the proposed railway works;
(b) a description of the measures envisaged in order to avoid, reduce and, if possible, remedy significant adverse effects;
(c) the data required to identify and assess the main effects which the proposed railway works are likely to have on the environment;
(d) an outline of the main alternatives studied by the applicant and an indication of the main reasons for its choice, taking into account the environmental effects; and
(e) a summary in non-technical language of the above information.
(2) An environmental impact statement shall, in addition to and by way of explanation or amplification of the specified information referred to in subsection (1), contain further information on the following matters:
(a) (i) a description of the physical characteristics of the whole proposed railway works and the land-use requirements during the construction and operational phases,
(ii) an estimate, by type and quantity, of the expected residues and emissions (including water, air and soil pollution, noise, vibration, light, heat and radiation) resulting from the operation of the proposed railway works;
(b) a description of the aspects of the environment likely to be significantly affected by the proposed railway works, including in particular—
(i) human beings, fauna and flora,
(ii) soil, water, air, climatic factors and the landscape,
(iii) material assets, including the architectural and archaeological heritage, and the cultural heritage,
(iv) the inter-relationship between the matters referred to in this paragraph;
(c) a description of the likely significant effects (including direct, indirect, secondary, cumulative, short, medium and long-term, permanent and temporary, positive and negative) of the proposed railway works on the environment resulting from—
(i) the existence of the proposed railway works,
(ii) the use of natural resources,
(iii) the emission of pollutants, the creation of nuisances and the elimination of waste,
and a description of the forecasting methods used to assess the effects on the environment;
(d) an indication of any difficulties (technical deficiencies or lack of know-how) encountered by the applicant in compiling the required information; and
(e) a summary in non-technical language of the above information,
to the extent that such information is relevant to a given stage of the consent procedure and to the specific characteristics of the railway works or type of railway works concerned, and of the environmental features likely to be affected, and the applicant may reasonably be required to compile such information having regard, amongst other things, to current knowledge and methods of assessment.
(3) (a) If a person, before applying to the Board for a railway order, so requests, the Board shall, after consulting the person and such bodies as may be specified by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government for that purpose, give a written opinion on the information to be contained in an environmental impact statement.
(b) The giving of a written opinion in accordance with this subsection shall not prejudice the exercise by the Board of its powers pursuant to this Act to require an applicant to furnish further information in relation to the effects on the environment of the proposed railway works.
(4) The European Communities (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 1989 to 2005 and the Act of 2000 and any regulation made thereunder in relation to environmental impact assessment shall not apply to anything done under an order made under this Act.
Publication of notice in relation to application for railway order.
40.— (1) Before an application is made for a railway order, the applicant shall—
(a) deposit and keep deposited at such place or places, being a place or places which is or are easily accessible to the public, as may be appointed by the Board, a copy of the draft order and all documents which will accompany the application, for not less than 6 weeks following the publication of the notice referred to in paragraph (b),
(b) publish a notice in one or more newspapers circulating in the area to which the order relates—
(i) indicating that an application will be made for an order,
(ii) indicating the time and the place or places at which, and the period (which shall be 6 weeks) during which, a copy of the draft order and accompanying documents deposited under this section may be inspected,
(iii) stating that the Board will consider any submissions in relation to the proposed order or in relation to the likely effects on the environment of the proposed railway works which are submitted in writing to it by any person within the period referred to in subparagraph (ii),
(iv) stating that a copy of or extract from the draft order and accompanying documents may be purchased on payment of a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making such copy or extract, and
(v) stating, if it be the case, that the proposed railway works are likely to have significant effects on the environment in Northern Ireland,
(c) serve on the planning authority in whose functional area (or any part thereof) the proposed railway works are proposed to be carried out, on the Minister and on such other persons (if any) as the Board may direct a copy of the draft order and accompanying documents and the notice referred to in paragraph (b),
(d) serve a copy of the notice referred to in paragraph (b) together with relevant extracts from the documents referred to in paragraph (a) on every (if any) occupier and every (if any) owner of a land referred to in the draft order, and
(e) in a case where—
(i) the proposed railway works are likely to have significant effects on the environment in Northern Ireland, or
(ii) the authority referred to subsequently in this paragraph requests that such a copy be so sent to it,
send a copy of the environmental impact statement to the prescribed authority in Northern Ireland, together with a notice, in such form as may be prescribed, stating that an application for approval of the said works has been made and that submissions may be made in writing to the Board (during the period specified in the notice referred to in subsection (1)(b)) in relation to the likely effects on the environment of the said works.
(2) Members of the public may inspect a copy of a draft railway order and accompanying documents deposited under this section free of charge at the times and during the period specified in the notice referred to in subsection (1)(b) and may purchase copies of or extracts from any of the documents aforesaid on payment of a fee to the applicant not exceeding the reasonable cost of making such copies or extracts as may be fixed by the applicant.
(3) A person may, during the period specified in the notice referred to in subsection (1)(b), make submissions in writing to the Board in relation to the proposed railway order or the likely effects on the environment of the proposed railway works.
(4) Where the environmental impact statement and a notice referred to in subsection (1)(e) has been sent to the prescribed authority in Northern Ireland pursuant to that provision, the Agency, CIÉ, or the Board, in the case of any other applicant, as appropriate, shall enter into consultations with that authority regarding the potential effects on the environment of the proposed railway works and the measures envisaged to reduce or eliminate such effects.
Further information to Board.
41.— (1) Where the Board is of the opinion that an environmental impact statement furnished under section 37 does not comply with the provisions of section 39 or where it otherwise considers it necessary so to do, it shall require the applicant to furnish to it a document containing such further information in relation to the proposed railway works as it may specify and the applicant shall comply with any such requirement within such period as the Board specifies.
(2) (a) If the document furnished under subsection (1) contains significant data in relation to the likely effects on the environment of the proposed railway works, the Board shall require the applicant—
(i) to deposit and keep deposited at the place or each of the places appointed by the Board, a copy of the aforesaid document,
(ii) to publish in one or more newspapers circulating in the area to which the proposed railway order relates a notice stating that further information in relation to the likely effects on the environment of the proposed railway works has been furnished to the Board, that copies of the document containing the information will be available for inspection free of charge and for purchase by members of the public, at the place or each of the places appointed by the Board, at specified times during the period of not less than 3 weeks beginning on the day of publication of the notice and that submissions in relation to the further information may be made to the Board before the expiration of the said period, and
(iii) to serve notice of the furnishing of the further information to the Board, together with relevant extracts from the document aforesaid, on any person on whom notice was served pursuant to section 40(1) and to indicate to the person concerned that submissions in relation to the further information may be made to the Board during the period of not less than 3 weeks beginning on the day on which the notice is sent to the person concerned by the applicant.
(b) Copies of further information in respect of which notice is published pursuant to a requirement under subsection (2)(a)(ii) shall be made available for purchase by members of the public during the period specified in the notice referred to in that provision for such fee as the applicant may fix not exceeding the reasonable cost of making such copies.
(3) Members of the public may inspect the further information deposited under this section free of charge at the times and during the period specified in the notice referred to in subsection (2)(a)(ii).
(4) A person may, during the period specified in the notice referred to in paragraph (a)(ii) or (iii), as appropriate, of subsection (2), make submissions in writing to the Board in relation to the further information deposited under this section.
Oral hearings.
42.— (1) The Board may, at its absolute discretion, hold an oral hearing into an application for a railway order.
(2) Sections 135, 143 and 146 of the Act of 2000 (as amended by the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006) shall apply and have effect in relation to an oral hearing referred to in subsection (1) and those sections shall be construed accordingly.
Railway order.
43.— (1) Whenever an application is made under section 37, the Board shall, before deciding whether to grant the order to which the application relates, consider the following:
(a) the application;
(b) the draft order and documents that accompanied the application;
(c) the report of any oral hearing held under section 42 and the recommendations (if any) contained therein;
(d) any submission duly made to it under section 40(3) or 41(4) and not withdrawn;
(e) any submission duly made to it by an authority referred to in section 40(1)(c) or (e);
(f) any additional information furnished to it under section 41;
(g) the likely consequences for proper planning and sustainable development in the area in which it is proposed to carry out the railway works and for the environment of such works; and
(h) the matters referred to in section 143 (inserted by the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006) of the Act of 2000.
(2) If, after such consideration, the Board is of opinion that the application should be granted, it shall make an order authorising the applicant to construct, maintain, improve and, subject to section 11(7) in the case of the Agency, operate the railway or the railway works specified in the order or any part thereof, in such manner and subject to such conditions, modifications, restrictions and requirements (and on such other terms) as the Board thinks proper and specifies in the order and the Board shall furnish the applicant with a copy of the order.
(3) (a) As soon as may be after the making of a railway order, the Board shall—
(i) publish a notice in at least 2 newspapers circulating in the area to which the order relates of the making of the railway order and of the places where, the period during which and the times at which copies thereof and any plan referred to therein may be inspected or purchased at a cost not exceeding the reasonable cost of making such copies, and
(ii) give notice to the prescribed authority in Northern Ireland of its decision in a case where a copy of the environmental statement has been sent to that authority in accordance with section 40(1)(e).
(b) A notice referred to in paragraph (a) shall state—
(i) the content and nature of the Board’s decision including any conditions attached thereto,
(ii) that, in deciding whether to grant a railway order, the Board has had regard to the matters referred to in subsection 43(1), and
(iii) a description where necessary of the main measures to avoid any adverse effects of the proposed railway works.
(4) A railway order shall come into operation—
(a) in case an application for leave to apply for judicial review of the order has not been made, upon the expiration of 8 weeks, and
(b) in case such an application has been made and has not been withdrawn, in so far as it has not been declared invalid or quashed pursuant to that review, upon the final determination of the proceedings concerned or such other date as may be determined in those proceedings, and
(c) in case such an application has been made and is withdrawn, upon the date of the withdrawal.
(5) A person who has been granted a railway order may, with the consent of the Minister, make arrangements with another person to construct, maintain, improve or operate the railway or the railway works to which the order relates.
(6) The Board may, if there is a failure or refusal to comply with a condition, restriction or requirement specified in a railway order, revoke the order.
(7) (a) Where the Board proposes to revoke an order under this section, it shall notify the railway undertaking in writing of its proposal and of the reasons for it.
(b) The railway undertaking may, not later than 3 weeks from the date of the sending of the notification, make submissions in writing to the Board and the Board shall—
(i) before deciding the matter, take into consideration any submissions duly made to it under this paragraph in relation to the proposal and not withdrawn, and
(ii) notify the railway undertaking in writing of its decision and of the reasons for it.
(8) A notification of a proposal of the Board under subsection (7) shall include a statement that the railway undertaking may make submissions to the Board not later than 3 weeks from the date of the sending of the notification and a notification of a decision of the Board under subsection (7) shall include a statement that the railway undertaking may appeal to the High Court under subsection (9) against the decision not later than 3 weeks from the date of the sending of the notification.
(9) Notwithstanding section 47(1), the railway undertaking may appeal to the High Court against a decision of the Board under subsection (6) not later than 3 weeks from the date of the sending of the notification of the decision under subsection (7) and that Court may, as it thinks proper, on the hearing of the appeal, confirm the decision of the Board or direct the Board to withdraw its decision and prohibit the making of the proposed order concerned.
Provisions in relation to railway order.
44.— (1) A railway order shall contain such provisions as the Board considers necessary or expedient for the purpose of the order.
(2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), a railway order may—
(a) specify any land or any substratum of land, the acquisition of which is, in the opinion of the Board, necessary for giving effect to the order,
(b) specify any rights in, under or over land or water or, subject to the consent of the Minister in the case of a national road or the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in the case of any other public road, in, under or over any public road, the acquisition of which is, in the opinion of the Board, necessary for giving effect to the order,
(c) specify the manner in which the railway or the railway works or any part thereof to which the order relates are to be constructed,
(d) fix the period within which the construction of the railway works is to be completed,
(e) contain provisions as to the manner in which the railway works are to be operated and maintained,
(f) without prejudice to paragraph (g), contain such provisions as the Board thinks proper for the protection of the public generally, of local communities and of any persons affected by the order,
(g) contain provisions requiring—
(i) the construction or the financing, in whole or in part, of the construction of a facility, or
(ii) the provision or the financing, in whole or in part, of the provision of a service,
in the area in which the railway works are to be constructed, being a facility or service that, in the opinion of the Board, would constitute a gain to the community,
(h) provide for the determination by arbitration of any specified questions arising thereunder,
(i) contain such provisions ancillary or incidental to any of the matters aforesaid as the Board considers necessary and proper.
(3) A provision of a railway order referred to in subsection (2)(g) shall not require such an amount of financial resources to be committed for the purposes of the provision being complied with as would substantially deprive the person in whose favour the order operates of the benefits likely to accrue from the making of the order.
(4) The Board may, with the consent of the Minister, in a railway order designate the railway to which the order relates as a light railway or as a metro.
Compulsory acquisition of land.
45.— (1) Upon the commencement of a railway order, the Agency or CIÉ shall thereupon be authorised to acquire compulsorily any land or rights in, under or over land or any substratum of land specified in the order and, for that purpose, the railway order shall have effect as if it were a compulsory purchase order referred to in section 10(1) of the Local Government (No. 2) Act 1960 (inserted by section 86 of the Housing Act 1966), which has been duly made and confirmed and, accordingly, that section shall apply and have effect in relation to the order with the modifications that—
(a) references to the local authority shall be construed as including references to the Agency or CIÉ as the case may be,
(b) references to the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government shall be construed as references to the Board,
(c) the reference in subsection (4)(a) to section 78 of the Housing Act 1966 shall be construed as including a reference to subsections (1), (4) and (5) of that section,
and with any other necessary modifications.
(2) Where the Agency or CIÉ proposes to acquire land pursuant to subsection (1) and, in the opinion of the Agency or CIÉ, as the case may be, it is more efficient and economical to acquire additional adjoining land, the Agency or CIÉ, as the case may be, may do so with the consent of the Minister and of any person having an interest in or right in, under or over the adjoining land notwithstanding the fact that the adjoining land is not specified in the railway order.
(3) The Agency or CIÉ shall comply with any directions of the Minister in relation to land acquired by it pursuant to subsection (1).
Notification of grant of railway order.
46.— As soon as may be after the making of a railway order, the railway undertaking shall—
(a) deposit and keep deposited at the head office of the railway undertaking and at such other place as may be specified by the Board, during the period of 5 years following the opening for traffic of the railway, a copy of the order and the plan referred to therein and the aforesaid order and plan shall, while so deposited, be open to inspection by members of the public free of charge, at all reasonable times, and copies of or extracts from any of the documents aforesaid may be purchased on payment of a fee to the railway undertaking not exceeding the reasonable cost of making such copies or extracts, and
(b) serve a copy of relevant extracts from the railway order and the plan referred to therein on every planning authority for the area (or any part thereof) to which the order relates and to every (if any) occupier and every (if any) owner of land referred to in the railway order.
Judicial review of railway order and related acts.
47.— (1) A person shall not question the validity of a railway order made or any act done by the Board in the performance or the purported performance of its functions under sections 37 to 46 otherwise than by way of an application for judicial review under Order 84 of the Rules of the Superior Courts (S.I. No. 15 of 1986) (the ‘Order’).
(2) The Board may, at any time after the bringing of an application for leave to apply for judicial review of any act to which subsection (1) applies and which relates to a matter for the time being before the Board, apply to the High Court to stay the proceedings pending the making of a decision by the Board in relation to the matter concerned.
(3) On the making of such an application the High Court may, where it considers that the matter before the Board is within the jurisdiction of the Board, make an order staying the proceedings concerned on such terms as it thinks fit.
(4) Subject to subsection (5), an application for leave to apply for judicial review under the Order in respect of an order or act to which subsection (1) applies shall be made within the period of 8 weeks beginning on the date on which the order was made or, as the case may be, the date of the doing of the act by the Board.
(5) The High Court may extend the period provided for in subsection (4) within which an application for leave referred to in that subsection may be made but shall only do so if it is satisfied that—
(a) there is good and sufficient reason for doing so, and
(b) the circumstances that resulted in the failure to make the application for leave within the period so provided were outside the control of the applicant for the extension.
(6) References in this section to the Order shall be construed as including references to the Order as amended or replaced (with or without modification) by rules of court.
Section 47: supplemental provisions.
47A.— (1) In this section—
‘ Court ’, where used without qualification, means the High Court (but this definition shall not be construed as meaning that subsections (2) to (6) and (9) do not extend to and govern the exercise by the Supreme Court of jurisdiction on any appeal that may be made);
‘ Order ’ shall be construed in accordance with section 47;
‘ section 47 leave ’ means leave to apply for judicial review under the Order in respect of an order or act to which section 47(1) applies.
(2) An application for section 47 leave shall be made by motion on notice (grounded in the manner specified in the Order in respect of an ex parte motion for leave) to the Board, to the applicant for the railway order, where he or she is not the applicant for leave, and to any other person specified for that purpose by order of the High Court, and the Court shall not grant section 47 leave unless it is satisfied that—
(a) there are substantial grounds for contending that the order or act concerned is invalid or ought to be quashed, and
(b) (i) the applicant has a substantial interest in the matter which is the subject of the application, or
(ii) the applicant—
(I) is a body or organisation (other than a State authority, a public authority or governmental body or agency) the aims or objectives of which relate to the promotion of environmental protection,
(II) has, during the period of 12 months preceding the date of the application, pursued those aims or objectives, and
(III) satisfies such requirements (if any) as a body or organisation, if it were to make an appeal under section 37(4)(c) of the Act of 2000, would have to satisfy by virtue of section 37(4)(d)(iii) of that Act (and, for this purpose, any requirement prescribed under section 37(4)(e)(iv) of that Act shall apply as if the reference in it to the class of matter into which the decision, the subject of the appeal, falls were a reference to the class of matter into which the order or act, the subject of the application for section 47 leave, falls).
(3) A substantial interest for the purposes of subsection (2)(b)(i) is not limited to an interest in land or other financial interest.
(4) Notwithstanding the making of an application for section 47 leave in respect of a railway order, the application shall not affect the validity of the railway order and its operation unless, upon an application to the Court, the Court suspends the operation of the railway order until the application is determined or withdrawn.
(5) If the Court grants section 47 leave, no grounds shall be relied upon in the application for judicial review under the Order other than those determined by the Court to be substantial under subsection (2)(a).
(6) The Court may, as a condition for granting section 47 leave, require the applicant for such leave to give an undertaking as to damages.
(7) The determination of the Court of an application for section 47 leave or of an application for judicial review on foot of such leave shall be final and no appeal shall lie from the decision of the Court to the Supreme Court in either case save with leave of the Court which leave shall only be granted where the Court certifies that its decision involves a point of law of exceptional public importance and that it is desirable in the public interest that an appeal should be taken to the Supreme Court.
(8) Subsection (7) shall not apply to a determination of the Court in so far as it involves a question as to the validity of any law having regard to the provisions of the Constitution.
(9) If an application is made for judicial review under the Order in respect of part only of an order or act to which section 47(1) applies, the Court may, if it thinks fit, declare to be invalid or quash the part concerned or any provision thereof without declaring invalid or quashing the remainder of the order or act or part of the order or act, and if the Court does so, it may make any consequential amendments to the remainder of the order or act or the part thereof that it considers appropriate.
(10) The Court shall, in determining an application for section 47 leave or an application for judicial review on foot of such leave, act as expeditiously as possible consistent with the administration of justice.
(11) On an appeal from a determination of the Court in respect of an application referred to in subsection (10), the Supreme Court shall—
(a) have jurisdiction to determine only the point of law certified by the Court under subsection (7) (and to make only such order in the proceedings as follows from such determination), and
(b) in determining the appeal, act as expeditiously as possible consistent with the administration of justice.
(12) Rules of court may make provision for the expeditious hearing of applications for section 47 leave and applications for judicial review on foot of such leave.”.
Further amendment of Transport (Railway Infrastructure) Act 2001.
50.— The Transport (Railway Infrastructure) Act 2001 is further amended by inserting the following sections after section 47A (inserted by section 49):
“Discussions with Board before making an application.
47B.— (1) The Agency, CIÉ or any other person who proposes to apply for a railway order in accordance with section 37(1) shall, before making the application, enter into consultations with the Board in relation to the proposed railway works.
(2) Such a person is referred to subsequently in this section and in section 47C as a ‘prospective applicant’.
(3) In any consultations under subsection (1), the Board may give advice to the prospective applicant regarding the proposed application and, in particular, regarding—
(a) the procedures involved in making an application under this Part and in considering such an application, and
(b) what considerations, related to proper planning and sustainable development or the environment, may, in the opinion of the Board, have a bearing on its decision in relation to the application.
Section 47B: supplemental provisions.
47C.— (1) A prospective applicant shall, for the purposes of consultations under section 47B, supply to the Board sufficient information in relation to the proposed railway works so as to enable the Board to assess those works.
(2) The Board may, at its absolute discretion, consult with any other person who may, in the opinion of the Board, have information which is relevant for the purposes of consultations under section 47B in relation to the proposed railway works.
(3) The holding of consultations under section 47B shall not prejudice the performance by the Board of any other of its functions under this Act or the Planning and Development Act 2000 or regulations under either of those Acts and cannot be relied upon in the formal planning process or in legal proceedings.
(4) The Board shall keep a record in writing of any consultations under section 47B in relation to proposed railway works, including the names of those who participated in the consultations, and a copy of such record shall be placed and kept with the documents to which any application in respect of the proposed railway works relates.
Supplemental powers for the Board.
47D.— (1) Before determining an application for a railway order, the Board may, at its absolute discretion and at any time—
(a) request further submissions or observations from the applicant, any person who made submissions or observations in relation to the application or any other person who may, in the opinion of the Board, have information which is relevant to the determination of the application,
(b) without prejudice to section 41, make any information relating to the application available for inspection, notify any person or the public that the information is so available and, if it considers appropriate, invite further submissions or observations to be made to it within such period as it may specify, or
(c) hold meetings with the applicant or any other person where it appears to the Board to be necessary or expedient for the purpose of—
(i) determining the application, or
(ii) resolving any issue with the applicant or any disagreement between the applicant and any other party, including resolving any issue or disagreement in advance of an oral hearing.
(2) Where the Board holds a meeting in accordance with subsection (1)(c), it shall keep a written record of the meeting and make that record available for inspection.
(3) The Board, or an employee of the Board duly authorised by the Board, may appoint any person to hold a meeting referred to in subsection (1)(c).
(4) The Board may, if it is provisionally of the view that it would be appropriate to grant the railway order concerned were certain alterations (specified in the notification referred to in this subsection) to be made to the terms of the application in respect of it or the proposed order, notify the applicant that it is of that view and invite the applicant to make to the terms of the application or the proposed order alterations specified in the notification and, if the applicant makes those alterations, to furnish to it such information (if any) as it may specify in relation to the proposed application or order, in the terms as so altered, or, where necessary, a revised environmental impact statement in respect of it.
(5) If the applicant makes the alterations to the terms of the application or proposed order specified in a notification given to the applicant under subsection (4), the terms of the application or order as so altered shall be deemed to be the application or order for the purposes of this Part.
(6) The Board shall, where the applicant has made the alterations to the terms of the application or proposed order specified in a notification given to the applicant under subsection (4), require the applicant—
(a) to publish in one or more newspapers circulating in the area or areas in which the proposed railway works would be situate a notice stating that the applicant has, pursuant to an invitation of the Board, made alterations to the terms of the application or order (and the nature of those alterations shall be indicated) and, if it be the case, that information in relation to the terms of the application or order as so altered or a revised environmental impact statement in respect of the development has been furnished to the Board, indicating the times at which, the period (which shall not be less than 3 weeks) during which and the place, or places, where a copy of the information or the environmental impact statement may be inspected free of charge or purchased on payment of a specified fee (which fee shall not exceed the reasonable cost of making such copy) and that submissions or observations in relation to that information or statement may be made to the Board before the expiration of the indicated period, and
(b) to send to the planning authority and each person to which a notice was served pursuant to section 40(1)(c) or (e), and to every (if any) occupier and every (if any) owner of land referred to in the order (being, if the terms of it have been so altered, the order as so altered)—
(i) a notice of the furnishing to the Board of the information or statement referred to in paragraph (a), and
(ii) a copy of that information or statement,
and to indicate to that authority or other person that submissions or observations in relation to that information or statement may be made to the Board before the expiration of a period (which shall be not less than 3 weeks) beginning on the day on which the notice is sent to the authority or other person by the applicant.
(7) The Board shall, in deciding whether to grant the railway order to which the application concerned relates, have regard to any information submitted on foot of a notice under subsection (4), including any revised environmental impact statement, or any submissions or observations made on foot of a request under subsection (1) or a notice under subsection (6).
Objective of the Board in relation to railway orders.
47E.— (1) It shall be the duty of the Board to ensure that—
(a) consultations held under section 47B are completed, and
(b) a decision under section 43 on an application for a railway order is made,
as expeditiously as is consistent with proper planning and sustainable development and, for that purpose, to take all such steps as are open to it to ensure that, in so far as is practicable, there are no avoidable delays at any stage in the holding of those consultations or the making of that decision.
(2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1) and subject to subsections (3) to (6), it shall be the objective of the Board to ensure that a decision under section 43 on an application for a railway order is made—
(a) within a period of 18 weeks beginning on the last day for making submissions or observations in accordance with the notice referred to in section 40(1)(b), or
(b) within such other period as the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, having consulted with the Minister, may prescribe by regulations either generally or in respect of a particular class or classes of matter.
(3) Where it appears to the Board that it would not be possible or appropriate, because of the particular circumstances of the matter with which the Board is concerned, to determine the matter within the period referred to in paragraph (a) or (b) of subsection (2) as the case may be, the Board shall, by notice in writing served on the applicant, the Minister, any planning authority involved and any other person who submitted submissions or observations in relation to the matter before the expiration of that period, inform the Minister, the authority and those persons of the reasons why it would not be possible or appropriate to determine the matter within that period and shall specify the date before which the Board intends that the matter shall be determined.
(4) Where a notice has been served under subsection (3), the Board shall take all such steps as are open to it to ensure that the matter is determined before the date specified in the notice.
(5) The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, having consulted the Minister, may by regulations vary the period referred to in subsection (2)(a) either generally or in respect of a particular class or classes of applications for railway orders, where it appears to him or her to be necessary, by virtue of exceptional circumstances, to do so and, for so long as the regulations are in force, this section shall be construed and have effect in accordance therewith.
(6) Where the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, having consulted with the Minister, considers it to be necessary or expedient that a certain class or classes of application for a railway order that are of special strategic, economic or social importance to the State be determined as expeditiously as is consistent with proper planning and sustainable development, he or she may give a direction to the Board that priority be given to the determination of applications of the class or classes concerned, and the Board shall comply with such a direction.
(7) The Board shall include in each report made under section 118 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 a statement of the number of matters which the Board has determined within a period referred to in paragraph (a) or (b) of subsection (2) and such other information as to the time taken to determine such matters as the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government may direct.
Construction of certain references and transitional provision.
47F.— (1) References to the Minister in a railway order, being an order made before the amendment of this Act by the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006, shall be construed as references to the Board.
(2) Notwithstanding the amendments of this Act made by the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006, any thing commenced under this Part but not completed before the commencement of those amendments may be carried on and completed after the commencement of those amendments as if those amendments had not been made.
(3) The reference in subsection (2) to any thing commenced under this Part includes a reference to—
(a) an application that has been made under section 37 (being that section in the terms as it stood before the commencement of the amendments referred to in that subsection),
(b) an application that has been made under subsection (7) of section 43 (being that section in the terms as it stood before the commencement of those amendments), and
(c) any step (including the holding of a public inquiry) that has been taken in the making of a decision in relation to an application referred to in paragraph (a) or (b) or any step that has been taken on foot of the making of such a decision.
(4) For the avoidance of doubt, any questioning, after the commencement of the amendments referred to in subsection (2), by the procedures of judicial review under the Order (within the meaning of section 47) of the validity of any thing referred to in subsection (2) completed after that commencement, or being carried on after that commencement, shall be done in accordance with the provisions of this Part as amended by the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006.”.
Amendment of Roads Act 1993.
51.— (1) In this section “Act of 1993” means the Roads Act 1993.
(2) Section 48 of the Act of 1993 is amended—
(a) in paragraph (a)(ii), by substituting “(not being less than 6 weeks)” for “(which shall not be less than one month)”,
(b) in paragraph (a)(iii), by substituting “during such period” for “before a specified date (which shall be not less than two weeks after the end of the period for inspection)”, and
(c) in paragraph (b), by substituting the following subparagraph for subparagraph (iii):
“(iii) the period (which shall be that referred to in paragraph (a)(ii)) within which objections may be made in writing to the Minister in relation to the scheme.”.
(3) Section 51(3) of the Act of 1993 is amended—
(a) in paragraph (a)(iii), by substituting “(not being less than 6 weeks)” for “(which shall not be less than one month)”,
(b) in paragraph (a)(iv), by deleting “and”,
(c) in paragraph (a)(v), by substituting “during the period referred to in paragraph (a)(iii)” for “before a specified date (which shall be not less than two weeks after the end of the period for inspection)”,
(d) by inserting the following subparagraphs after subparagraph (v) of paragraph (a):
“(vi) where relevant, stating that the proposed road development is likely to have significant effects on the environment in Northern Ireland, and
(vii) specifying the types of decision the Minister may make, under section 51(6), in relation to the application;”,
and
(e) in paragraph (b), by substituting “within a specified period (which shall be that referred to in paragraph (a)(iii))” for “before a specified date (which shall be not less than two weeks after the end of the period for inspection referred to in subsection (3)(a)(iii))”.
Uimhir 27 de 2006
AN tACHT UM PLEANÁIL AGUS FORBAIRT (BONNEAGAR STRAITÉISEACH) 2006
[An tiontú oifigiúil]
RIAR NA nALT
CUID 1
Réamhráiteach agus Ginearálta
Alt
1. Gearrtheideal, comhlua agus tosach feidhme.
2. Mínithe.
CUID 2
Forbairtí Bonneagair Straitéisigh - Dlínse an Bhoird Pleanála faoin bPríomh-Acht chun déileáil leo
3. Ceadanna le haghaidh forbartha bonneagair straitéisigh.
4. Bonneagar tarchurtha leictreachais agus gáis a sholáthar.
5. Seachtú Sceideal a chur leis an bPríomh-Acht.
CUID 3
Leasuithe ar an bPríomh-Acht (lena n-áirítear leasuithe de dhroim Chuid 2)
6. Leasú ar alt 2 den Phríomh-Acht.
7. Leasú ar alt 7 den Phríomh-Acht.
8. Leasú ar alt 34 den Phríomh-Acht.
9. Leasú ar alt 35 den Phríomh-Acht.
10. Leasú ar alt 37 den Phríomh-Acht.
11. Leasú ar alt 38 den Phríomh-Acht.
12. Leasú ar alt 41 den Phríomh-Acht.
13. Athbhreithniú breithiúnach ar nithe áirithe agus ceisteanna dlí a eascróidh i nithe áirithe a chinneadh.
14. Leasú ar alt 104 den Phríomh-Acht.
15. Leasú ar alt 106 den Phríomh-Acht.
16. Leasú ar alt 108 den Phríomh-Acht.
17. Leasú ar alt 110 den Phríomh-Acht.
18. Leasú ar alt 112 den Phríomh-Acht.
19. An Rannán Bonneagair Straitéisigh.
20. Leasú ar alt 125 den Phríomh-Acht.
21. Leasú ar alt 128 den Phríomh-Acht.
22. Éisteachtaí ó bhéal.
23. Leasú ar alt 135 den Phríomh-Acht.
24. Leasú ar alt 138 den Phríomh-Acht.
25. Leasú ar alt 140 den Phríomh-Acht.
26. Leasú ar alt 143 den Phríomh-Acht.
27. Leasú ar alt 144 den Phríomh Acht.
28. Leasú ar alt 145 den Phríomh-Acht.
29. Leasú ar alt 146 den Phríomh-Acht.
30. Leasú ar cheadanna, ceaduithe, etc.
31. Leasú ar alt 156 den Phríomh-Acht.
32. Leasú ar alt 173 den Phríomh-Acht.
33. Leasú ar alt 174 den Phríomh-Acht.
34. Leasú ar alt 175 den Phríomh-Acht.
35. Leasú ar alt 181 den Phríomh-Acht.
36. Measúnacht tionchair timpeallachta ar fhorbairtí áirithe Stáit.
37. Feidhmeanna áirithe Aireachta a aistriú chuig an mBord.
38. Aistriú feidhmeanna: forálacha forlíontacha.
39. Leasú ar alt 218 den Phríomh-Acht.
40. Leasú ar alt 219 den Phríomh-Acht.
41. Leasú ar alt 221 den Phríomh-Acht.
42. Leasú ar alt 223 den Phríomh-Acht.
43. Leasú ar alt 226 den Phríomh-Acht.
44. Leasú ar alt 227 den Phríomh-Acht.
45. Leasú ar alt 228 den Phríomh-Acht.
46. Leasú ar alt 265 den Phríomh-Acht.
47. Leasú ar Chuid XIX den Phríomh-Acht.
CUID 4
Ilghnéitheach
48. Leasú ar an Acquisition of Land (Assessment of Compensation) Act 1919.
49. Leasú ar an Acht Iompair (Bonneagar Iarnróid) 2001.
50. An tAcht Iompair (Bonneagar Iarnróid) 2001 a leasú tuilleadh.
51. Leasú ar Acht na mBóithre 1993.
Na hAchtanna dá dTagraítear
Acquisition of Land (Assessment of Compensation) Act 1919 | 9 & 10 Geo. 5, c.57 |
An tAcht Aerloingseoireachta agus Aeriompair (Leasú) 1998 | 1998, Uimh. 24 |
Acht Rialuithe na Stát-Sheirbhíse 1956 | 1956, Uimh. 46 |
Na hAchtanna um Chosaint Sonraí 1988 go 2003 | |
An tAcht um Rialáil Leictreachais 1999 | 1999, Uimh. 23 |
An tAcht Imeall Trágha 1933 | 1933, Uimh. 12 |
Na hAchtanna Imeall Trá 1933 go 2005 | |
An tAcht Gáis 1976 | 1976, Uimh. 30 |
An tAcht Gáis (Leasú) 2000 | 2000, Uimh. 26 |
Acht na dTithe 1966 | 1966, Uimh. 21 |
An tAcht Léiriúcháin 2005 | 2005, Uimh. 23 |
An tAcht Rialtais Áitiúil (Uimh. 2) 1960 | 1960, Uimh. 40 |
An tAcht Rialtais Áitiúil 2001 | 2001, Uimh. 37 |
An tAcht um Pleanáil agus Forbairt 2000 | 2000, Uimh. 30 |
Na hAchtanna um Pleanáil agus Forbairt 2000 go 2004 | |
An tAcht um Shábháilteacht Iarnróid 2005 | 2005, Uimh. 31 |
Acht na mBóithre 1993 | 1993, Uimh. 14 |
An tAcht Iompair (Bonneagar Iarnróid) 2001 | 2001, Uimh. 55 |
Uimhir 27 de 2006
AN tACHT UM PLEANÁIL AGUS FORBAIRT (BONNEAGAR STRAITÉISEACH) 2006
[An tiontú oifigiúil]
[16 Iúil 2006]
CUID 1
Réamhráiteach agus Ginearálta
Gearrtheideal, comhlua agus tosach feidhme.
1.— (1) Féadfar an tAcht um Pleanáil agus Forbairt (Bonneagar Straitéiseach) 2006 a ghairm den Acht seo.
(2) Féadfar na hAchtanna um Pleanáil agus Forbairt 2000 go 2006 a ghairm de na hAchtanna um Pleanáil agus Forbairt 2000 go 2004 agus den Acht seo le chéile.
(3) Tiocfaidh an tAcht seo i ngníomh cibé lá nó laethanta a cheapfaidh an tAire le hordú nó le horduithe i gcoitinne nó faoi threoir aon chríche nó forála áirithe agus féadfar laethanta éagsúla a cheapadh amhlaidh chun críoch éagsúil nó le haghaidh forálacha éagsúla.
Mínithe.
2.— San Acht seo—
ciallaíonn “ Aire ” an tAire Comhshaoil, Oidhreachta agus Rialtais Áitiúil;
ciallaíonn “ Príomh-Acht ” an tAcht um Pleanáil agus Forbairt 2000.
CUID 2
Forbairtí Bonneagair Straitéisigh - Dlínse an Bhoird Pleanála faoin bPríomh-Acht chun déileáil leo
Ceadanna le haghaidh forbartha bonneagair straitéisigh.
3.— Leasaítear an Príomh-Acht trí na hailt seo a leanas a chur isteach i ndiaidh alt 37:
“Dlínse an Bhoird i ndáil le hiarratais phleanála áirithe.
37A.— (1) Maidir le hiarratas ar chead le haghaidh aon fhorbartha a shonraítear sa Seachtú Sceideal (a cuireadh isteach leis an Acht um Pleanáil agus Forbairt (Bonneagar Straitéiseach) 2006), i gcás go gcomhlíontar an coinníoll seo a leanas, is chuig an mBord faoi alt 37E a dhéanfar é agus ní chuig údarás pleanála.
(2) Is é an coinníoll sin go ndéanfaidh an Bord, tar éis comhchomhairliúchán faoi alt 37B, fógra i scríbhinn a sheirbheáil ar an iarratasóir ionchasach faoin alt sin ina luafar gurb é tuairim an Bhoird go dtiocfadh an fhorbairt bheartaithe, dá ndéanfaí í, faoi réim ceann amháin nó níos mó de na míreanna seo a leanas, eadhon—
(a) go mbeadh tábhacht straitéiseach eacnamaíoch nó shóisialach leis an bhforbairt don Stát nó don réigiún ina mbeadh sí suite,
(b) go gcuideodh an fhorbairt go suntasach le comhlíonadh aon cheann de na cuspóirí sa Straitéis Spáis Náisiúnta nó in aon treoirlínte pleanála réigiúnacha atá i bhfeidhm i leith an limistéir ina mbeadh sí suite,
(c) go mbeadh éifeacht shuntasach ag an bhforbairt ar limistéar níos mó ná údarás pleanála amháin.
(3) I bhfo-alt (2) ciallaíonn ‘iarratasóir ionchasach’ an duine dá dtagraítear in alt 37B(1).
Pléití leis an mBord sula ndéantar iarratas.
37B.— (1) Aon duine a bheartaíonn iarratas a dhéanamh ar chead le haghaidh aon fhorbartha a shonraítear sa Seachtú Sceideal, rachaidh sé nó sí i mbun comhchomhairliúchán leis an mBord i ndáil leis an bhforbairt bheartaithe sula ndéanfaidh sé nó sí an t-iarratas.
(2) Gairtear ‘iarratasóir ionchasach’ de dhuine den sórt sin ina dhiaidh seo san alt seo agus in ailt 37C agus 37D.
(3) Féadfaidh an Bord, le linn aon chomhchomhairliúchán faoi fho-alt (1), comhairle a thabhairt don iarratasóir ionchasach maidir leis an iarratas beartaithe agus, go háirithe, maidir leis an méid seo a leanas—
(a) an dtiocfadh an fhorbairt bheartaithe, dá ndéanfaí í, faoi réim ceann amháin nó níos mó de mhíreanna (a) go (c) d'alt 37A(2),
(b) na nósanna imeachta a ghabhann le hiarratas pleanála a dhéanamh agus le hiarratas den sórt sin a bhreithniú, agus
(c) cad iad na cúinsí, a bhaineann le pleanáil chuí agus forbairt inchothaithe nó leis an gcomhshaol, a d’fhéadfadh, i dtuairim an Bhoird, baint a bheith acu lena bhreith i ndáil leis an iarratas.
(4) Más rud é gurb é tuairim an Bhoird, tar éis comhchomhairliúchán faoin alt seo, maidir leis an bhforbairt bheartaithe, dá ndéanfaí í—
(a) go dtiocfadh sí faoi réim ceann amháin nó níos mó de mhíreanna (a) go (c) d'alt 37A(2), déanfaidh sé fógra a sheirbheáil i scríbhinn ar an iarratasóir ionchasach ina luafar gurb é sin a thuairim, nó
(b) nach dtiocfadh sí faoi réim aon cheann de na míreanna sin, déanfaidh sé fógra a sheirbheáil i scríbhinn ar an iarratasóir ionchasach ina luafar gurb é sin a thuairim.
(5) Maidir le fógra faoi fho-alt (4)(b), beidh ráiteas ann á rá nach mór iarratas an iarratasóra ionchasaigh ar chead a dhéanamh, má théitear ar aghaidh leis, chuig an údarás pleanála cuí (agus, má théitear ar aghaidh le hiarratas den sórt sin, déanfar é, dá réir sin, chuig an údarás pleanála sin).
(6) Déanfaidh an Bord cóip d’fhógra faoi fho-alt (4)(a) nó (b), de réir mar a bheidh, a sheirbheáil ar an údarás pleanála cuí.
(7) Ní dhéanfar aon iarratas ar chead i leith forbartha dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (1) chuig údarás pleanála mura bhfuil nó go dtí go bhfuil fógra faoi fho-alt (4)(b) arna sheirbheáil i ndáil leis an bhforbairt.
(8) San alt seo ciallaíonn ‘údarás pleanála cuí’ cibé údarás pleanála arbh é an t-údarás pleanála cuí é, murach achtú alt 3 den Acht um Pleanáil agus Forbairt (Bonneagar Straitéiseach) 2006, chun déileáil leis an iarratas dá dtagraítear san fho-alt sin.
Alt 37B: forálacha forlíontacha.
37C.— (1) Déanfaidh iarratasóir ionchasach, chun críocha comhchomhairliúchán faoi alt 37B, dóthain faisnéise i ndáil leis an bhforbairt bheartaithe a sholáthar don Bhord chun a chumasú don Bhord an fhorbairt bheartaithe a mheasúnú.
(2) Ní dochar comhchomhairliúcháin a dhéanamh faoi alt 37B do chomhlíonadh aon fheidhmeanna eile dá chuid faoin Acht seo nó faoi rialacháin faoin Acht seo ag an mBord agus ní féidir brath air sa phróiseas pleanála foirmiúil ná in imeachtaí dlí.
(3) Coimeádfaidh an Bord taifead i scríbhinn ar aon chomhchomhairliúcháin faoi alt 37B i ndáil le forbairt bheartaithe, lena n-áirítear ainmneacha na ndaoine sin a bhí páirteach sna comhchomhairliúcháin, agus déanfar cóip den taifead sin a chur agus a choinneáil leis na doiciméid lena mbaineann aon iarratas pleanála i leith na forbartha beartaithe.
(4) Féadfaidh an Bord dul i gcomhairle le haon duine a bhféadfadh go mbeadh, i dtuairim an Bhoird, faisnéis aige nó aici atá iomchuí chun críocha comhchomhairliúchán faoi alt 37B i ndáil le forbairt bheartaithe.
Tuairim ón mBord maidir leis an bhfaisnéis a bheidh i ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta.
37D.— (1) I gcás go mbeidh fógra faoi alt 37B(4)(a) arna sheirbheáil i ndáil le forbairt bheartaithe, féadfaidh iarratasóir ionchasach a iarraidh ar an mBord tuairim i scríbhinn arna hullmhú ag an mBord a thabhairt dó nó di maidir leis an bhfaisnéis a cheanglófar a bheith i ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta i ndáil leis an bhforbairt.
(2) Ar iarraidh den sórt sin a fháil—
(a) rachaidh an Bord i gcomhairle leis an iarrthóir agus le cibé comhlachtaí a shonróidh an tAire chun na críche, agus
(b) déanfaidh an Bord í a chomhlíonadh a luaithe is indéanta.
(3) Déanfaidh iarratasóir ionchasach, chun go ndéanfadh an Bord de réir iarrata faoin alt seo, dóthain faisnéise i ndáil leis an bhforbairt bheartaithe a sholáthar don Bhord chun a chumasú don Bhord an fhorbairt bheartaithe a mheasúnú.
(4) Ní dochar tuairim a sholáthar faoin alt seo do chomhlíonadh aon fheidhmeanna eile dá chuid faoin Acht seo nó faoi rialacháin faoin Acht seo ag an mBord agus ní féidir brath air sa phróiseas pleanála foirmiúil ná in imeachtaí dlí.
Iarratas chuig an mBord.
37E.— (1) Maidir le hiarratas ar chead forbartha a mbeidh fógra arna sheirbheáil faoi alt 37B(4)(a) ina leith, déanfar é chuig an mBord agus beidh ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta i leith na forbartha beartaithe ag gabháil leis.
(2) Féadfaidh an Bord diúltú déileáil le haon iarratas a dhéanfar chuige faoin alt seo i gcás go measann sé go bhfuil an t-iarratas ar chead nó an ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta neamhdhóthanach nó neamhiomlán, ag féachaint go háirithe do na rialacháin cheada agus d’aon rialacháin arna ndéanamh faoi alt 177 nó d’aon chomhchomhairliúcháin a rinneadh faoi alt 37B.
(3) Sula ndéanfaidh duine iarratas ar chead chuig an mBord faoin alt seo, déanfaidh sé nó sí—
(a) fógra a fhoilsiú, i nuachtán amháin nó níos mó a scaiptear sa limistéar nó sna limistéir ina mbeartaítear an fhorbairt a dhéanamh, ina gcuirfear in iúl cineál agus suíomh na forbartha beartaithe agus—
(i) ina luafar—
(I) go bhfuil beartaithe ag an duine iarratas a dhéanamh chuig an mBord ar chead le haghaidh na forbartha beartaithe,
(II) gur ullmhaíodh ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta i leith na forbartha beartaithe, agus
(III) más iomchuí, gur dóigh go mbeidh éifeachtaí suntasacha ag an bhforbairt bheartaithe ar chomhshaol Ballstáit de na Comhphobail Eorpacha nó páirtí eile sa Choinbhinsiún Trasteorann,
(ii) ina sonrófar cé na tráthanna a fhéadfar agus cé na háiteanna ina bhféadfar, agus cén tréimhse (nach lú ná 6 sheachtain) ar lena linn a fhéadfar cóip den iarratas agus den ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta a iniúchadh saor in aisce nó a cheannach ar tháille shonraithe (is táille nach mó ná an costas réasúnach a bhainfidh leis an gcóip sin a dhéanamh) a íoc,
(iii) ina n-iarrfar go ndéanfaí aighneachtaí chuig an mBord agus go dtabharfaí tuairimí don Bhord, le linn na tréimhse sin, i ndáil leis na nithe seo a leanas—
(I) impleachtaí na forbartha beartaithe do phleanáil chuí agus d’fhorbairt inchothaithe, agus
(II) na héifeachtaí is dóigh a bheadh ag an bhforbairt bheartaithe ar an gcomhshaol,
dá ndéanfaí í, agus
(iv) ina sonrófar na cineálacha breithe a fhéadfaidh an Bord a thabhairt, faoi alt 37G, i ndáil leis an iarratas,
(b) líon forordaithe cóipeanna den iarratas agus den ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta a chur chuig an údarás pleanála nó chuig na húdaráis phleanála ar ina limistéar nó ina limistéir a bheadh an fhorbairt bheartaithe suite,
(c) líon forordaithe cóipeanna den iarratas agus den ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta a chur chuig aon údaráis fhorordaithe mar aon le fógra ina luafar go bhféadfar, le linn na tréimhse dá dtagraítear i mír (a)(ii), aighneachtaí a dhéanamh chuig an mBord nó tuairimí a thabhairt dó, i scríbhinn, i ndáil leis na nithe seo a leanas—
(i) impleachtaí na forbartha beartaithe do phleanáil chuí agus d’fhorbairt inchothaithe, agus
(ii) na héifeachtaí is dóigh a bheadh ag an bhforbairt bheartaithe ar an gcomhshaol,
dá ndéanfaí í, agus
(d) i gcás gur dóigh go mbeidh éifeachtaí suntasacha ag an bhforbairt bheartaithe ar chomhshaol Ballstáit de na Comhphobail Eorpacha nó stáit is páirtí sa Choinbhinsiún Trasteorann, líon forordaithe cóipeanna den iarratas agus den ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta a chur chuig údarás forordaithe an stáit iomchuí nó na stát iomchuí mar aon le fógra ina luafar go bhféadfar, le linn na tréimhse dá dtagraítear i mír (a)(ii), aighneachtaí a dhéanamh chuig an mBord nó tuairimí a thabhairt dó, i scríbhinn.
(4) Déanfaidh an t-údarás pleanála don limistéar (nó, de réir mar a bheidh, gach údarás pleanála do na limistéir) ina mbeadh an fhorbairt bheartaithe suite, laistigh de 10 seachtain ón tráth a dhéanfar an t-iarratas chuig an mBord faoin alt seo (nó cibé tréimhse is faide ná sin a shonróidh an Bord), tuarascáil a ullmhú agus a chur faoi bhráid an Bhoird ina leagfar amach tuairimí an údaráis i dtaobh éifeachtaí na forbartha beartaithe ar an gcomhshaol agus ar phleanáil chuí agus ar fhorbairt inchothaithe limistéar an údaráis, ag féachaint go háirithe do na nithe atá sonraithe in alt 34(2).
(5) Déanfaidh bainisteoir údaráis pleanála, sula gcuirfidh sé nó sí aon tuarascáil i ndáil le forbairt bheartaithe faoi bhráid an Bhoird faoi fho-alt (4), an tuarascáil a chur faoi bhráid chomhaltaí an údaráis agus tuairimí na gcomhaltaí maidir leis an bhforbairt bheartaithe a lorg.
(6) Féadfaidh comhaltaí an údaráis pleanála a chinneadh, le rún, moltaí a bheidh sonraithe sa rún a chur ag gabháil le tuarascáil an údaráis; i gcás go gcinnfidh na comhaltaí amhlaidh cuirfear na moltaí sin (mar aon le taifead an riarthóra cruinnithe) ag gabháil leis an tuarascáil a chuirfear faoi bhráid an Bhoird faoi fho-alt (4).
(7) I bhfo-alt (6), ciallaíonn ‘ taifead an riarthóra cruinnithe ’ taifead a ullmhóidh an riarthóir cruinnithe (de réir bhrí alt 46 den Acht Rialtais Áitiúil 2001) ar na tuairimí a nochtfaidh na comhaltaí maidir leis an bhforbairt bheartaithe.
(8) I dteannta na tuarascála dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (4), féadfaidh an Bord, i gcás gur dóigh leis gur gá déanamh amhlaidh, a cheangal ar an údarás pleanála nó ar na húdaráis phleanála dá dtagraítear san fho-alt sin nó ar aon údarás pleanála nó údaráis phleanála a mbeadh éifeacht shuntasach aici ar a limistéar nó ar a limistéir cibé faisnéis a shonróidh an Bord a thabhairt don Bhord i ndáil le héifeachtaí na forbartha beartaithe ar phleanáil chuí agus ar fhorbairt inchothaithe an limistéir lena mbaineann agus ar an gcomhshaol.
Alt 37E: forálacha forlíontacha.
37F.— (1) Sula gcinnfidh sé aon iarratas ar chead faoi alt 37E féadfaidh an Bord, dá lánrogha féin aon tráth—
(a) a cheangal ar an iarratasóir ar chead faisnéis bhreise a chur faoina bhráid, lena n-áirítear ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta athbhreithnithe,
(b) a chur in iúl go bhfuil breithniú á dhéanamh aige ar chead a dheonú, faoi réir an t-iarratasóir ar chead sonraí, pleananna nó líníochtaí athbhreithnithe i ndáil leis an bhforbairt a chur faoina bhráid,
(c) aighneachtaí nó tuairimí breise a iarraidh ar an iarratasóir ar chead, ar aon duine a rinne aighneachtaí chuige nó a thug tuairimí dó, nó ar aon duine eile a bhféadfadh, i dtuairim an Bhoird, faisnéis a bheith aige nó aici atá iomchuí maidir leis an iarratas a chinneadh,
(d) gan dochar d’fho-ailt (2) agus (3), aon fhaisnéis a bhainfidh leis an iarratas a chur ar fáil lena hiniúchadh, a chur in iúl d’aon duine nó don phobal go bhfuil an fhaisnéis ar fáil amhlaidh agus, más cuí leis, a iarraidh go ndéanfaí aighneachtaí breise chuige nó go dtabharfaí tuairimí breise dó laistigh de cibé tréimhse a shonróidh sé, nó
(e) cruinnithe a thionól leis an iarratasóir ar chead nó le haon duine eile—
(i) más dealraitheach don Bhord é a bheith fóirsteanach chun an t-iarratas a chinneadh, nó
(ii) más dealraitheach don Bhord é a bheith riachtanach nó fóirsteanach chun go ndéanfaí aon saincheist leis an iarratasóir ar chead nó aon easaontú idir an t-iarratasóir agus aon pháirtí eile a réiteach, lena n-áirítear aon saincheist nó aon easaontú a réiteach sula dtabharfar éisteacht ó bhéal.
(2) I gcás go ndéanfaidh iarratasóir ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta athbhreithnithe a chur faoi bhráid an Bhoird de réir fho-alt (1)(a) nó faisnéis bhreise nó sonraí, pleananna nó líníochtaí athbhreithnithe a chur faoina bhráid thairis sin de réir fho-alt (1), a bhfuil, i dtuairim an Bhoird, faisnéis bhreise shuntasach ann nó inti nó iontu ar éifeacht na forbartha beartaithe ar an gcomhshaol de bhreis ar an bhfaisnéis a cuireadh faoina bhráid cheana féin, déanfaidh an Bord—
(a) an fhaisnéis, na sonraí, na pleananna nó na líníochtaí, de réir mar is cuí, a chur ar fáil lena hiniúchadh nó lena n-iniúchadh,
(b) fógra a thabhairt ina luafar go bhfuil an fhaisnéis, na sonraí, na pleananna nó na líníochtaí ar fáil amhlaidh, agus
(c) a iarraidh go ndéanfaí aighneachtaí breise chuige nó go dtabharfaí tuairimí breise dó laistigh de cibé tréimhse a shonróidh sé.
(3) I gcás go dtionólfaidh an Bord cruinniú de réir fho-alt (1)(e), coimeádfaidh sé taifead i scríbhinn ar an gcruinniú agus cuirfidh sé an taifead sin ar fáil lena iniúchadh.
(4) Féadfaidh an Bord, nó fostaí den Bhord arna údarú nó arna húdarú go cuí ag an mBord, aon duine a cheapadh chun cruinniú dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (1)(e) a thionól.
(5) Sula dtabharfaidh sé breith faoi alt 37G i leith forbartha beartaithe arb éard í gníomhaíocht nó ar chun críocha gníomhaíochta í, a bhfuil gá le ceadúnas um rialú comhtháite ar thruailliú nó le ceadúnas dramhaíola ina leith, féadfaidh an Bord a iarraidh ar an nGníomhaireacht um Chaomhnú Comhshaoil tuairimí a thabhairt laistigh de cibé tréimhse (ar tréimhse í nach lú in aon chás ná 3 sheachtain ó dháta na hiarrata) a shonróidh an Bord i ndáil leis an bhforbairt bheartaithe.
(6) Le linn dó a bhreith a thabhairt faoi alt 37G ar an iarratas beidh aird ag an mBord ar na tuairimí, más ann, a bheidh faighte ón nGníomhaireacht um Chaomhnú Comhshaoil laistigh den tréimhse a bheidh sonraithe faoi fho-alt (5).
(7) Féadfaidh an Bord, aon tráth tar éis dheireadh na tréimhse a bheidh sonraithe i bhfógra faoi alt 37E(3)(a) chun aighneachtaí a dhéanamh nó tuairimí a thabhairt, a bhreith a thabhairt faoi alt 37G ar an iarratas.
(8) Má thugann an Ghníomhaireacht um Chaomhnú Comhshaoil tuairimí faoin alt seo, ní dochar é sin d’aon fheidhm eile de chuid na Gníomhaireachta.
Breith ón mBord ar iarratas faoi alt 37E.
37G.— (1) Le linn dó breith a thabhairt i leith forbartha beartaithe a ndéanfar iarratas ina leith faoi alt 37E, féadfaidh an Bord breithniú a dhéanamh ar aon fhaisnéis iomchuí a bheidh os a chomhair nó ar aon ní eile ar ar féidir leis, de bhua an Achta seo, aird a thabhairt.
(2) Gan dochar do ghinearáltacht fho-alt (1), breithneoidh an Bord na nithe seo a leanas—
(a) an ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta a chuirfear faoina bhráid faoi alt 37E(1), aon aighneachtaí a dhéanfar nó tuairimí a thabharfar, mar fhreagra ar an iarraidh dá dtagraítear in alt 37E(3), laistigh den tréimhse dá dtagraítear san fhoráil sin, an tuarascáil (agus na moltaí agus an taifead, más ann, atá ag gabháil léi) a chuirfidh údarás pleanála faoina bhráid de réir alt 37E(4), aon fhaisnéis a thabharfar de réir alt 37F(1) agus aon fhaisnéis iomchuí eile a bheidh os a chomhair agus a bhaineann leis na nithe seo a leanas—
(i) na hiarmhairtí is dóigh a bheidh ag an bhforbairt bheartaithe do phleanáil chuí agus d’fhorbairt inchothaithe sa limistéar ina mbeartaítear an fhorbairt a shuíomh, agus
(ii) na héifeachtaí is dóigh a bheidh ag an bhforbairt bheartaithe ar an gcomhshaol,
(b) aon tuarascáil nó moladh a ullmhófar i ndáil leis an iarratas de réir alt 146, lena n-áirítear tuarascáil an duine a mbeidh aon éisteacht ó bhéal maidir leis an bhforbairt bheartaithe á seoladh aige nó aici agus an taifead i scríbhinn d’aon chruinniú dá dtagraítear in alt 37F(3),
(c) forálacha an phlean forbartha nó na bpleananna forbartha don limistéar,
(d) forálacha aon ordaithe um limistéar taitneamhachta speisialta a bhaineann leis an limistéar,
(e) más láithreán Eorpach nó limistéar atá forordaithe chun críocha alt 10(2)(c) an limistéar nó cuid den limistéar, an méid sin,
(f) más rud é go mbeadh éifeacht ag an bhforbairt bheartaithe ar láithreán Eorpach nó ar limistéar atá forordaithe chun críocha alt 10(2)(c), an méid sin,
(g) na nithe dá dtagraítear in alt 143,
(h) aon fhorálacha iomchuí de chuid an Achta seo agus de chuid aon rialachán a dhéanfar faoin Acht seo.
(3) Féadfaidh an Bord, maidir le hiarratas faoi alt 37E ar chead—
(a) breith a thabhairt—
(i) go ndeonóidh sé an cead, nó
(ii) go ndéanfaidh sé cibé modhnuithe a shonróidh sé ina bhreith ar an bhforbairt bheartaithe agus go ndeonóidh sé cead maidir leis an bhforbairt bheartaithe arna modhnú amhlaidh, nó
(iii) go ndeonóidh sé cead i leith cuid den fhorbairt bheartaithe (fara modhnuithe sonraithe nó gan modhnuithe sonraithe uirthi den chineál sin roimhe seo),
nó
(b) breith a thabhairt go ndiúltóidh sé an cead a thabhairt,
agus féadfaidh breith chun cead a dheonú faoi mhír (a)(i), (ii) nó (iii) a bheith faoi réir coinníollacha nó gan choinníollacha.
(4) I gcás go mbaineann iarratas faoi alt 37E le forbairt bheartaithe arb éard í gníomhaíocht, nó ar chun críocha gníomhaíochta í, a bhfuil gá le ceadúnas um rialú comhtháite ar thruailliú nó le ceadúnas dramhaíola ina leith, ní dhéanfaidh an Bord, i gcás go dtabharfaidh sé breith go ndeonóidh sé cead, an cead sin a chur faoi réir coinníollacha ar coinníollacha iad—
(a) chun astaíochtaí ó oibriú na gníomhaíochta a rialú, lena n-áirítear na hastaíochtaí sin a chosc, a theorannú, a mhaolú nó a laghdú, nó deireadh a chur leo, nó
(b) chun astaíochtaí a bhaineann le scor den oibriú nó den ghníomhaíocht, nó a leanfaidh an scor sin, a rialú.
(5) I gcás go mbaineann iarratas faoi alt 37E le forbairt bheartaithe arb éard í gníomhaíocht, nó ar chun críocha gníomhaíochta í, a bhfuil gá le ceadúnas um rialú comhtháite ar thruailliú nó le ceadúnas dramhaíola ina leith, féadfaidh an Bord, maidir leis an bhforbairt sin, breith a thabhairt go ndiúltóidh sé cead a dheonú faoin alt seo, i gcás go measfaidh an Bord nach féidir, d’ainneoin cheadúnú na gníomhaíochta, glacadh leis an bhforbairt ar fhorais chomhshaoil, ag féachaint do phleanáil chuí agus d’fhorbairt inchothaithe an limistéir ina mbeidh an fhorbairt.
(6) Féadfaidh an Bord breith a thabhairt go ndeonóidh sé cead le haghaidh forbartha, nó aon chuid d’fhorbairt, faoin alt seo fiú má dhéanann an fhorbairt bheartaithe, nó an chuid den fhorbairt bheartaithe, sárú ábhartha ar an bplean forbartha a bhaineann le haon limistéar a mbeartaítear an fhorbairt a shuíomh ann.
(7) Gan dochar do ghinearáltacht chumhachtaí an Bhoird coinníollacha a chur ag gabháil le cead faoi fho-alt (3), féadfaidh an Bord aon cheann díobh seo a leanas a chur ag gabháil le cead forbartha faoin alt seo—
(a) coinníoll maidir le haon cheann de na nithe a shonraítear in alt 34(4),
(b) coinníoll á cheangal go n-íocfar ranníoc nó ranníocaí den chineál céanna a bhféadfadh an t-údarás pleanála cuí a cheangal go n-íocfaí iad faoi alt 48 nó 49 (nó fúthu araon) dá ndeonódh an t-údarás sin an cead (agus beidh feidhm maidir leis an ranníoc nó leis na ranníocaí sin a chinneadh ag an scéim nó ag na scéimeanna dá dtagraítear in alt 48 nó 49, de réir mar is cuí, agus a bheidh déanta ag an údarás sin),
(c) coinníoll á cheangal ar an iarratasóir faisnéis bhreise a chur faoi bhráid an Bhoird nó faoi bhráid aon údaráis áitiúil nó údaráis stáit eile, de réir mar a shonróidh an Bord sula dtosófar ar an bhforbairt, nó
(d) coinníoll á cheangal—
(i) saoráid a fhoirgniú nó foirgniú saoráide a mhaoiniú, go hiomlán nó go páirteach, nó
(ii) seirbhís a sholáthar nó soláthar seirbhíse a mhaoiniú, go hiomlán nó go páirteach,
sa limistéar ina mbeadh an fhorbairt bheartaithe suite, is saoráid nó seirbhís a bheadh, i dtuairim an Bhoird, ina gnóchan substaintiúil don phobal.
(8) Ní cheanglófar le coinníoll a bheidh ag gabháil le cead de bhun fho-alt (7)(d) go gcuirfear an oiread sin acmhainní airgeadais in árach chun an coinníoll a chomhlíonadh go mbainfí go substaintiúil den duine, ar ina fhabhar nó ina fabhar a oibríonn an cead, na sochair is dóigh a d’fhabhródh ó dheonú an cheada.
(9) I bhfo-alt (7)(b), ciallaíonn ‘ údarás pleanála cuí ’ cibé údarás pleanála arbh é an t-údarás pleanála cuí é, murach achtú alt 3 den Acht um Pleanáil agus Forbairt (Bonneagar Straitéiseach) 2006, chun an cead dá dtagraítear san alt seo a dheonú.
(10) Féadfar a fhoráil leis na coinníollacha a bheidh ag gabháil, faoin alt seo, le cead, go bhféadfar poncanna mionsonraí a bhaineann le deonú an cheada a chomhaontú idir an t-údarás pleanála nó na húdaráis phleanála a mbeidh an fhorbairt suite ina limistéar nó ina limistéir feidhme agus an duine a dhéanfaidh an fhorbairt; murar féidir leis an údarás nó na húdaráis sin agus an duine sin comhaontú lena chéile maidir leis an ní, féadfar an ní a tharchur chuig an mBord lena chinneadh.
(11) Gan dochar do ghinearáltacht alt 18(a) den Acht Léiriúcháin 2005, folaíonn aon tagairt, cibé slí a bheidh sí sainráite, san alt seo nó in ailt 37H go 37J don limistéar ina mbeadh an fhorbairt bheartaithe suite, más féidir é sa chomhthéacs, tagairt don 2 limistéar nó níos mó ina mbeadh an fhorbairt bheartaithe suite agus forléireofar tagairtí gaolmhara dá réir sin.
Alt 37G: forálacha forlíontacha.
37H.— (1) Déanfaidh an Bord cóip de bhreith faoi alt 37G a chur chuig an iarratasóir, chuig aon údarás pleanála ar ina limistéar a bheadh an fhorbairt suite agus chuig aon duine a rinne aighneachtaí nó a thug tuairimí maidir leis an iarratas ar chead.
(2) Luafar in aon bhreith a thabharfar faoi alt 37G agus san fhógra i dtaobh na breithe—
(a) na príomhchúiseanna agus na cúinsí ar a bhfuil an bhreith bunaithe,
(b) i gcás go bhforchuirfear coinníollacha i ndáil le haon chead a dheonú, na príomhchúiseanna a bhaineann le haon choinníollacha den sórt sin a fhorchur, agus
(c) an tsuim a dhlitear a íoc leis an mBord faoi chomhair na gcostas a bhain don Bhord as an iarratas a chinneadh faoi alt 37E agus, i cibé méid is dóigh leis an mBord a bheith réasúnach, le haon údarás pleanála a thabhaigh costais i gcúrsa an t-iarratas sin a bhreithniú agus le haon duine eile mar ranníoc faoi chomhair na gcostas a thabhaigh an duine sin i gcúrsa an t-iarratas sin a bhreithniú (ar suimeanna iad a bhféadfaidh an Bord, de bhua an fho-ailt seo, a cheangal gach ceann acu a íoc).
(3) Forléireofar aon tagairt do chostais i bhfo-alt (2)(c) mar thagairt do cibé costais a measann an Bord, dá lánrogha féin, gur costais réasúnacha iad, ach ní fholaíonn sé tagairt do cibé méid de na costais dá dtagraítear ann a bheidh gnóthaithe ag an mBord trí tháille a ghearrfar faoi alt 144.
(4) Déanfar deonú ceada faoi alt 37G a luaithe is féidir tar éis an bhreith iomchuí a dhéanamh ach ní thiocfaidh sé chun bheith i ngníomh go dtí go gcomhlíonfar aon cheanglas a dhéanfar faoi fho-alt (2)(c) i ndáil leis an iarratasóir d’íoc suime i leith costas.
(5) I gcás go mainníonn iarratasóir suim a íoc i leith costas de réir ceanglais a dhéanfar faoi fho-alt (2)(c), féadfaidh an Bord, an t-údarás nó aon duine eile lena mbaineann (de réir mar is cuí) an tsuim a ghnóthú mar fhiach conartha shimplí in aon chúirt dlínse inniúla.
(6) Ní bheidh duine i dteideal aon fhorbairt a dhéanamh de bhíthin ceada faoi alt 37G agus dá bhíthin sin amháin.
Rialacháin.
37I.— (1) Féadfaidh an tAire rialacháin a dhéanamh chun socrú a dhéanamh maidir le cibé nithe a bhaineann le nós imeachta agus riarachán is dóigh leis an Aire a bheith riachtanach nó fóirsteanach i leith na nithe seo a leanas—
(a) comhchomhairliúcháin faoi alt 37B,
(b) tuairim a thabhairt faoi alt 37D,
(c) iarratais ar chead faoi alt 37E, agus
(d) breitheanna faoi alt 37G.
(2) Gan dochar do ghinearáltacht fho-alt (1), féadfar le rialacháin faoin alt seo—
(a) foráil a dhéanamh maidir le nithe a bhaineann le nós imeachta i ndáil le hiarratas a dhéanamh faoi alt 37E, lena n-áirítear fógra poiblí a thabhairt agus iarratais a dhéanamh i bhfoirm leictreonach, agus
(b) foráil a dhéanamh maidir le nithe a bhaineann le nós imeachta i ndáil leis an nGníomhaireacht um Chaomhnú Comhshaoil do thabhairt tuairimí faoi alt 37F(5) agus maidir le nithe a bhaineann leis an méid sin.
Cuspóir an Bhoird i ndáil le hiarratais faoi alt 37E.
37J.— (1) Beidh sé de dhualgas ar an mBord, ag féachaint do thábhacht speisialta iarratas a bhaineann le forbairt a fhéadfaidh teacht faoi réim alt 37A(2), a chinntiú—
(a) go gcríochnófar comhchomhairliúcháin a sheolfar ar scór iarrata faoi alt 37B, agus
(b) go dtabharfar breith faoi alt 37G ar iarratas a dhéanfar faoi alt 37E,
a luaithe is féidir ach é a bheith i gcomhréir le pleanáil chuí agus forbairt inchothaithe agus, chun na críche sin, na bearta sin go léir atá ar fáil dó a dhéanamh chun a chinntiú nach mbeidh, a mhéid is indéanta, aon mhoill inseachanta ann ag aon chéim le linn na comhchomhairliúcháin sin a sheoladh nó an bhreith sin a thabhairt.
(2) Gan dochar do ghinearáltacht fho-alt (1) agus faoi réir fho-alt (3) go (6), beidh de chuspóir ag an mBord a chinntiú go dtabharfar breith faoi alt 37G ar iarratas a dhéanfar faoi alt 37E—
(a) laistigh de thréimhse 18 seachtain dar tosach an lá deireanach chun aighneachtaí a dhéanamh nó tuairimí a thabhairt de réir an fhógra dá dtagraítear in alt 37E(3)(a), nó
(b) laistigh de cibé tréimhse eile a fhorordóidh an tAire i gcoitinne nó i leith aicme nó aicmí áirithe ní.
(3) I gcás gur dealraitheach don Bhord nárbh fhéidir nó nár chuí, mar gheall ar imthosca áirithe an ní is cúram don Bhord, an ní a chinneadh laistigh den tréimhse dá dtagraítear i mír (a) nó (b) d’fho-alt (2), de réir mar a bheidh, déanfaidh an Bord, le fógra i scríbhinn a sheirbheálfar ar an iarratasóir ar chead, ar aon údarás pleanála a bheidh bainteach agus ar aon duine eile a chuir aighneachtaí nó tuairimí faoi bhráid an Bhoird i ndáil leis an ní roimh dheireadh na tréimhse sin, na cúiseanna nárbh fhéidir nó nár chuí an ní a chinneadh laistigh den tréimhse sin a chur in iúl don údarás agus do na daoine sin agus sonróidh sé an dáta ar roimhe a bheartaíonn an Bord go gcinnfear an ní.
(4) I gcás go mbeidh fógra seirbheáilte faoi fho-alt (3), déanfaidh an Bord na bearta go léir sin atá ar fáil dó chun a chinntiú go gcinnfear an ní roimh an dáta a bheidh sonraithe san fhógra.
(5) Féadfaidh an tAire le rialacháin an tréimhse dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (2)(a) a athrú go ginearálta nó i leith aicme nó aicmí áirithe iarratas dá dtagraítear in alt 37E, i gcás gur dealraitheach dó nó di gur gá déanamh amhlaidh, de bhua imthosca eisceachtúla, agus, fad a bheidh na rialacháin i bhfeidhm, forléireofar an t-alt seo agus beidh éifeacht leis de réir na rialachán.
(6) I gcás gur dóigh leis an Aire gur gá nó gur fóirsteanach aicme nó aicmí áirithe iarratais faoi alt 37E lena bhfuil tábhacht speisialta straitéiseach, eacnamaíoch nó shóisialach i dtaca leis an Stát a chinneadh a luaithe is féidir ach é a bheith i gcomhréir le pleanáil chuí agus forbairt inchothaithe, féadfaidh sé nó sí ordachán a thabhairt don Bhord go dtabharfar tosaíocht do chinneadh iarratas den aicme nó de na haicmí lena mbaineann, agus déanfaidh an Bord an t-ordachán sin a chomhlíonadh.
(7) Áireoidh an Bord i ngach tuarascáil a thabharfar faoi alt 118 ráiteas maidir le líon na nithe a mbeidh cinneadh déanta ag an mBord orthu laistigh de thréimhse dá dtagraítear i mír (a) nó (b) d’fho-alt (2) agus cibé faisnéis eile a ordóidh an tAire maidir leis an am a glacadh chun na nithe sin a chinneadh.
Suiteálacha núicléacha: gan aon fhorbairt ina leith a bheith ceadaithe.
37K.— Ní fhorléireofar aon ní san Acht seo mar ní lena gcumasaítear forbairt a údarú, is forbairt arb éard atá inti suiteáil i gcomhair leictreachas a ghiniúint trí chomhleá núicléach.”.
Bonneagar tarchurtha leictreachais agus gáis a sholáthar.
4.— Leasaítear Cuid XI den Phríomh-Acht trí na hailt seo a leanas a chur isteach i ndiaidh alt 182:
“Línte tarchurtha leictreachais.
182A.— (1) I gcás go mbeartóidh duine (dá ngairtear an ‘gnóthaire’ anseo ina dhiaidh seo san alt seo) forbairt a dhéanamh arb éard atá inti tarchur leictreachais nó chun críocha tarchurtha leictreachais (dá ngairtear ‘forbairt bheartaithe’ anseo ina dhiaidh seo san alt seo agus in alt 182B), ullmhóidh an gnóthaire, nó cuirfidh an gnóthaire faoi deara go n-ullmhófar, iarratas ar cheadú don fhorbairt faoi alt 182B agus déanfaidh an gnóthaire iarratas chuig an mBord ar an gceadú sin dá réir sin.
(2) I gcás forbartha dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (1) agus a bhaineann le haicme forbartha a aithnítear chun críocha alt 176, ullmhóidh an gnóthaire, nó cuirfidh an gnóthaire faoi deara go n-ullmhófar, ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta i leith na forbartha.
(3) Ní dhéanfar an fhorbairt bheartaithe mura mbeidh sí ceadaithe ag an mBord fara modhnuithe nó gan mhodhnuithe.
(4) Sula ndéanfaidh gnóthaire iarratas ar cheadú faoi fho-alt (1), déanfaidh sé—
(a) fógra a fhoilsiú i nuachtán amháin nó níos mó a scaiptear sa limistéar nó sna limistéir ina mbeartaítear an fhorbairt a dhéanamh, ina gcuirfear in iúl cineál agus suíomh na forbartha beartaithe agus—
(i) ina luafar—
(I) go bhfuil beartaithe aige ceadú an Bhoird a lorg le haghaidh na forbartha beartaithe,
(II) i gcás iarratais dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (1)(a), gur ullmhaíodh ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta i leith na forbartha beartaithe, agus
(III) más iomchuí, gur dógh go mbeidh éifeachtaí suntasacha ag an bhforbairt bheartaithe ar chomhshaol Ballstáit de na Comhphobail Eorpacha nó páirtí eile sa Choinbhinsiún Trasteorann,
(ii) ina sonrófar cé na tráthanna a fhéadfar agus cé na háiteanna ina bhféadfar, agus cén tréimhse (nach lú ná 6 sheachtain) ar lena linn a fhéadfar cóip den iarratas agus d’aon ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta a iniúchadh saor in aisce nó a cheannach ar tháille shonraithe (is táille nach mó ná an costas réasúnach a bhainfidh leis an gcóip sin a dhéanamh) a íoc,
(iii) ina n-iarrfar go ndéanfaí aighneachtaí chuig an mBord agus go dtabharfaí tuairimí don Bhord, le linn na tréimhse sin, i ndáil leis na nithe seo a leanas—
(I) impleachtaí na forbartha beartaithe do phleanáil chuí agus d’fhorbairt inchothaithe sa limistéar nó sna limistéir lena mbaineann, agus
(II) na héifeachtaí is dóigh a bheadh ag an bhforbairt bheartaithe ar an gcomhshaol,
dá ndéanfaí í, agus
(vi) ina sonrófar na cineálacha breithe a thabharfaidh an Bord, faoi alt 182B, i ndáil leis an iarratas,
(b) cóip den iarratas agus d’aon ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta a chur chuig an údarás áitiúil nó chuig gach údarás áitiúil ar ina limistéar feidhme a bheadh an fhorbairt bheartaithe suite agus chuig na húdaráis fhorordaithe mar aon le fógra ina luafar go bhféadfar, le linn na tréimhse dá dtagraítear i mír (a)(ii), aighneachtaí a dhéanamh chuig an mBord nó tuairimí a thabhairt dó, i scríbhinn, i ndáil leis na nithe seo a leanas—
(i) impleachtaí na forbartha beartaithe do phleanáil chuí agus d’fhorbairt inchothaithe sa limistéar nó sna limistéir lena mbaineann, agus
(ii) na héifeachtaí is dóigh a bheadh ag an bhforbairt bheartaithe ar an gcomhshaol,
dá ndéanfaí í, agus
(c) i gcás gur dóigh go mbeadh éifeachtaí suntasacha ag an bhforbairt bheartaithe ar chomhshaol Ballstáit de na Comhphobail Eorpacha nó stáit is páirtí sa Choinbhinsiún Trasteorann, líon forordaithe cóipeanna den iarratas agus den ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta a chur chuig údarás forordaithe an stáit nó na stát iomchuí mar aon le fógra ina luafar go bhféadfar, le linn na tréimhse dá dtagraítear i mír (a)(ii), aighneachtaí a dhéanamh chuig an mBord nó tuairimí a thabhairt dó, i scríbhinn.
(5) Féadfaidh an Bord—
(a) má mheasann sé gur gá déanamh amhlaidh, a cheangal ar ghnóthaire a bhfuil iarratas ar fhorbairt bheartaithe a cheadú déanta aige cibé faisnéis bhreise a thabhairt don Bhord i ndáil leis na nithe seo a leanas—
(i) éifeachtaí na forbartha beartaithe ar an gcomhshaol, nó
(ii) iarmhairtí na forbartha sin do phleanáil chuí agus d’fhorbairt inchothaithe sa limistéar nó sna limistéir ina mbeartaítear an fhorbairt sin a shuíomh,
a shonróidh an Bord, nó
(b) má tá sé den tuairim go sealadach gur chuí an fhorbairt bheartaithe a cheadú dá ndéanfaí athruithe áirithe (a bheidh sonraithe san fhógra dá dtagraítear sa mhír seo) ar théarmaí na forbartha, fógra a thabhairt don ghnóthaire reachtúil á rá go bhfuil sé den tuairim sin agus a iarraidh ar an ngnóthaire athruithe a bheidh sonraithe san fhógra a dhéanamh ar théarmaí na forbartha beartaithe agus, má dhéanann an gnóthaire na hathruithe sin, cibé faisnéis (más ann) a shonróidh sé i ndáil leis an bhforbairt, sna téarmaí arna n-athrú amhlaidh, nó, más gá, ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta athbhreithnithe ina leith, a thabhairt dó.
(6) Má dhéanann gnóthaire na hathruithe ar théarmaí na forbartha beartaithe a bheidh sonraithe i bhfógra a thabharfar dó faoi fho-alt (5), measfar gurb iad téarmaí na forbartha arna n-athrú amhlaidh an fhorbairt bheartaithe chun críocha an ailt seo agus alt 182B.
(7) Déanfaidh an Bord—
(a) i gcás go measfaidh sé maidir le haon fhaisnéis bhreise a fuarthas de bhun ceanglais arna chur faoi fho-alt (5)(a) go bhfuil sonraí suntasacha breise inti i ndáil leis na nithe seo a leanas—
(i) na héifeachtaí is dóigh a bheidh ag an bhforbairt bheartaithe ar an gcomhshaol, agus
(ii) na hiarmhairtí is dóigh a bheidh ag an bhforbairt sin do phleanáil chuí agus d’fhorbairt inchothaithe sa limistéar nó sna limistéir ina mbeartaítear an fhorbairt sin a shuíomh,
nó
(b) i gcás go mbeidh na hathruithe ar théarmaí na forbartha beartaithe a bheidh sonraithe i bhfógra, arna thabhairt don ghnóthaire faoi fho-alt (5)(b), déanta aige,
a cheangal ar an ngnóthaire na nithe dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (8) a dhéanamh.
(8) Is iad seo a leanas na nithe a cheanglófar ar ghnóthaire a dhéanamh mar a dúradh—
(a) fógra a fhoilsiú i nuachtán amháin nó níos mó a scaiptear sa limistéar nó sna limistéir ina mbeadh an fhorbairt bheartaithe suite ina luafar na nithe seo a leanas, de réir mar is cuí—
(i) go bhfuil faisnéis bhreise i ndáil leis an bhforbairt bheartaithe tugtha don Bhord, nó
(ii) go ndearna an gnóthaire, de bhun iarrata ón mBord, athruithe ar théarmaí na forbartha beartaithe (agus cuirfear cineál na n-athruithe sin in iúl) agus, más amhlaidh atá an cás, go bhfuil faisnéis i ndáil le téarmaí na forbartha arna n-athrú amhlaidh nó ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta athbhreithnithe i leith na forbartha tugtha don Bhord,
ina gcuirfear in iúl cé na tráthanna a fhéadfar, cén tréimhse (nach lú ná 3 sheachtain) ar lena linn a fhéadfar agus cén áit nó cé na háiteanna ina bhféadfar cóip den fhaisnéis nó den ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta dá dtagraítear i bhfomhír (i) nó (ii) a iniúchadh saor in aisce nó a cheannach ar tháille shonraithe (is táille nach mó ná an costas réasúnach a bhainfidh leis an gcóip sin a dhéanamh) a íoc agus go bhféadfar aighneachtaí a dhéanamh chuig an mBord nó tuairimí a thabhairt dó, i ndáil leis an bhfaisnéis nó leis an ráiteas sin roimh dheireadh na tréimhse a chuirfear in iúl, agus
(b) na nithe seo a leanas a chur chuig gach údarás forordaithe dár tugadh fógra de bhun fho-alt (4)(b) nó (c)—
(i) fógra á rá go ndearnadh an fhaisnéis bhreise dá dtagraítear i mír (a)(i) nó, de réir mar is cuí, an fhaisnéis nó an ráiteas dá dtagraítear i mír (a)(ii) a thabhairt don Bhord, agus
(ii) cóip den fhaisnéis bhreise, den fhaisnéis nó den ráiteas sin,
agus a chur in iúl don údarás go bhféadfar aighneachtaí a dhéanamh chuig an mBord nó tuairimí a thabhairt dó i ndáil leis an bhfaisnéis bhreise, leis an bhfaisnéis nó leis an ráiteas sin sula rachaidh tréimhse (nach lú ná 3 sheachtain) in éag dar tosach an lá a chuirfidh an gnóthaire an fógra chuig an údarás forordaithe.
(9) San alt seo forléireofar ‘ tarchur ’, i ndáil le leictreachas, de réir alt 2(1) den Acht um Rialáil Leictreachais 1999 ach, chun críocha an ailt seo, forléireofar an abairt roimhe seo freisin, i ndáil le leictreachas, mar abairt a chiallaíonn leictreachas a iompar—
(a) trí bhíthin líne ardvoltais i gcás gur 110 gcileavolta nó níos mó an voltas, nó
(b) trí bhíthin idirnascaire, cibé acu a bheidh úinéireacht an idirnascaire dílsithe don ghnóthaire nó nach mbeidh.
Alt 182A: critéir le haghaidh breithe, díolúintí áirithe, etc.
182B.— (1) Sula dtabharfaidh sé breith maidir le forbairt bheartaithe is ábhar d’iarratas faoi alt 182A, breithneoidh an Bord—
(a) an ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta arna chur faoina bhráid de bhun alt 182A(1) nó (5), aon aighneachtaí arna ndéanamh nó tuairimí arna dtabhairt de réir alt 182A(4) nó (8) agus aon fhaisnéis eile arna tabhairt de réir fho-alt 182A(5) i ndáil leis na nithe seo a leanas—
(i) na hiarmhairtí is dóigh a bheidh ag an bhforbairt sin do phleanáil chuí agus d’fhorbairt inchothaithe sa limistéar ina mbeartaítear an fhorbairt bheartaithe a shuíomh, agus
(ii) na héifeachtaí is dóigh a bheidh ag an bhforbairt bheartaithe ar an gcomhshaol,
agus
(b) an tuarascáil agus aon mholtaí ó dhuine a mbeidh aon éisteacht ó bhéal maidir leis an bhforbairt bheartaithe á seoladh aige nó aici.
(2) Féadfaidh an Bord, i gcás gur deimhin leis gur cóir sin de bharr imthosca eisceachtúla, díolúine a dheonú i leith forbartha beartaithe ó cheanglas faoi alt 182A(2) ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta a ullmhú ach amháin nach bhféadfar aon díolúine a dheonú i leith forbartha beartaithe i gcás go bhfuil Ballstát eile de na Comhphobail Eorpacha nó stát is páirtí sa Choinbhinsiún Trasteorann tar éis a chur in iúl gur mian leis tuairimí a thabhairt maidir le héifeachtaí na forbartha beartaithe ar an gcomhshaol sa Bhallstát sin nó sa stát sin.
(3) Déanfaidh an Bord, le linn dó díolúine faoi fho-alt (2) a dheonú, breithniú—
(a) i dtaobh an cóir na héifeachtaí, más ann, a bheidh ag an bhforbairt bheartaithe ar an gcomhshaol a mheasúnú ar shlí éigin eile, agus
(b) i dtaobh an cóir an fhaisnéis a eascróidh as measúnacht den sórt sin a chur ar fáil do dhaoine den phobal,
agus féadfaidh sé cibé ceanglais maidir leis na nithe seo a mheasfaidh sé is gá nó is cuí a chur chun feidhme i ndáil leis an iarratas ar cheadú.
(4) Déanfar, a luaithe is féidir, fógra i dtaobh aon díolúine arna dheonú faoi fho-alt (2), i dtaobh na gcúiseanna a bhí leis an díolúine a dheonú, agus i dtaobh aon cheanglas arna gcur chun feidhme faoi fho-alt (3)—
(a) a fhoilsiú san Iris Oifigiúil agus i nuachtán laethúil amháin ar a laghad a fhoilsítear sa Stát, agus
(b) a thabhairt, i dteannta cóip den fhaisnéis, más ann, arna cur ar fáil do dhaoine den phobal de réir fho-alt (3), do Choimisiún na gComhphobal Eorpach.
(5) Féadfaidh an Bord, maidir le hiarratas faoi alt 182A ar fhorbairt bheartaithe a cheadú—
(a) an fhorbairt bheartaithe a cheadú,
(b) cibé modhnuithe a dhéanamh ar an bhforbairt bheartaithe a shonróidh sé sa cheadú agus an fhorbairt bheartaithe arna modhnú amhlaidh a cheadú,
(c) gan an fhorbairt bheartaithe a cheadú ach go páirteach (fara modhnuithe sonraithe uirthi den chineál sin roimhe seo nó dá n-éagmais), nó
(d) diúltú an fhorbairt bheartaithe a cheadú,
agus féadfaidh sé cibé coinníollacha is cuí leis a chur ag gabháil le ceadú faoi mhír (a), (b) nó (c).
(6) Gan dochar do ghinearáltacht na cumhachta sin roimhe seo coinníollacha a chur ag gabháil le ceadú, féadfaidh an Bord coinníoll a chur ag gabháil le ceadú faoi fho-alt (5)(a), (b) nó (c) á cheangal—
(a) saoráid a fhoirgniú nó foirgniú saoráide a mhaoiniú, go hiomlán nó go páirteach, nó
(b) seirbhís a sholáthar nó soláthar seirbhíse a mhaoiniú, go hiomlán nó go páirteach,
sa limistéar ina mbeadh an fhorbairt bheartaithe suite, is saoráid nó seirbhís a bheadh, i dtuairim an Bhoird, ina gnóchan substaintiúil don phobal.
(7) Ní cheanglófar le coinníoll a bheidh ag gabháil le ceadú de bhun fho-alt (6) go gcuirfear an oiread sin acmhainní airgeadais in árach chun an coinníoll a chomhlíonadh go mbainfear go substaintiúil den duine, ar ina fhabhar nó ina fabhar a oibríonn an ceadú faoin alt seo, na sochair is dóigh a d’fhabhródh ó dheonú an cheadaithe.
(8) Féadfaidh an tAire rialacháin a dhéanamh chun foráil do cibé nithe a bhaineann le nós imeachta agus riarachán is dealraitheach don Aire a bheith riachtanach nó fóirsteanach i leith iarratas faoi alt 182A ar cheadú.
(9) Gan dochar do ghinearáltacht fho-alt (8), féadfar le rialacháin faoin bhfo-alt sin a cheangal ar an mBord faisnéis a thabhairt i leith a bhreithe maidir leis an bhforbairt bheartaithe a bhfuil ceadú á lorg ina leith.
(10) Le linn dó breithniú a dhéanamh faoi fho-alt (1) ar fhaisnéis arna tabhairt maidir leis na hiarmhairtí is dóigh a bheidh ag forbairt bheartaithe do phleanáil chuí agus d’fhorbairt inchothaithe sa limistéar ina mbeartaítear an fhorbairt sin a shuíomh, beidh aird ag an mBord ar na nithe seo a leanas—
(a) forálacha an phlean forbartha don limistéar,
(b) forálacha aon ordaithe um limistéar taitneamhachta speisialta a bhaineann leis an limistéar,
(c) más láithreán Eorpach nó limistéar atá forordaithe chun críocha alt 10(2)(c) an limistéar nó cuid den limistéar, an méid sin,
(d) más rud é go mbeadh éifeacht ag an bhforbairt bheartaithe ar láithreán Eorpach nó ar limistéar atá forordaithe chun críocha alt 10(2)(c), an méid sin,
(e) na nithe dá dtagraítear in alt 143, agus
(f) forálacha an Achta seo agus rialacháin faoin Acht seo más iomchuí.
(11) (a) Ní bheidh gá le cead faoi alt 34 nó 37G le haghaidh aon fhorbartha atá ceadaithe faoin alt seo.
(b) Beidh feidhm ag Cuid VIII maidir le haon chás ina ndéantar forbairt dá dtagraítear in alt 182A(1) ar shlí eile seachas de réir ceadaithe faoin alt seo nó de réir aon choinníll a bhfuil an ceadú faoina réir mar atá feidhm aici maidir le haon fhorbairt neamhúdaraithe maille leis an modhnú go ndéanfar tagairt sa Chuid sin do chead a fhorléiriú mar thagairt do cheadú faoin alt seo.
(12) Gan dochar do ghinearáltacht alt 18(a) den Acht Léiriúcháin 2005, aon tagairt, cibé slí a bheidh sí sainráite, san alt seo don limistéar ina mbeadh an fhorbairt bheartaithe suite, folaíonn sí, más féidir é sa chomhthéacs, tagairt don 2 limistéar nó níos mó ina mbeadh an fhorbairt bheartaithe suite agus forléireofar tagairtí gaolmhara dá réir sin.
Iarratas ar fhorbairt bonneagair straitéisigh gáis a cheadú.
182C.— (1) I gcás go mbeartóidh duine (dá ngairtear an ‘gnóthaire’ anseo ina dhiaidh seo san alt seo) forbairt bonneagair straitéisigh gáis a dhéanamh (dá ngairtear ‘forbairt bheartaithe’ anseo ina dhiaidh seo san alt seo agus in alt 182D), ullmhóidh an gnóthaire, nó cuirfidh an gnóthaire faoi deara go n-ullmhófar—
(a) iarratas ar cheadú don fhorbairt faoi alt 182D, agus
(b) ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta i leith na forbartha,
agus déanfaidh an gnóthaire iarratas chuig an mBord ar an gceadú sin dá réir sin, agus léireofar san iarratas an mbaineann an t-iarratas le píblíne gháis uas-srutha straitéiseach nó píblíne gháis íos-srutha straitéiseach.
(2) Maidir le hiarratas faoi fho-alt (1) ar cheadú d’fhorbairt bheartaithe, beidh ag gabháil leis, más éard é píblíne nó más píblíne cuid de, deimhniú i ndáil leis an bpíblíne arna sholáthar faoi alt 26 den Acht Gáis 1976, arna leasú, nó faoi alt 20 den Acht Gáis (Leasú) 2000, ag ceann acu seo a leanas—
(a) i gcás píblíne gáis uas-srutha straitéisí, an tAire Cumarsáide, Mara agus Acmhainní Nádúrtha, nó
(b) i gcás píblíne gáis íos-srutha straitéisí, an Coimisiún.
(3) Ní dhéanfar an fhorbairt bheartaithe mura mbeidh sí ceadaithe ag an mBord fara nó d’éagmais modhnuithe.
(4) Sula ndéanfaidh gnóthaire iarratas ar cheadú faoi fho-alt (1), déanfaidh sé—
(a) fógra a fhoilsiú i nuachtán amháin nó níos mó a scaiptear sa limistéar nó sna limistéir ina mbeartaítear an fhorbairt a dhéanamh, ina gcuirfear in iúl cineál agus suíomh na forbartha beartaithe agus—
(i) ina luafar—
(I) go bhfuil beartaithe aige ceadú an Bhoird a lorg le haghaidh na forbartha beartaithe,
(II) gur ullmhaíodh ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta i leith na forbartha beartaithe, agus
(III) más iomchuí, gur dóigh go mbeidh éifeachtaí suntasacha ag an bhforbairt bheartaithe ar chomhshaol Ballstáit de na Comhphobail Eorpacha nó páirtí eile sa Choinbhinsiún Trasteorann,
(ii) ina sonrófar cé na tráthanna a fhéadfar agus cé na háiteanna ina bhféadfar, agus cén tréimhse (nach lú ná 6 sheachtain) ar lena linn a fhéadfar cóip den iarratas agus den ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta a iniúchadh saor in aisce nó a cheannach ar tháille shonraithe (is táille nach mó ná an costas réasúnach a bhainfidh leis an gcóip sin a dhéanamh) a íoc,
(iii) ina n-iarrfar go ndéanfaí aighneachtaí chuig an mBord agus go dtabharfaí tuairimí don Bhord, le linn na tréimhse sin—
(I) i ndáil le himpleachtaí na forbartha beartaithe do phleanáil chuí agus d’fhorbairt inchothaithe sa limistéar nó sna limistéir lena mbaineann, agus
(II) i ndáil leis na héifeachtaí is dóigh a bheadh ag an bhforbairt bheartaithe ar an gcomhshaol,
dá ndéanfaí í, agus
(iv) ina sonrófar na cineálacha cinnidh a fhéadfaidh an Bord a dhéanamh, faoi alt 182D, i ndáil leis an iarratas,
agus
(b) cóip den iarratas agus den ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta a chur—
(i) chuig an údarás áitiúil nó chuig gach údarás áitiúil ar ina limistéar feidhme a bheadh an fhorbairt bheartaithe,
(ii) chuig aon chomhlachtaí forordaithe,
(iii) i gcás forbartha beartaithe arb éard í píblíne íos-srutha straitéiseach, nó ar chun críocha an chéanna í, chuig an gCoimisiún, agus
(iv) i gcás gur dóigh go mbeidh éifeachtaí suntasacha ag an bhforbairt bheartaithe ar chomhshaol Ballstáit de na Comhphobail Eorpacha nó stáit is páirtí sa Choinbhinsiún Trasteorann, chuig comhlacht forordaithe an stáit nó na stát iomchuí,
mar aon le fógra ina luafar go bhféadfar, le linn na tréimhse dá dtagraítear i mír (a)(ii), aighneachtaí a dhéanamh chuig an mBord nó tuairimí a thabhairt dó, i scríbhinn—
(I) i ndáil le himpleachtaí na forbartha beartaithe do phleanáil chuí agus d’fhorbairt inchothaithe sa limistéar lena mbaineann, agus
(II) i ndáil leis na héifeachtaí is dóigh a bheadh ag an bhforbairt bheartaithe ar an gcomhshaol,
dá ndéanfaí í.
(5) Féadfaidh an Bord—
(a) má mheasann sé gur gá déanamh amhlaidh, a cheangal ar ghnóthaire a mbeidh iarratas ar cheadú le haghaidh forbartha beartaithe déanta aige, cibé faisnéis bhreise a thabhairt don Bhord i ndáil leis na nithe seo a leanas—
(i) éifeachtaí na forbartha beartaithe ar an gcomhshaol, nó
(ii) na hiarmhairtí a bheidh ag an bhforbairt sin do phleanáil chuí agus d’fhorbairt inchothaithe sa limistéar nó sna limistéir ina mbeartaítear an fhorbairt sin a shuíomh,
a shonróidh an Bord, nó
(b) má tá sé den tuairim go sealadach gur chuí an fhorbairt bheartaithe a cheadú dá ndéanfaí athruithe áirithe (a bheidh sonraithe san fhógra dá dtagraítear sa mhír seo) ar théarmaí na forbartha, fógra a thabhairt don ghnóthaire á rá go bhfuil sé den tuairim sin agus a iarraidh ar an ngnóthaire athruithe a bheidh sonraithe san fhógra a dhéanamh ar théarmaí na forbartha beartaithe agus, má dhéanann an gnóthaire na hathruithe sin, cibé faisnéis (más ann) a shonróidh sé i ndáil leis an bhforbairt, sna téarmaí arna n-athrú amhlaidh, nó, más gá, ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta athbhreithnithe ina leith a thabhairt dó.
(6) Má dhéanann gnóthaire na hathruithe ar théarmaí na forbartha beartaithe a bheidh sonraithe i bhfógra a thabharfar dó faoi fho-alt (5), measfar gurb iad téarmaí na forbartha arna n-athrú amhlaidh an fhorbairt bheartaithe chun críocha an ailt seo agus alt 182D.
(7) Déanfaidh an Bord—
(a) i gcás ina measfaidh sé maidir le haon fhaisnéis bhreise a fuarthas de bhun ceanglais arna dhéanamh faoi fho-alt (5)(a) go bhfuil sonraí suntasacha breise inti a bhaineann leis na nithe seo a leanas—
(i) na héifeachtaí is dóigh a bheidh ag an bhforbairt bheartaithe ar an gcomhshaol, agus
(ii) na hiarmhairtí is dóigh a bheidh ag an bhforbairt sin do phleanáil chuí agus d’fhorbairt inchothaithe sa limistéar nó sna limistéir ina mbeartaítear an fhorbairt sin a shuíomh,
nó
(b) i gcás ina ndearna an gnóthaire na hathruithe ar théarmaí na forbartha beartaithe a sonraíodh i bhfógra arna thabhairt dó faoi fho-alt (5)(b),
a cheangal ar an ngnóthaire na rudaí dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (8) a dhéanamh.
(8) Is iad seo a leanas na nithe a cheanglófar ar ghnóthaire a dhéanamh mar a dúradh—
(a) fógra a fhoilsiú i nuachtán amháin nó níos mó a scaiptear sa limistéar nó sna limistéir ina mbeadh an fhorbairt bheartaithe suite ina luafar na nithe seo a leanas, de réir mar is cuí—
(i) go bhfuil faisnéis bhreise i ndáil leis an bhforbairt bheartaithe tugtha don Bhord, nó
(ii) go ndearna an gnóthaire, de bhun iarrata ón mBord, athruithe ar théarmaí na forbartha beartaithe (agus cuirfear cineál na n-athruithe sin in iúl) agus, más amhlaidh atá an cás, go bhfuil faisnéis i ndáil le téarmaí na forbartha arna n-athrú amhlaidh nó ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta athbhreithnithe i leith na forbartha tugtha don Bhord,
ina gcuirfear in iúl cé na tráthanna a fhéadfar, cén tréimhse (nach lú ná 3 sheachtain) ar lena linn a fhéadfar agus cén áit nó cé na háiteanna ina bhféadfar cóip den fhaisnéis nó den ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta dá dtagraítear i bhfomhír (i) nó (ii) a iniúchadh saor in aisce nó a cheannach ar tháille shonraithe (is táille nach mó ná an costas réasúnach a bhainfidh leis an gcóip sin a dhéanamh) a íoc agus go bhféadfar aighneachtaí a dhéanamh chuig an mBord nó tuairimí a thabhairt dó, i ndáil leis an bhfaisnéis nó leis an ráiteas sin roimh dheireadh na tréimhse a chuirfear in iúl, agus
(b) na nithe seo a leanas a chur chuig gach údarás forordaithe dár tugadh fógra de bhun fho-alt (4)(b)—
(i) fógra á rá go ndearnadh an fhaisnéis bhreise dá dtagraítear i mír (a)(i) nó an fhaisnéis nó an ráiteas dá dtagraítear i mír (a)(ii), de réir mar is cuí, a thabhairt don Bhord, agus
(ii) cóip den fhaisnéis bhreise, den fhaisnéis nó den ráiteas sin,
agus a chur in iúl don údarás gur féidir aighneachtaí a dhéanamh chuig an mBord nó tuairimí a thabhairt dó, i ndáil leis an bhfaisnéis bhreise, leis an bhfaisnéis nó leis an ráiteas sin roimh dheireadh tréimhse (nach lú ná 3 sheachtain) dar tosach an lá a chuirfidh an gnóthaire an fógra chuig an údarás forordaithe.
(9) I gcás forbartha beartaithe arb éard í píblíne íos-srutha straitéiseach, nó ar chun críocha an chéanna í, iarrfaidh an Bord ar an gCoimisiún tuairimí a thabhairt laistigh de cibé tréimhse (nach lú ná 3 sheachtain ó dháta na hiarrata) a shonróidh an Bord i ndáil leis an bhforbairt bheartaithe, lena n-áirítear tuairimí i ndáil le haon nithe sábháilteachta nó oibríochta.
(10) Féadfaidh an tAire, tar éis dul i gcomhairle leis an Aire Cumarsáide, Mara agus Acmhainní Nádúrtha rialacháin a dhéanamh chun foráil do nithe a bhaineann le nós imeachta i ndáil le hiarraidh a dhéanamh ar an gCoimisiún faoi fho-alt (9) agus i ndáil leis an gCoimisiún do thabhairt tuairimí ar scór iarrata den sórt sin.
(11) San alt seo ciallaíonn ‘Coimisiún’ an Coimisiún um Rialáil Fuinnimh.
Alt 182C: critéir le haghaidh breithe, díolúintí áirithe, etc.
182D.— (1) Sula dtabharfaidh sé breith maidir le forbairt bheartaithe is ábhar d’iarratas faoi alt 182C, breithneoidh an Bord—
(a) an ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta arna chur faoina bhráid de bhun alt 182C(1) nó (5), aon aighneachtaí nó tuairimí a bheidh déanta nó tugtha de réir alt 182C(4), (8) nó (9) agus aon fhaisnéis eile a thabharfar de réir alt 182C(5) agus a bhaineann leis na nithe seo a leanas—
(i) na hiarmhairtí is dóigh a bheidh ag an bhforbairt sin do phleanáil chuí agus d’fhorbairt inchothaithe sa limistéar ina mbeartaítear an fhorbairt bheartaithe a shuíomh, agus
(ii) na héifeachtaí is dóigh a bheidh ag an bhforbairt bheartaithe ar an gcomhshaol,
agus
(b) an tuarascáil agus aon mholtaí ó dhuine a mbeidh aon éisteacht ó bhéal maidir leis an bhforbairt bheartaithe á seoladh aige nó aici.
(2) Féadfaidh an Bord, i gcás inar deimhin leis gur cóir sin de bharr imthosca eisceachtúla, díolúine a dheonú i leith forbartha beartaithe ó cheanglas faoi alt 182C(1) ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta a ullmhú ach amháin nach bhféadfar aon díolúine a dheonú i leith forbartha beartaithe i gcás ina bhfuil Ballstát eile de na Comhphobail Eorpacha nó stát is páirtí sa Choinbhinsiún Trasteorann tar éis a chur in iúl gur mian leis tuairimí a thabhairt maidir le héifeachtaí na forbartha beartaithe ar an gcomhshaol sa Bhallstát sin nó sa stát sin.
(3) Déanfaidh an Bord, le linn dó díolúine faoi fho-alt (2) a dheonú, breithniú—
(a) i dtaobh an cóir na héifeachtaí, más ann, a bheidh ag an bhforbairt bheartaithe ar an gcomhshaol a mheasúnú ar shlí éigin eile, agus
(b) i dtaobh an cóir an fhaisnéis a éireoidh as measúnacht den sórt sin a chur ar fáil do dhaoine den phobal,
agus féadfaidh sé cibé ceanglais maidir leis na nithe seo a mheasfaidh sé is gá nó is cuí a chur chun feidhme i ndáil leis an iarratas ar cheadú.
(4) Déanfar, a luaithe is féidir, fógra i dtaobh aon díolúine a bheidh deonaithe faoi fho-alt (2), i dtaobh na gcúiseanna a bhí leis an díolúine a dheonú, agus i dtaobh aon cheanglas arna gcur chun feidhme faoi fho-alt (3)—
(a) a fhoilsiú san Iris Oifigiúil agus i nuachtán laethúil amháin ar a laghad a fhoilsítear sa Stát, agus
(b) a thabhairt, mar aon le cóip den fhaisnéis, más ann, atá curtha ar fáil do dhaoine den phobal de réir fho-alt (3), do Choimisiún na gComhphobal Eorpach.
(5) Féadfaidh an Bord, maidir le hiarratas faoi alt 182C ar fhorbairt bheartaithe a cheadú—
(a) an fhorbairt bheartaithe a cheadú,
(b) cibé modhnuithe a dhéanamh ar an bhforbairt bheartaithe a shonróidh sé sa cheadú agus an fhorbairt bheartaithe arna modhnú amhlaidh a cheadú,
(c) an fhorbairt bheartaithe a cheadú go páirteach amháin (fara modhnuithe sonraithe uirthi den chineál sin roimhe seo nó dá n-éagmais), nó
(d) diúltú an fhorbairt bheartaithe a cheadú,
agus féadfaidh sé cibé coinníollacha is cuí leis a chur ag gabháil le ceadú faoi mhír (a), (b) nó (c).
(6) Gan dochar do ghinearáltacht na cumhachta sin roimhe seo coinníollacha a chur ag gabháil le ceadú, féadfaidh an Bord coinníoll a chur ag gabháil le ceadú faoi fho-alt (5)(a), (b) nó (c) á cheangal—
(a) saoráid a fhoirgniú nó foirgniú saoráide a mhaoiniú, go hiomlán nó go páirteach, nó
(b) seirbhís a sholáthar nó soláthar seirbhíse a mhaoiniú, go hiomlán nó go páirteach,
sa limistéar ina mbeadh an fhorbairt bheartaithe suite, is saoráid nó seirbhís a bheadh, i dtuairim an Bhoird, ina gnóchan substaintiúil don phobal.
(7) Ní cheanglófar le coinníoll a bheidh ag gabháil le ceadú de bhun fho-alt (6) go gcuirfear an oiread sin acmhainní airgeadais in árach chun an coinníoll a chomhlíonadh go mbainfear go substaintiúil den duine, ar ina fhabhar nó ina fabhar a oibríonn an ceadú faoin alt seo, na sochair is dóigh a d’fhabhródh ó dheonú an cheadaithe.
(8) Féadfaidh an tAire, tar éis dul i gcomhairle leis an Aire Cumarsáide, Mara agus Acmhainní Nádúrtha, rialacháin a dhéanamh chun foráil do cibé nithe a bhaineann le nós imeachta agus riarachán is dealraitheach don Aire a bheith riachtanach nó fóirsteanach i leith iarratas faoi alt 182C ar cheadú.
(9) Gan dochar do ghinearáltacht fho-alt (8), féadfar le rialacháin faoin bhfo-alt sin, a cheangal ar an mBord faisnéis a thabhairt i leith a bhreithe maidir leis an bhforbairt bheartaithe dá n-iarrtar ceadú.
(10) Le linn dó breithniú a dhéanamh faoi fho-alt (1) ar fhaisnéis a bheidh tugtha maidir leis na hiarmhairtí is dóigh a bheidh ag forbairt bheartaithe do phleanáil chuí agus d’fhorbairt inchothaithe sa limistéar ina mbeartaítear an fhorbairt sin a shuíomh, beidh aird ag an mBord—
(a) ar fhorálacha an phlean forbartha don limistéar,
(b) ar fhorálacha aon ordaithe um limistéar taitneamhachta speisialta a bhaineann leis an limistéar,
(c) más rud é gur láithreán Eorpach nó limistéar atá forordaithe chun críocha alt 10(2)(c) an limistéar nó cuid den limistéar, air sin,
(d) más rud é go mbeadh éifeacht ag an bhforbairt bheartaithe ar láithreán Eorpach nó ar limistéar atá forordaithe chun críocha alt 10(2)(c), air sin,
(e) ar na nithe dá dtagraítear in alt 143, agus
(f) ar fhorálacha an Achta seo agus ar rialacháin faoin Acht seo más iomchuí.
(11) (a) Ní bheidh gá le cead faoi alt 34 nó 37G le haghaidh aon fhorbartha atá ceadaithe faoin alt seo.
(b) Beidh feidhm ag Cuid VIII maidir le haon chás ina ndéanfar forbairt dá dtagraítear in alt 182C(1) ar shlí seachas de réir ceadaithe faoin alt seo nó aon choinníll a mbeidh an ceadú faoina réir mar atá feidhm aici maidir le haon fhorbairt neamhúdaraithe fairis an modhnú go ndéanfar tagairt sa Chuid sin do chead a fhorléiriú mar thagairt do cheadú faoin alt seo.
(12) Gan dochar do ghinearáltacht alt 18(a) den Acht Léiriúcháin 2005, folaíonn tagairt, cibé caoi a shainítear í, san alt seo don limistéar ina mbeadh an fhorbairt bheartaithe suite, má cheadaítear é sa chomhthéacs, tagairt don 2 limistéar nó níos mó ina mbeadh an fhorbairt bheartaithe suite agus forléireofar tagairtí gaolmhara dá réir sin.
Na nósanna imeachta a leanfar sula lorgófar ceadú faoi alt 182B nó 182D.
182E.— (1) Rachaidh duine (‘iarratasóir ionchasach’) a bheartaíonn iarratas a dhéanamh ar cheadú faoi alt 182B nó 182D, sula ndéanfaidh sé nó sí an t-iarratas, i mbun comhchomhairliúcháin leis an mBord i ndáil leis an bhforbairt bheartaithe.
(2) In aon chomhchomhairliúcháin faoi fho-alt (1), féadfaidh an Bord comhairle a thabhairt don iarratasóir ionchasach maidir leis an iarratas beartaithe agus, go háirithe—
(a) maidir leis na nósanna imeachta atá i gceist i dtaca le hiarratas den sórt sin a dhéanamh, agus
(b) maidir leis na cúinsí, is cúinsí a bhaineann le pleanáil chuí agus le forbairt inchothaithe nó leis an gcomhshaol, a bhféadfadh, i dtuairim an Bhoird, baint a bheith acu lena bhreith i ndáil leis an iarratas.
(3) Féadfaidh iarratasóir ionchasach a iarraidh ar an mBord tuairim arna hullmhú ag an mBord a thabhairt dó nó di i scríbhinn maidir leis an bhfaisnéis a bheidh ag teastáil i ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta i ndáil leis an bhforbairt bheartaithe; ar iarraidh den sórt sin a fháil, déanfaidh an Bord, tar éis dul i gcomhairle leis an iarratasóir ionchasach agus le cibé comhlachtaí a shonróidh an tAire chun na críche sin, é a chomhlíonadh a luaithe is indéanta.
(4) Déanfaidh iarratasóir ionchasach—
(a) chun críocha comhchomhairliúchán faoi fho-alt (1), agus
(b) chun go gcomhlíonfaidh an Bord iarraidh faoi fho-alt (3),
dóthain faisnéise a sholáthar don Bhord i ndáil leis an bhforbairt bheartaithe chun a chumasú don Bhord an fhorbairt bheartaithe a mheasúnú.
(5) Ní dochar—
(a) comhchomhairliúcháin a dhéanamh faoi fho-alt (1), ná
(b) tuairim a sholáthar faoi fho-alt (3),
do chomhlíonadh aon fheidhmeanna eile dá chuid faoin Acht seo nó faoi rialacháin faoin Acht seo, nó faoi aon achtachán eile, ag an mBord agus ní féidir brath orthu sa phróiseas pleanála foirmiúil nó in imeachtaí dlí.
(6) Coimeádfaidh an Bord taifead i scríbhinn ar aon chomhchomhairliúcháin faoin alt seo i ndáil le forbairt bheartaithe, lena n-áirítear ainmneacha na ndaoine sin a bhí páirteach sna comhchomhairliúcháin, agus déanfar cóip den taifead sin a chur agus a choinneáil leis na doiciméid lena mbaineann aon iarratas i leith na forbartha beartaithe.
(7) Féadfaidh an Bord, dá lánrogha féin, dul i gcomhairle le haon duine a bhféadfadh, i dtuairim an Bhoird, faisnéis a bheith aige nó aici is iomchuí chun críocha comchomhairliúchán faoin alt seo i ndáil le forbairt bheartaithe.”.
Seachtú Sceideal a chur leis an bPríomh-Acht.
5.— Leasaítear an Príomh-Acht tríd an Sceideal seo a leanas a chur isteach i ndiaidh an Séú Sceideal:
Alt 37A.
“AN SEACHTÚ SCEIDEAL
Forbairtí Bonneagair chun críocha ailt 37A agus 37B
Bonneagar Fuinnimh
1.— Forbairt arb éard í aon cheann de na nithe seo a leanas nó ar chun críocha aon cheann de na nithe seo a leanas í:
—Suiteáil chun peitriliam nó gás nádúrtha a asbhaint ar tír mór.
—Scaglann amhola (gan gnóthas nach monaraíonn ach bealadh ó amhola amháin a áireamh) nó suiteáil chun 500 tona guail nó scealla bhiotúmanaigh nó níos mó a ghású agus a leachtú in aghaidh an lae.
—Stáisiún cumhachta teirmí nó suiteáil dócháin eile arb é 300 meigeavata nó níos mó an t-aschur iomlán fuinnimh as nó aisti.
—Suiteáil tionscail chun leictreachas, gal nó uisce te a tháirgeadh arb é 300 meigeavata nó níos mó an t-aschur teasa aisti.
—Suiteáil tionscail chun gás, gal nó uisce te a iompar arb é 300 meigeavata nó níos mó an t-aschur teasa ionchasach aisti, nó chun fuinneamh leictreach a tharchur trí cháblaí lasnairde, i gcás inarbh é 220 cileavolta nó níos mó an voltas, ach gan aon fhorbairt bheartaithe dá dtagraítear in alt 182A(1) a áireamh.
—Píblíne ola agus aon teirminéil ghaolmhara, aon fhoirgnimh ghaolmhara agus aon suiteálacha gaolmhara, i gcás inar mhó ná 20 ciliméadar fad na píblíne (cibé acu mar a cuireadh ar fáil i dtosach í nó mar a leathnaíodh í).
—Suiteáil chun gás nádúrtha a stóráil ar an dromchla, i gcás inar mhó ná 200 tona an luchtmhaireacht.
—Suiteáil chun gáis indóite a stóráil faoi thalamh, i gcás inar mhó ná 200 tona an luchtmhaireacht.
—Suiteáil chun ola nó gual a stóráil ar an dromchla, i gcás inar mhó ná 100,000 tona an luchtmhaireacht.
—Suiteáil chun fuinneamh hidrileictreach a tháirgeadh arb é 300 meigeavata nó níos mó an t-aschur aisti, nó i gcás inarbh é 30 heicteár nó níos mó achar dromchla nua nó leathnaithe an uisce ghaibhnithe, nó i gcás ina mbeadh athrú 30 faoin gcéad sa sreabhadh uasta, íosta nó meánach i bpríomhchainéal na habhann.
—Suiteáil chun leas a bhaint as cumhacht na gaoithe chun fuinneamh a tháirgeadh (feirm ghaoithe) ag a bhfuil níos mó ná 50 tuirbín nó ag a bhfuil aschur iomlán is mó ná 100 meigeavata.
—Teirminéal, foirgneamh nó suiteáil ar tír mór, cibé acu os cionn talún nó faoi thalamh, atá bainteach le saoráid stórála gáis nádúrtha, i gcás inar mhó ná 1mscm an luchtmhaireacht.
—Teirminéal, foirgneamh nó suiteáil ar tír mór, cibé acu os cionn talún nó faoi thalamh, atá bainteach le saoráid GNL agus, chun críche na forála seo, ciallaíonn ‘saoráid GNL’ teirminéal a úsáidtear chun gás nádúrtha a leachtú nó chun gás nádúrtha leachtaithe a allmhairiú, a aslódáil agus a athghású, lena n-áirítear seirbhísí coimhdeacha.
Bonneagar Iompair
2.— Forbairt arb éard í aon cheann díobh seo a leanas nó ar chun críocha aon cheann díobh seo a leanas í:
—Saoráid trasloingsithe idirmhódúil, teirminéal idirmhodúil nó saoráid paisinéirí nó earraí ar mhó ná 5 heicteár d’achar a bheadh inti nó ann, i ngach cás.
—Teirminéal, foirgneamh nó suiteáil atá bainteach le hiarnród fadscríobach, le trambhealach, le hiarnród dromchla, ardaithe nó faoi thalamh nó le hiarnród a fhaigheann tacaíocht ó línte crochta nó línte comhchosúla de chineál áirithe, a úsáidtear go hiomlán nó go formhór chun paisinéirí a iompar, ach gan aon oibreacha iarnróid beartaithe dá dtagraítear in alt 37(3) den Acht Iompair (Bonneagar Iarnróid) 2001 (arna leasú leis an Acht um Pleanáil agus Forbairt (Bonneagar Straitéiseach) 2006) a áireamh.
—Aerfort (ag a bhfuil líon nach lú ná 2 mhilliún cás d’úsáid ag paisinéirí in aghaidh na bliana) nó aon rúidbhealach, innillbhealach, piara, carrchlós, teirminéal nó saoráid nó suiteáil eile a bhaineann leis (cibé acu maidir le trácht paisinéirí nó le trácht lasta).
—Suiteáil cuain nó calafoirt—
(a) inarbh é 20 heicteár nó níos mó achar, nó achar breise, an uisce a bheadh faoi iamh, nó
(b) a mbeadh míntíriú 5 heicteár talún nó níos mó i gceist léi, nó
(c) a mbeadh foirgniú cé amháin nó níos mó, a bheadh, nó a mbeadh gach ceann acu, níos faide ná 100 méadar, nó
(d) a bhféadfadh soitheach breis agus 1350 tona teacht isteach inti.
Bonneagar Comhshaoil
3.— Forbairt arb éard í aon cheann díobh seo a leanas nó ar chun críocha aon cheann díobh seo a leanas í:
—Suiteáil diúscartha dramhaíola maidir le dramhaíl ghuaiseach lena mbaineann Treoir 91/689/CEE ón gComhairle 1 (seachas suiteáil diúscartha dramhaíola tionscail a bheidh comhtháite i saoráid tionscail is mó)—
(a) chun í a loscadh, nó
(b) chun cóireáil cheimiceach (de réir bhrí Iarscríbhinn IIA a ghabhann le Treoir 75/442/CEE ón gComhairle 2 faoi cheannteideal D9) a dhéanamh uirthi, nó
(c) chun í a úsáid mar líonadh talún.
—Suiteáil diúscartha dramhaíola—
(a) chun dramhaíl neamhghuaiseach a loscadh, nó
(b) chun cóireáil cheimiceach (de réir bhrí Iarscríbhinn IIA a ghabhann le Treoir 75/442/CEE ón gComhairle2 faoi cheannteideal D9) a dhéanamh ar dhramhaíl neamhghuaiseach,
a bhfuil cumas inti chun breis agus 100,000 tona a ghlacadh isteach go bliantúil.
—Suiteáil chun dramhaíl a dhiúscairt, a chóireáil nó a aisghabháil a bhfuil cumas inti chun breis agus 100,000 tona a ghlacadh isteach go bliantúil.
—Scéim astógála screamhuisce nó scéim athluchtaithe screamhuisce shaorga, i gcás inarb ionann agus 2 mhilliún méadar ciúbach, nó inar mó ná sin, an toirt bhliantúil uisce a astógtar nó a athluchtaítear.
—Aon oibreacha chun acmhainní uisce a aistriú idir abhantracha, i gcás inar mhó ná 2 mhilliún méadar ciúbach an toirt bhliantúil uisce a astógtar nó a athluchtaítear.
—Gléasra cóireála dramhuisce a bhfuil cumas is mó ná coibhéis daonra 10,000 ann agus, chun críche na forála seo, cinnfear coibhéis daonra de réir Airteagal 2, pointe 6, de Threoir 91/271/CEE ón gComhairle 3 .
—Láithreán sil-leagtha sloda a bhfuil cumas ann chun 50,000 tona sloda (is sloda fliuch) a shil-leagan go bliantúil.
—Aon oibreacha canálaithe nó faoisimh tuile más rud é—
(a) gur mhó ná 1000 heicteár gar-fho-dhobharcheantar craobh-aibhneach na n-oibreacha beartaithe (eadhon, an difríocht idir na dobharcheantair chraobh-aibhneacha ag pointe uachtarach agus pointe íochtarach na n-oibreacha), nó
(b) go ndéanfaí difear do níos mó ná 20 heicteár de bhogach, nó
(c) gurbh fhaide ná 2 chiliméadar fad an chainéil abhann ar a bhfuil oibreacha beartaithe.
—Damba nó suiteáil eile atá deartha chun uisce a choinneáil siar nó a stóráil go buan nó go fadtéarmach, i gcás inarbh é 30 heicteár nó níos mó, achar nua nó leathnaithe an uisce ghaibhnithe nó i gcás inar mhó ná 10 milliún méadar ciúbach méid nua nó méid breise uisce a choinneofaí siar nó a stórálfaí.
—Suiteáil d’uiscerianta os cionn talún a mbeadh trastomhas 1,000 milliméadar nó níos mó agus fad 500 méadar nó níos mó ag gach ceann díobh.
—Aon oibreacha cósta chun creimeadh a chomhrac nó oibreacha muirí a d’fhéadfadh an cósta a athrú trí chladáin, muirmhúrtha, lamairní, agus oibreacha cosanta mara eile, mar shampla, a fhoirgniú, más rud é gurbh fhaide ná 1 chiliméadar fad an chósta ar a dtarlódh na hoibreacha, i ngach cás, ach gan cothabháil ná athfhoirgniú oibreacha den sórt sin nó oibreacha is gá chun críocha éigeandála a áireamh.”.
class="0 0 0 justify 1 0"class="0 0 0 justify 1 0"
CUID 3
Leasuithe ar an bPríomh-Acht (lena n-áirítear leasuithe de dhroim Chuid 2)
Leasú ar alt 2 den Phríomh-Acht.
6.— Leasaítear alt 2(1) den Phríomh-Acht—
(a) tríd an míniú seo a leanas a chur isteach i ndiaidh an mhínithe ar “Aire”:
“ciallaíonn ‘Straitéis Spáis Náisiúnta’ an ‘Straitéis Spáis Náisiúnta: 2002-2020’ a d’fhoilsigh an Rialtas an 28 Samhain 2002, nó aon doiciméad arna fhoilsiú ag an Rialtas lena leasaítear an Straitéis sin nó a chuirtear in ionad na Straitéise sin;”,
(b) tríd an míniú seo a leanas a chur isteach i ndiaidh an mhínithe ar “páirtí in achomharc nó i dtarchur”:
“ciallaíonn ‘cead’ cead arna dheonú faoi alt 34 nó 37G, de réir mar is cuí;”,
(c) trí na mínithe seo a leanas a chur isteach i ndiaidh an mhínithe ar “gnóthaire reachtúil”:
“ciallaíonn ‘ píblíne gháis íos-srutha straitéiseach ’ aon phíblíne gháis bheartaithe, seachas píblíne gháis uas-srutha, atá deartha lena hoibriú ag 16 bhar nó níos mó agus is faide ná 20 ciliméadar ar a fad;
ciallaíonn ‘ forbairt bonneagair straitéisigh gáis ’ aon fhorbairt bheartaithe arb éard í píblíne gháis íos-srutha straitéiseach nó píblíne gháis uas-srutha straitéiseach, agus críochfoirt ghaolmhara, foirgnimh ghaolmhara agus suiteálacha gaolmhara, cibé acu os cionn talún nó faoi thalamh, lena n-áirítear aon phíopa sceite gaolmhar, nó aon fhorbairt bheartaithe chun críocha an chéanna;
ciallaíonn ‘ forbairt bonneagair straitéisigh ’—
(a) aon fhorbairt bheartaithe a bhfuil fógra arna sheirbheáil ina leith faoi alt 37B(4)(a),
(b) aon fhorbairt bheartaithe ag údarás áitiúil dá dtagraítear in alt 175(1) nó 226(6),
(c) aon fhorbairt bheartaithe dá dtagraítear in alt 181A(1),
(d) aon fhorbairt bheartaithe dá dtagraítear in alt 182(A)1,
(e) aon fhorbairt bonneagair straitéisigh gáis bheartaithe dá dtagraítear in alt 182C(1),
(f) aon scéim nó aon fhorbairt bóthair bheartaithe dá dtagraítear in alt 215,
(g) aon oibreacha iarnróid beartaithe dá dtagraítear in alt 37(3) den Acht Iompair (Bonneagar Iarnróid) 2001 (arna leasú leis an Acht um Pleanáil agus Forbairt (Bonneagar Straitéiseach) 2006), nó
(h) aon fháil éigeantach talún dá dtagraítear in alt 214, 215A nó 215B is fáil a bhaineann le forbairt arna sonrú in aon cheann de na míreanna sin roimhe seo den mhíniú seo;
ciallaíonn ‘ Rannán Bonneagair Straitéisigh ’ an rannán den Bhord dá dtagraítear in alt 112A(1);
ciallaíonn “ píblíne gháis uas-srutha straitéiseach ” an oiread sin d’aon phíblíne gháis a bheartaítear a oibriú nó a fhoirgniú—
(a) mar chuid de thionscadal táirgthe gáis, nó
(b) chun gás nádúrtha neamhphróiseáilte a iompar ó thionscadal amháin nó níos mó den sórt sin chuig gléasra próiseála nó críochfort próiseála nó críochfort calaíochta cósta deiridh,
agus atá suite i limistéar feidhme nó i limistéir fheidhme údaráis pleanála nó údarás pleanála;”,
agus
(d) sna mínithe ar “struchtúr neamhúdaraithe”, “úsáid neamhúdaraithe” agus “oibreacha neamhúdaraithe”, trí “nó faoi alt 34 nó 37G den Acht seo” a chur in ionad “nó faoi alt 34 den Acht seo” gach áit a bhfuil na focail sin.
Leasú ar alt 7 den Phríomh-Acht.
7.— Leasaítear alt 7(2) den Phríomh-Acht tríd an mír seo a leanas a chur isteach i ndiaidh mhír (t):
“(tt) sonraí aon fhorbartha dá dtagraítear in alt 179(4)(b),”.
Leasú ar alt 34 den Phríomh-Acht.
8.— (1) Leasaítear alt 34(4) den Phríomh-Acht tríd an mír seo a leanas a chur in ionad mhír (a):
“(a) coinníollacha chun rialáil a dhéanamh ar fhorbairt nó úsáid aon talún atá tadhlach leis an talamh atá le forbairt, atá ag teagmháil leis, nó atá in aice leis, agus atá faoi rialú an iarratasóra, más rud é maidir leis na coinníollacha a fhorchur, go bhfeicfear don údarás pleanála—
(i) gur fóirsteanach sin chun críocha na forbartha a údaraítear leis an gcead, nó i dtaca leis an bhforbairt sin, nó
(ii) gur cuí sin, i gcás gurb éard atá in aon ghné nó airí den talamh sin atá tadhlach leis an talamh atá le forbairt, atá ag teagmháil leis, nó atá in aice leis, taitneamhacht don phobal nó do chuid den phobal, chun an taitneamhacht sin a chaomhnú don phobal nó don chuid sin den phobal (agus nach mbeadh d’éifeacht le forchur coinníollacha chun na críche sin ualach míchuí a leagan ar an duine ar ina fhabhar nó ina fabhar a oibríonn an cead);”.
(2) Leasaítear alt 34(5) den Phríomh-Acht trí “an duine atá ag déanamh na forbartha; mura féidir leis an údarás pleanála agus an duine sin comhaontú ar an ní, féadfar an ní a tharchur chuig an mBord le breith a thabhairt air” a chur in ionad “an duine dá ndeonaítear an cead agus, cheal comhaontú, go mbeidh an ní le tarchur chuig an mBord le breith a thabhairt air”.
Leasú ar alt 35 den Phríomh-Acht.
9.— Leasaítear alt 35 den Phríomh-Acht trí na fo-ailt seo a leanas a chur in ionad fho-ailt (4) go (6):
“(4) Má mheasann an t-údarás pleanála go bhfuil forais mhaithe ann chun go mbeidh ar a chumas teacht ar an tuairim faoi fho-alt (1) i ndáil le hiarratas ar chead i leith na forbartha lena mbaineann agus, dá réir sin, an chumhacht faoi fho-alt (5) a fheidhmiú chun an cead sin a dhiúltú, déanfaidh sé fógra i scríbhinn a sheirbheáil ar an iarratasóir á rá sin agus maidir leis an bhfógra sin—
(a) sonrófar ann na mainneachtainí i dtaca le comhlíonadh atá ar intinn ag an údarás a chur i gcuntas maidir le feidhmiú beartaithe na cumhachta sin, agus
(b) iarrfar ann ar an iarratasóir aighneachtaí a dhéanamh chuig an údarás, laistigh de thréimhse a bheidh sonraithe san fhógra, i dtaobh cad chuige a mheasann an t-iarratasóir nár chóir don údarás an chumhacht sin a fheidhmiú (cibé acu toisc go maíonn an t-iarratasóir go bhfuil tuairimí an údaráis mícheart i ndáil leis an iarratasóir nó le haon duine eile do chomhlíonadh ceada a tugadh roimhe sin, nó do chomhlíonadh aon choinníll a bhfuil an cead sin faoina réir, nó nach bhfuil forais mhaithe ann chun teacht ar an tuairim faoi fho-alt (1)).
(5) Más rud é, tar éis dó aon aighneachtaí a dhéanfar chuige de réir fógra faoi fho-alt (4) a bhreithniú, go dtéann an t-údarás pleanála ar aghaidh chun teacht ar an tuairim faoi fho-alt (1) i ndáil leis an iarratas lena mbaineann, tabharfaidh sé breith go ndiúltóidh sé an cead lena mbaineann a dheonú agus tabharfaidh sé fógra dá réir sin don iarratasóir.
(6) Féadfaidh an t-iarratasóir, laistigh de 8 seachtain ón tráth a gheobhaidh sé nó sí an fógra sin, d’ainneoin ailt 50 agus 50A, iarratas, trí fhoriarratas iar bhfógra chuig an údarás pleanála, a dhéanamh chun na hArd-Chúirte ar ordú ag neamhniú bhreith an údaráis pleanála agus, ar an iarratas sin a éisteacht, féadfaidh an Ard-Chúirt, de réir mar is cuí léi, breith an údaráis a dhaingniú, an bhreith a neamhniú agus a ordú don údarás iarratas an iarratasóra ar chead pleanála a bhreithniú gan féachaint d’fhorálacha an ailt seo nó cibé ordú eile is cuí léi a dhéanamh.
(6A) Más rud é, de bhun fho-alt (6), go n-ordóidh an Ard-Chúirt don údarás pleanála iarratas an iarratasóra ar chead pleanála a bhreithniú gan féachaint d’fhorálacha an ailt seo, tabharfaidh an t-údarás pleanála a bhreith ar an iarratas laistigh den tréimhse 8 seachtain ón dáta a dhéanfar an t-ordú ón Ard-Chúirt maidir leis an ní a chomhlánú ach tá an fo-alt seo faoi réir fhorálacha alt 34(8) mar a chuirtear chun feidhme iad maidir leis an gcás sin roimhe seo le fo-alt (6B).
(6B) Chun críocha an cháis sin roimhe seo beidh feidhm ag forálacha alt 34(8) fara na modhnuithe seo a leanas:
(a) i mír (a) d’alt 34(8), i ndiaidh “mhíreanna (b), (c), (d) agus (e)”, cuirfear isteach “agus alt 35(6A)”;
(b) in ionad na tagartha i mír (b) d’alt 34(8) do “8 seachtain tar éis iarratas pleanála a fháil” cuirfear “8 seachtain ón dáta a dhéanfar ordú na hArd-Chúirte maidir leis an ní a chomhlánú”;
(c) i mír (f) d’alt 34(8), i ndiaidh “mír (a), (b), (c), (d) nó (e)”, cuirfear isteach “, den tréimhse a shonraítear in alt 35(6A) nó, de réir mar a bheidh, den tréimhse a shonraítear i mír (b), (c), (d) nó (e), mar a chuirtear an mhír sin chun feidhme de bhua alt 35(6B)”; agus
(d) aon mhodhnuithe eile is gá.
(6C) Ní fhéadfar aon achomharc a dhéanamh chuig an mBord i gcoinne breithe ó údarás pleanála chun diúltú cead pleanála a dheonú faoi fho-alt (5).”.
Leasú ar alt 37 den Phríomh-Acht.
10.— Leasaítear alt 37(4) den Phríomh-Acht trí na míreanna seo a leanas a chur isteach i ndiaidh mhír (b):
“(c) D’ainneoin fho-alt (1), beidh comhlacht nó eagraíocht dá dtagraítear i mír (d) i dteideal achomharc a dhéanamh chuig an mBord i gcoinne breithe ag údarás pleanála ar iarratas ar fhorbairt (is forbairt ar ceanglaíodh ina leith ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta a chur faoi bhráid an údaráis pleanála de réir alt 172) roimh dheireadh na tréimhse cuí de réir bhrí an fho-ailt sin.
(d) Is comhlacht nó eagraíocht (nach údarás Stáit, údarás poiblí ná comhlacht nó gníomhaireacht rialtasach) an comhlacht nó an eagraíocht a luaitear i mír (c)—
(i) a mbaineann a chuid nó a cuid aidhmeanna nó cuspóirí le caomhnú an chomhshaoil a chur chun cinn,
(ii) a bheidh, le linn na tréimhse 12 mhí roimh an achomharc a dhéanamh, tar éis na haidhmeanna nó na cuspóirí sin a shaothrú, agus
(iii) a chomhlíonann cibé ceanglais bhreise (más ann) a fhorordaítear faoi mhír (e).
(e) Féadfaidh an tAire ceanglais bhreise a fhorordú nach mór do chomhlacht nó d’eagraíocht den chineál sin roimhe seo a chomhlíonadh d’fhonn achomharc a dhéanamh faoi mhír (c), ar ceanglais de chineál ginearálta iad chun trédhearcacht agus cuntasacht a chur chun cinn maidir le hoibriú na n-eagraíochtaí sin, lena n-áirítear ceanglais—
(i) i ndáil lena chomhaltas nó lena comhaltas,
(ii) go mbeidh saothrú a chuid nó a cuid aidhmeanna nó cuspóirí ar shlí eile seachas le haghaidh brabúis,
(iii) i ndáil le pearsantas dlíthiúil sonraithe a bheith aige nó aici agus le bunreacht nó rialacha a bheith aige nó aici,
(iv) go mbeadh an réimse caomhnaithe comhshaoil lena mbaineann a chuid nó a cuid aidhmeanna nó cuspóirí iomchuí maidir leis an aicme ní ar di an bhreith is ábhar don achomharc.
(f) Féadfaidh an Bord aon achomharc arna dhéanamh faoi mhír (c) a dhíbhe i gcás go measfaidh sé nach gcomhlíonann an comhlacht nó an eagraíocht lena mbaineann ceanglais mhír (d)(i), (ii) nó (iii).”.
Leasú ar alt 38 den Phríomh-Acht.
11.— Leasaítear alt 38(2) den Phríomh-Acht trí “ná do na hAchtanna um Chosaint Sonraí 1988 go 2003” a chur isteach i ndiaidh “na rialacháin sin,”.
Leasú ar alt 41 den Phríomh-Acht.
12.— Leasaítear alt 41 den Phríomh-Acht—
(a) trí “alt 34, 37 nó 37G” a chur in ionad “ailt 34 agus 37” gach áit a bhfuil na focail sin, agus
(b) trí “nó an Bord” a chur isteach i ndiaidh “an t-údarás pleanála”.
Athbhreithniú breithiúnach ar nithe áirithe agus ceisteanna dlí a eascróidh i nithe áirithe a chinneadh.
13.— Déantar na hailt seo a leanas a chur in ionad alt 50 den Phríomh-Acht:
“Athbhreithniú breithiúnach ar iarratais, achomhairc, tarchuir agus nithe eile.
50.— (1) I gcás go n-eascróidh ceist dlí ar aon ní is cúram don Bhord, féadfaidh an Bord an cheist a tharchur chuig an Ard-Chúirt le breith a thabhairt uirthi.
(2) Ní dhéanfaidh duine bailíocht aon bhreithe nó gnímh eile—
(a) a thabharfaidh nó a dhéanfaidh údarás pleanála, údarás áitiúil nó an Bord i gcomhlíonadh nó i gcomhlíonadh airbheartaithe feidhme faoin Acht seo,
(b) a thabharfaidh nó a dhéanfaidh an Bord i gcomhlíonadh nó i gcomhlíonadh airbheartaithe feidhme arna haistriú faoi Chuid XIV, nó
(c) a thabharfaidh nó a dhéanfaidh údarás áitiúil i gcomhlíonadh nó i gcomhlíonadh airbheartaithe feidhme arna tabhairt le hachtachán a shonraítear in alt 214 agus a bhaineann le fáil éigeantach talún,
a cheistiú ar shlí seachas ar mhodh iarratais ar athbhreithniú breithiúnach faoi Ordú 84 de Rialacha na nUaschúirteanna (I.R. Uimh. 15 de 1986) (‘an tOrdú’).
(3) Níl feidhm ag fo-alt (2)(a) maidir le ceadú nó toiliú dá dtagraítear i gCaibidil I nó II de Chuid VI.
(4) Féadfaidh údarás pleanála, údarás áitiúil nó an Bord, aon tráth tar éis iarratas a dhéanamh ar chead chun iarratas a dhéanamh ar athbhreithniú breithiúnach ar aon bhreith nó gníomh eile lena mbaineann fo-alt (2) agus atá bainteach le ní a bheidh, de thuras na huaire, os comhair an údaráis nó an Bhoird, de réir mar a bheidh, iarratas a dhéanamh chun na hArd-Chúirte chun na himeachtaí a bhac go dtí go dtabharfaidh an t-údarás nó an Bord breith i ndáil leis an ní lena mbaineann.
(5) Ar iarratas den sórt sin a dhéanamh, féadfaidh an Ard-Chúirt, i gcás go measfaidh sí go bhfuil an ní atá os comhair an údaráis nó an Bhoird laistigh de dhlínse an údaráis nó an Bhoird, ordú a dhéanamh chun na himeachtaí lena mbaineann a bhac ar cibé téarmaí is cuí léi.
(6) Faoi réir fho-alt (8), déanfar iarratas ar chead chun iarratas a dhéanamh ar athbhreithniú breithiúnach faoin Ordú i leith breithe nó gnímh eile lena mbaineann fo-alt (2)(a) laistigh den tréimhse 8 seachtain dar tosach dáta na breithe nó, de réir mar a bheidh, an dáta a rinne an t-údarás pleanála, an t-údarás áitiúil nó an Bord, de réir mar a bheidh, an gníomh.
(7) Faoi réir fho-alt (8), déanfar iarratas ar chead chun iarratas a dhéanamh ar athbhreithniú breithiúnach faoin Ordú i leith breithe nó gnímh eile lena mbaineann fo-alt (2)(b) nó (c) laistigh den tréimhse 8 seachtain dar tosach an dáta a rinneadh fógra i dtaobh na breithe nó an ghnímh a sheoladh ar dtús (nó de réir mar a cheanglófar faoin achtachán iomchuí, a ndéantar feidhmeanna faoi a aistriú faoi Chuid XIV nó atá sonraithe in alt 214, a fhoilsiú ar dtús).
(8) Maidir leis an tréimhse dá bhforáiltear i bhfo-alt (6) nó (7) agus ar laistigh di a fhéadfar iarratas ar chead dá dtagraítear san fho-alt sin a dhéanamh, féadfaidh an Ard-Chúirt í a fhadú ach ní dhéanfaidh sí amhlaidh ach amháin más deimhin léi—
(a) go bhfuil cúis mhaith dhóthanach ann déanamh amhlaidh, agus
(b) nach raibh neart ag an iarratasóir ar an bhfadú ar na himthosca ba chúis leis an mainneachtain an t-iarratas ar chead a dhéanamh laistigh den tréimhse dár foráladh amhlaidh.
(9) Forléireofar tagairtí san alt seo don Ordú mar thagairtí a fholaíonn tagairtí don Ordú arna leasú nó arna ionadú (modhnaithe nó gan mhodhnú) le rialacha cúirte.
Alt 50: forálacha forlíontacha.
50A.— (1) San alt seo—
ciallaíonn ‘ Cúirt ’, nuair a úsáidtear é gan cháiliú, an Ard-Chúirt (ach ní fhorléireofar an míniú seo mar mhíniú a chiallaíonn nach bhfuil feidhm ag fo-ailt (2) go (6) agus (9) maidir leis an gCúirt Uachtarach d’fheidhmiú dlínse ar aon achomharc a dhéanfar nó nach rialaíonn na fo-ailt sin an céanna);
déanfar ‘ Ordú ’ a fhorléiriú de réir alt 50;
ciallaíonn ‘ cead faoi alt 50 ’ cead chun iarratas a dhéanamh ar athbhreithniú breithiúnach faoin Ordú i leith breithe nó gnímh eile lena mbaineann alt 50(2).
(2) Is trí fhoriarratas iar bhfógra (a bheidh forasaithe sa tslí a shonraítear san Ordú i leith foriarratais ex parte ar chead) a dhéanfar iarratas ar chead faoi alt 50—
(a) má bhaineann an t-iarratas le breith a thug údarás pleanála nó údarás áitiúil nó le gníomh a rinne sé i gcomhlíonadh nó i gcomhlíonadh airbheartaithe feidhme faoin Acht seo, chuig an údarás lena mbaineann agus, i gcás breithe arna tabhairt nó gnímh eile arna dhéanamh ag údarás pleanála ar iarratas ar chead, chuig an iarratasóir ar an gcead i gcás nach é nó í an t-iarratasóir ar chead faoi alt 50,
(b) má bhaineann an t-iarratas le breith a thug an Bord nó le gníomh eile a rinne sé ar achomharc nó ar tharchur, chuig an mBord agus chuig gach páirtí nó gach páirtí eile, de réir mar a bheidh, san achomharc nó sa tarchur,
(c) má bhaineann an t-iarratas le breith a thug an Bord nó le gníomh eile a rinne sé ar iarratas ar chead nó ar cheadú, chuig an mBord agus chuig an iarratasóir ar an gcead nó ar an gceadú i gcás nach é nó í an t-iarratasóir ar chead faoi alt 50,
(d) má bhaineann an t-iarratas le breith a thug an Bord nó údarás áitiúil nó le gníomh eile a rinne sé i gcomhlíonadh nó i gcomhlíonadh airbheartaithe feidhme dá dtagraítear in alt 50(2)(b) nó (c), chuig an mBord nó chuig an údarás áitiúil lena mbaineann, agus
(e) chuig aon duine eile a bheidh sonraithe chun na críche sin le hordú ón Ard-Chúirt.
(3) Ní dheonóidh an Chúirt cead faoi alt 50 mura deimhin léi—
(a) go bhfuil forais shubstaintiúla ann chun a mhaíomh go bhfuil an bhreith nó an gníomh lena mbaineann neamhbhailí nó gur ceart í nó é a neamhniú, agus
(b) (i) go bhfuil leas substaintiúil ag an iarratasóir sa ní is ábhar don iarratas, nó
(ii) i gcás go mbaineann an bhreith nó an gníomh áirithe le forbairt a shainaithnítear i rialacháin, nó faoi rialacháin, arna ndéanamh faoi alt 176, agus a bheidh i bhfeidhm de thuras na huaire, mar fhorbairt a bhféadfadh éifeachtaí suntasacha a bheith aici ar an gcomhshaol, maidir leis an iarratasóir—
(I) gur comhlacht nó eagraíocht (seachas údarás Stáit, údarás poiblí nó comhlacht nó gníomhaireacht rialtasach) é nó í a mbaineann a chuid nó a cuid aidhmeanna nó cuspóirí le caomhnú an chomhshaoil a chur chun cinn,
(II) go mbeidh sé nó sí, le linn na tréimhse 12 mhí roimh dháta an iarratais, tar éis na haidhmeanna nó na cuspóirí sin a shaothrú, agus
(III) go gcomhlíonann sé nó sí cibé ceanglais (más ann) a bheadh ar chomhlacht nó eagraíocht, dá ndéanfadh sé nó sí achomharc faoi alt 37(4)(c), a chomhlíonadh de bhua alt 37(4)(d)(iii) (agus, chun na críche sin, beidh feidhm ag aon cheanglas a fhorordófar faoi alt 37(4)(e)(iv) amhail is dá mba thagairt don aicme ní ar di an bhreith nó an gníomh is ábhar don iarratas ar chead faoi alt 50 an tagairt san alt sin don aicme ní ar di an bhreith is ábhar don achomharc).
(4) Ní bheidh leas substaintiúil chun críocha fho-alt (3)(b)(i) teoranta do leas i dtalamh ná do leas airgeadais eile.
(5) Má dheonaíonn an chúirt cead faoi alt 50, ní sheasfar ar aon fhorais san iarratas ar athbhreithniú breithiúnach faoin Ordú seachas iad sin a gcinnfidh an Chúirt gur forais shubstaintiúla iad faoi fho-alt (3)(a).
(6) Féadfaidh an Chúirt, mar choinníoll chun cead faoi alt 50 a dheonú, a cheangal ar an iarratasóir ar chead den sórt sin gealltanas a thabhairt i dtaobh damáistí.
(7) Is cinneadh críochnaitheach a bheidh i gcinneadh na Cúirte maidir le hiarratas ar chead faoi alt 50 nó maidir le hiarratas ar athbhreithniú breithiúnach ar scór an cheada sin agus ní fhéadfar aon achomharc a dhéanamh chun na Cúirte Uachtaraí i gcoinne bhreith na Cúirte i gceachtar cás ach amháin le cead ón gCúirt agus ní dheonófar an cead sin ach amháin i gcás go ndeimhneoidh an Chúirt go bhfuil ponc dlí a ngabhann tábhacht phoiblí eisceachtúil leis i gceist sa bhreith uaithi agus gurb inmhianaithe ar mhaithe le leas an phobail achomharc a dhéanamh chun na Cúirte Uachtaraí.
(8) Ní bheidh feidhm ag fo-alt (7) maidir le cinneadh ón gCúirt a mhéid a bhaineann sé le ceist i dtaobh bhailíocht aon dlí ag féachaint d’fhorálacha an Bhunreachta.
(9) I gcás nach ndéanfar iarratas ar athbhreithniú breithiúnach faoin Ordú ach i leith cuid de bhreith nó gníomh eile lena mbaineann alt 50(2), féadfaidh an Chúirt, más cuí léi, a dhearbhú go bhfuil an chuid lena mbaineann nó aon fhoráil di neamhbhailí nó féadfaidh sí an chuid lena mbaineann nó aon fhoráil di a neamhniú gan a dhearbhú go bhfuil an chuid eile den bhreith nó gníomh eile nó den chuid den bhreith nó gníomh eile neamhbhailí nó gan an chuid eile den bhreith nó gníomh eile nó den chuid den bhreith nó gníomh eile a neamhniú, agus má dhéanann an Chúirt amhlaidh, féadfaidh sí aon leasuithe iarmhartacha a dhéanamh ar an gcuid eile den bhreith nó gníomh eile nó den chuid den bhreith nó gníomh eile is cuí léi.
(10) Le linn don Chúirt iarratas ar chead faoi alt 50 nó iarratas ar athbhreithniú breithiúnach ar scór an cheada sin a chinneadh, gníomhóidh sí a luaithe is féidir i gcomhréir le riaradh an cheartais.
(11) Ar achomharc in aghaidh cinnidh ón gCúirt i leith iarratais dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (10)—
(a) beidh dlínse ag an gCúirt Uachtarach an ponc dlí a bheidh deimhnithe ag an gCúirt faoi fho-alt (7), agus an ponc dlí sin amháin, a chinneadh (agus cibé ordú a leanann as an gcinneadh sin, agus an t-ordú sin amháin, a dhéanamh sna himeachtaí), agus
(b) le linn an t-achomharc a chinneadh, gníomhóidh an Chúirt Uachtarach a luaithe is féidir i gcomhréir le riaradh an cheartais.
(12) Féadfar foráil a dhéanamh le rialacha cúirte maidir le hiarratais ar chead faoi alt 50 agus maidir le hiarratais ar athbhreithniú breithiúnach ar scór ceada den sórt sin a éisteacht a luaithe is féidir.”.
Leasú ar alt 104 den Phríomh-Acht.
14.— Leasaítear alt 104(1) den Phríomh-Acht trí “9 ngnáthchomhalta” a chur in ionad “7 ngnáthchomhalta eile”.
Leasú ar alt 106 den Phríomh-Acht.
15.— Leasaítear alt 106 den Phríomh-Acht—
(a) trí na fo-ailt seo a leanas a chur in ionad fho-ailt (1) agus (2):
“(1) Déanfaidh an tAire na 9 ngnáthchomhalta den Bhord a cheapadh mar a leanas:
(a) ceapfar 2 chomhalta as measc daoine a bheidh ainmnithe lena gceapadh amhlaidh ag cibé eagraíochtaí atá, i dtuairim an Aire, ionadaitheach do dhaoine a mbaineann a ngairm nó a slí bheatha le pleanáil fhisiceach, le hinnealtóireacht agus le hailtireacht agus a bheidh forordaithe;
(b) ceapfar 2 chomhalta as measc daoine a bheidh ainmnithe lena gceapadh amhlaidh ag cibé eagraíochtaí ar cúram dóibh, i dtuairim an Aire, forbairt eacnamaíochta, forbairt a spreagadh agus a dhéanamh, bonneagar a sholáthar nó talamh a fhorbairt nó atá bainteach thairis sin leis an tionscal foirgníochta agus a bheidh forordaithe;
(c) ceapfar 2 chomhalta as measc daoine a bheidh ainmnithe lena gceapadh amhlaidh—
(i) ag cibé eagraíochtaí atá, i dtuairim an Aire, ionadaitheach do leasanna rialtais áitiúil,
(ii) ag cibé comhlachtaí atá ionadaitheach don fheirmeoireacht, agus
(iii) ag cibé ceardchumainn,
agus a bheidh forordaithe;
(d) ceapfar 2 chomhalta as measc daoine a bheidh ainmnithe lena gceapadh amhlaidh—
(i) ag cibé eagraíochtaí atá, i dtuairim an Aire, ionadaitheach do dhaoine ar cúram dóibh an comhshaol agus taitneamhachtaí a chosaint agus a shlánchoimeád,
(ii) ag cibé comhlachtaí saorálacha agus comhlachtaí a bhfuil cuspóirí carthanúla acu,
(iii) ag cibé comhlachtaí a bhfuil, i dtuairim an Aire, spéis ar leith acu i nithe a bhaineann le forbairt tuaithe agus pobail áitiúil, le cur chun cinn na Gaeilge nó le cur chun cinn oidhreachta, na n-ealaíon agus cultúir nó a bhfuil saineolas acu ar an gcéanna,
(iv) ag cibé comhlachtaí atá ionadaitheach do dhaoine faoi mhíchumas, agus
(v) ag cibé comhlachtaí atá ionadaitheach do dhaoine óga,
agus a bheidh forordaithe;
(e) ceapfar comhalta amháin as measc oifigigh an Aire ar státseirbhísigh bhunaithe iad chun críocha Acht Rialuithe na Stát-Sheirbhíse 1956.
(2) Forordóidh an tAire 2 eagraíocht ar a laghad chun críocha gach ceann de mhíreanna (a) go (d) d’fho-alt (1).”,
(b) i bhfo-alt (4), trí “mhír (a), (b), (c) nó (d)” a chur in ionad “mhír (a), (b), (c), (d), (e) nó (f)”, agus
(c) i bhfo-alt (5), trí “de bhun fho-alt (1)(e)” a chur in ionad “de bhun fho-alt (1)(g)”.
Leasú ar alt 108 den Phríomh-Acht.
16.— Leasaítear alt 108(4) den Phríomh-Acht, i mír (a), trí “in alt 106(1)(e)” a chur in ionad “in alt 106(1)(g)”.
Leasú ar alt 110 den Phríomh-Acht.
17.— Leasaítear alt 110 den Phríomh-Acht trí na fo-ailt seo a leanas a chur in ionad fho-alt (1):
“(1) Beidh ag an gcathaoirleach agus, faoi réir stiúradh foriomlán an chathaoirligh nó i gcás go mbeidh feidhm ag fo-alt (1A), ag an leaschathaoirleach araon an fheidhm arb éard í—
(a) a chinntiú go gcuirfear gnó an Bhoird i gcrích go héifeachtúil, agus
(b) a shocrú go ndéanfar gnó an Bhoird a dháileadh ar a chomhaltaí.
(1A) Beidh na feidhmeanna dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (1) le comhlíonadh freisin ag an leaschathaoirleach i gcás nach mbeidh an cathaoirleach ar fáil nó i gcás go mbeidh oifig an chathaoirligh folamh.
(1B) Féadfaidh an cathaoirleach aon fheidhm a shannadh d’aon ghnáthchomhalta is gá chun a chinntiú go gcuirfear gnó an Bhoird i gcrích ar an gcaoi is fearr nó is éifeachtúla.
(1C) Déanfaidh an cathaoirleach, nó an leaschathaoirleach i gcás nach mbeidh an cathaoirleach ar fáil nó i gcás go mbeidh oifig an chathaoirligh folamh, gach beart praiticiúil chun a chinntiú go bhfuil eagrú agus srathnú fhoireann agus acmhainní an Bhoird de chineál a chumasóidh don Rannán Bonneagair Straitéisigh a ghnó a chur i gcrích go dlúsúil.”.
Leasú ar alt 112 den Phríomh-Acht.
18.— Leasaítear alt 112 den Phríomh-Acht tríd an bhfo-alt seo a leanas a chur leis i ndiaidh fho-alt (3):
“(4) Ní dochar an t-alt seo d’alt 112A.”.
An Rannán Bonneagair Straitéisigh.
19.— Cuirtear an t-alt seo a leanas isteach i ndiaidh alt 112 den Phríomh-Acht:
“An Rannán Bonneagair Straitéisigh.
112A.— (1) Bunaítear rannán den Bhord ar a dtabharfar an Rannán Bonneagair Straitéisigh ar thosach feidhme alt 19 den Acht um Pleanáil agus Forbairt (Bonneagar Straitéiseach) 2006.
(2) Maidir leis an rannán sin, is rannán é i dteannta aon rannáin a bheidh comhdhéanta de thuras na huaire faoi alt 112.
(3) Déanfaidh an Rannán Bonneagair Straitéisigh—
(a) faoi réir fho-ailt (8) agus (9), aon ní a chinneadh a bheidh le cinneadh ag an mBord faoin Acht seo i ndáil le forbairt bonneagair straitéisigh, agus
(b) aon ní eile a chinneadh a bheidh le cinneadh ag an mBord faoin achtachán seo nó faoi aon achtachán eile, lena n-áirítear aon aicme achomharc nó tarchur, a shannfaidh an cathaoirleach nó an leaschathaoirleach dó ó am go ham.
(4) Chun críche gnó de cheachtar den dá chineál sin roimhe seo, beidh ag an Rannán Bonneagair Straitéisigh feidhmeanna uile an Bhoird.
(5) Is iad a bheidh sa Rannán Bonneagair Straitéisigh an cathaoirleach agus an leaschathaoirleach agus 3 ghnáthchomhalta eile a ainmneoidh an cathaoirleach chun bheith, de thuras na huaire, ina gcomhaltaí den Rannán.
(6) Féadfaidh an cathaoirleach a údarú d’aon ghnáthchomhalta eile gníomhú in ionad aon chomhalta den Rannán Bonneagair Straitéisigh dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (5) i gcás go mbeidh an comhalta deiridh sin as láthair.
(7) 3 is córam do chruinniú den Rannán Bonneagair Straitéisigh.
(8) Féadfaidh—
(a) an cathaoirleach nó, má bhíonn sé nó sí as láthair, an leaschathaoirleach, nó
(b) duine a bheidh ag gníomhú mar chathaoirleach ag cruinniú den Rannán,
aon tráth sula dtabharfaidh an Rannán breith, breithniú aon ní a aistriú ón Rannán Bonneagair Straitéisigh go dtí cruinniú de na comhaltaí uile den Bhord a mbeidh fáil orthu, i gcás go measfaidh sé nó sí go bhfuil castacht nó tábhacht ar leith ag baint leis an ní.
(9) Féadfaidh an cathaoirleach, má mheasann sé nó sí maidir leis na saincheisteanna a eascróidh i leith aon cháis áirithe forbartha bonneagair straitéisigh, nó aon aicme nó aicmí áirithe den chás sin, nach bhfuil castacht nó tábhacht dhóthanach ag baint leo chun gur cóir go ndéileálfaidh an Rannán Bonneagair Straitéisigh leis an gcás sin nó leis an aicme nó na haicmí sin cáis, féadfaidh sé nó sí breithniú an cháis sin, nó breithniú na haicme nó na n-aicmí sin cáis, a aistriú go dtí rannán eile nó cuid eile den Bhord.”.
Leasú ar alt 125 den Phríomh-Acht.
20.— Cuirtear an t-alt seo a leanas in ionad alt 125 den Phríomh-Acht:
“Achomhairc, tarchuir agus iarratais is cúram don Bhord.
125.— Beidh feidhm ag an gCaibidil seo—
(a) maidir le hachomhairc agus tarchuir chun an Bhoird, agus
(b) a mhéid a fhoráiltear, maidir le hiarratais a dhéanfar chuig an mBord faoi alt 37E agus le haon ní eile is cúram don Bhord,
ach ní bheidh feidhm aici maidir le hachomhairc faoi alt 182(4)(b).”.
Leasú ar alt 128 den Phríomh-Acht.
21.— Cuirtear an t-alt seo a leanas in ionad alt 128 den Phríomh-Acht:
“Údaráis pleanála do chur doiciméad, etc. faoi bhráid an Bhoird.
128.— (1) I gcás go ndéanfar achomharc nó tarchur chun an Bhoird, déanfaidh an t-údarás pleanála lena mbaineann, laistigh de thréimhse 2 sheachtain dar tosach an lá a chuirfidh an Bord cóip den achomharc nó den tarchur chuige, na nithe seo a leanas a chur faoi bhráid an Bhoird—
(a) i gcás achomhairc faoi alt 37—
(i) cóip den iarratas pleanála lena mbaineann agus cóip d’aon líníochtaí, léarscáileanna, sonraí, fianaise, ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta, staidéar eile i scríbhinn nó faisnéis bhreise a ghlac nó a fuair sé ón iarratasóir de réir rialachán faoin Acht seo,
(ii) cóip d’aon aighneacht a rinneadh nó d’aon tuairim a tugadh de réir rialachán faoin Acht seo i leith an iarratais pleanála,
(iii) cóip d’aon tuarascáil a d’ullmhaigh an t-údarás pleanála, nó a ullmhaíodh don údarás pleanála, i ndáil leis an iarratas pleanála, agus
(iv) cóip de chinneadh an údaráis pleanála i leith an iarratais pleanála agus cóip den fhógra i dtaobh an chinnidh a tugadh don iarratasóir;
(b) i gcás aon achomhairc nó tarchuir eile, aon fhaisnéis nó doiciméid atá ina sheilbh agus is iomchuí maidir leis an ní sin.
(2) Féadfaidh an Bord, le linn achomharc nó tarchur a chinneadh, aon aighneacht a luaitear, a dhéantar nó a chuimsítear in aon doiciméad, nó aon fhíoras nó tuairim a luaitear, a thugtar nó a chuimsítear ann, nó aon fhaisnéis eile a chuirtear faoi bhráid an Bhoird faoi fho-alt (1) a chur i gcuntas.”.
Éisteachtaí ó bhéal.
22.— Déantar na hailt seo a leanas a chur in ionad alt 134 (arna leasú leis an Acht Rialtais Áitiúil 2001) den Phríomh-Acht:
“Éisteachtaí ó bhéal ar achomhairc, ar tharchuir agus ar iarratais.
134.— (1) Féadfaidh an Bord, dá lánrogha féin, achomharc, tarchur faoi alt 5 nó iarratas faoi alt 37E a éisteacht ó bhéal.
(2) (a) Féadfaidh páirtí in achomharc nó i dtarchur faoi alt 5 nó iarratasóir faoi alt 37E nó aon duine a dhéanfaidh aighneacht nó a thabharfaidh tuairim faoi alt 37E a iarraidh go ndéanfar an t-achomharc, an tarchur nó ant-iarratas, de réir mar is cuí, a éisteacht ó bhéal.
(b) (i) Is i scríbhinn chuig an mBord a dhéanfar iarraidh go ndéanfar achomharc, tarchur nó iarratas a éisteacht ó bhéal agus beidh cibé táille (más ann) a bheidh iníoctha i leith na hiarrata de réir alt 144 ag gabháil léi.
(ii) Ní bhreithneoidh an Bord iarraidh go ndéanfar achomharc, tarchur nó iarratas a éisteacht ó bhéal mura mbeidh cibé táille (más ann) a bheidh iníoctha i leith na hiarrata ag gabháil léi.
(c) (i) Déanfaidh achomharcóir éisteacht ó bhéal ar achomharc faoi alt 37 a iarraidh laistigh den tréimhse chuí dá dtagraítear san alt sin agus ní bhreithneoidh an Bord aon iarraidh a gheobhaidh an Bord tar éis dheireadh na tréimhse sin.
(ii) Más rud é, maidir le foráil den Acht seo, seachas ailt 37 agus 254(6), lena n-údaraítear achomharc a dhéanamh chun an Bhoird, nach gcumasaíonn sí achomharc a dhéanamh ach amháin laistigh de thréimhse shonraithe nó roimh dheireadh tréimhse sonraithe nó roimh lá sonraithe, ní fhéadfaidh achomharcóir a iarraidh go ndéanfar achomharc a éisteacht ó bhéal ach amháin laistigh den tréimhse shonraithe nó roimh dheireadh na tréimhse sonraithe nó roimh an lá sonraithe agus ní bhreithneoidh an Bord aon iarraidh ar éisteacht ó bhéal nach mbeidh faighte amhlaidh ag an mBord.
(iii) Maidir le hiarraidh ó dhuine a dhéanfaidh tarchur, ó iarratasóir faoi alt 37E nó ó achomharcóir faoi alt 254(6) go ndéanfar an tarchur, an t-iarratas nó an t-achomharc, de réir mar a bheidh, a éisteacht ó bhéal, beidh an iarraidh sin ag gabháil leis an tarchur, leis an iarratas nó leis an achomharc, agus ní bhreithneoidh an Bord aon iarraidh ar éisteacht ó bhéal a gheobhaidh an Bord seachas iarraidh a bheidh ag gabháil leis an tarchur, leis an iarratas nó leis an achomharc.
(d) Maidir le hiarraidh ó pháirtí in achomharc nó i dtarchur seachas ant-achomharcóir, nó ó dhuine a dhéanfaidh aighneacht nó a thabharfaidh tuairim i ndáil le hiarratas faoi alt 37E, go ndéanfar achomharc nó tarchur a éisteacht ó bhéal, déanfar í—
(i) i leith achomhairc nó tarchuir, laistigh den tréimhse dá dtagraítear in alt 129(2)(a) ar laistigh di a fhéadfaidh an páirtí aighneachtaí a dhéanamh chuig an mBord nó tuairimí a thabhairt dó i ndáil leis an achomharc nó leis an tarchur,
(ii) i leith iarratais faoi alt 37E, laistigh den tréimhse a shonrófar i bhfógra faoin alt sin ar laistigh di a fhéadfaidh an duine aighneachtaí a dhéanamh chuig an mBord nó tuairimí a thabhairt dó i ndáil leis an iarratas,
agus ní bhreithneoidh an Bord aon iarraidh den sórt sin a gheobhaidh an Bord tar éis dheireadh na tréimhse sin.
(3) I gcás go n-iarrfar ar an mBord éisteacht ó bhéal maidir le hachomharc, le tarchur nó le hiarratas a thionól agus go socróidh sé an t-achomharc, an tarchur nó an t-iarratas a chinneadh gan éisteacht ó bhéal, déanfaidh an Bord fógra maidir lena shocrú a sheirbheáil—
(a) ar an duine a d’iarr an éisteacht agus ar gach páirtí eile san achomharc nó sa tarchur nó, de réir mar is cuí, (mura rud é gurbh é nó í an t-iarrthóir) ar an iarratasóir faoi alt 37E, agus
(b) ar gach duine a rinne aighneachtaí chuig an mBord nó a thug tuairimí dó i ndáil leis an achomharc, leis an tarchur nó leis an iarratas (nach é nó í an duine arbh é nó í an t-iarrthóir).
(4) (a) Féadfar iarraidh ar éisteacht ó bhéal a tharraingt siar tráth ar bith.
(b) Más rud é, tar éis iarraidh ar éisteacht ó bhéal a tharraingt siar faoi mhír (a), go mbeidh breith le tabhairt ar an achomharc, ar an tarchur nó ar an iarratas gan éisteacht ó bhéal, tabharfaidh an Bord fógra go mbeidh cinneadh le déanamh air amhlaidh—
(i) do gach páirtí eile san achomharc nó sa tarchur nó, de réir mar is cuí, (mura rud é gurbh é nó í an duine a tharraing an iarraidh siar) don iarratasóir faoi alt 37E, agus
(ii) do gach duine a rinne aighneachtaí chuig an mBord nó a thug tuairimí dó (nach é nó í an duine a tharraing an iarraidh siar).
Cumhacht bhreise chun éisteachtaí ó bhéal a thionól.
134A.— (1) I gcás go measann an Bord go bhfuil sé riachtanach nó fóirsteanach chun cinneadh a dhéanamh i leith aon cheann dá fheidhmeanna faoin Acht seo nó faoi aon achtachán eile, féadfaidh sé, dá lánrogha féin, éisteacht ó bhéal a thionól, agus déanfaidh sé, i dteannta aon cheanglas eile faoin Acht seo nó faoi achtachán eile, de réir mar is cuí, an tuarascáil agus aon mholtaí ón duine a bheidh ag tionól na héisteachta ó bhéal a bhreithniú sula ndéanfaidh sé an cinneadh sin.
(2) Beidh feidhm ag alt 135 maidir le haon éisteacht ó bhéal a thionólfar de réir fho-alt (1) agus forléireofar an t-alt sin dá réir sin.
(3) Is alt i dteannta alt 134 é an t-alt seo .”.
Leasú ar alt 135 den Phríomh-Acht.
23.— Leasaítear alt 135 den Phríomh-Acht—
(a) trí na fo-ailt seo a leanas a chur in ionad fho-ailt (1) go (3):
“(1) Féadfaidh an Bord nó fostaí de chuid an Bhoird a bheidh údaraithe go cuí ag an mBord duine a shannadh chun éisteacht ó bhéal maidir le hachomharc, le tarchur nó le hiarratas a sheoladh thar ceann an Bhoird.
(2) Beidh rogha ag an duine a bheidh ag seoladh éisteachta ó bhéal maidir le hachomharc, le tarchur nó le hiarratas i dtaca leis an gcaoi a seolfar an éisteacht agus seolfaidh sé nó sí an éisteacht go dlúsúil agus gan aon fhoirmiúlacht mhíchuí (ach sin faoi réir aon ordacháin a thabharfaidh an Bord faoi fho-alt (2A)).
(2A) Féadfaidh an Bord ordachán a thabhairt don duine a bheidh ag seoladh na héisteachta ó bhéal go gceanglóidh sé nó sí ar dhaoine a bhfuil ar intinn acu láithriú ag an éisteacht na poncanna nó achoimre ar na hargóintí a bheartaíonn siad a dhéanamh ag an éisteacht a chur faoina bhráid nó faoina bráid, i scríbhinn agus sula seolfar an éisteacht; i gcás go dtabharfar ordachán den sórt sin, comhlíonfaidh an duine sin é (agus, dá réir sin, cumasaítear dó nó di ceanglas den sórt sin a chur).
(2B) Faoi réir na bhforálacha sin roimhe seo, maidir leis an duine a bheidh ag seoladh na héisteachta ó bhéal—
(a) socróidh sé nó sí an t-ord ina láithreoidh daoine ag an éisteacht,
(b) ceadóidh sé nó sí d’aon duine láithriú i bpearsa nó duine eile a bheith aige nó aici chun feidhmiú thar a cheann nó thar a ceann,
(c) féadfaidh sé nó sí teorainn a chur leis an tréimhse ama ar lena linn a fhéadfaidh gach duine poncanna nó argóintí (lena n-áirítear argóintí lena mbréagnaítear argóintí a bheidh déanta ag daoine eile ag an éisteacht) a dhéanamh, nó fianaise daoine eile a cheistiú, ag an éisteacht,
(d) féadfaidh sé nó sí diúltú cead a thabhairt chun ponc nó argóint a dhéanamh más rud é—
(i) nár cuireadh an ponc nó achoimre ar an argóint faoi bhráid an duine roimh ré de réir ceanglais arna dhéanamh de bhun ordacháin a tugadh faoi fho-alt (2A),
(ii) nach bhfuil an ponc nó an argóint iomchuí maidir le hábhar na héisteachta, nó
(iii) go meastar gur gá sin chun nach ndéanfar athrá míchuí ar an bponc céanna nó ar an argóint chéanna,
(e) féadfaidh sé nó sí duine a éisteacht seachas duine a rinne aighneachtaí chuig an mBord nó a thug tuairimí dó i ndáil le hábhar na héisteachta, má mheastar gur cuí ar mhaithe leis an gceartas cead a thabhairt don duine éisteacht a fháil.
(3) Féadfaidh duine a mbeidh éisteacht ó bhéal á sheoladh aige nó aici maidir le haon achomharc, iarratas nó tarchur a cheangal ar aon oifigeach d’údarás pleanála nó d’údarás áitiúil aon fhaisnéis i ndáil leis an achomharc, leis an iarratas nó leis an tarchur a thabhairt dó nó di, ar faisnéis í a theastóidh uaidh nó uaithi le réasún chun críocha an achomhairc, an iarratais nó an tarchuir, agus beidh de dhualgas ar an oifigeach an ceanglas a chomhlíonadh.”,
agus
(b) trí “achomharc, tarchur nó iarratas” a chur in ionad “achomharc nó tarchur” i bhfo-ailt (4) agus (5) agus trí “san achomharc, sa tarchur nó san iarratas” a chur in ionad “san achomharc nó sa tarchur” i bhfo-alt (8) gach áit a bhfuil na focail sin.
Leasú ar alt 138 den Phríomh-Acht.
24.— Leasaítear alt 138(1) den Phríomh-Acht tríd an mír seo a leanas a chur in ionad mhír (a):
“(a) más rud é, tar éis forais an achomhairc nó an tarchuir a bhreithniú nó aon ní eile a bhreithniú a bhféadfaidh an Bord aird a thabhairt air de bhua an Achta seo le linn déileáil leis an achomharc nó leis an tarchur nó le linn an céanna a chinneadh, gurb é tuairim an Bhoird maidir leis an achomharc nó leis an tarchur—
(i) go bhfuil sé cráiteach nó suaibhreosach nó nach bhfuil substaint ná bunús leis, nó
(ii) go bhfuil sé á dhéanamh d’aon toisc le hintinn moill a chur ar an bhforbairt nó le hintinn a áirithiú go n-íocfaidh aon duine airgead, bronntanais, comaoin nó aslach eile,”.
Leasú ar alt 140 den Phríomh-Acht.
25.— Leasaítear alt 140 den Phríomh-Acht—
(a) tríd an bhfo-alt seo a leanas a chur in ionad fho-alt (1):
“(1) (a) Féadfaidh duine a rinne aon cheann díobh seo a leanas—
(i) achomharc,
(ii) iarratas pleanála lena mbaineann achomharc,
(iii) tarchur,
(iv) iarratas ar chead nó ar cheadú (de réir mar is cuí) i leith forbartha bonneagair straitéisigh,
an t-achomharc, an t-iarratas nó an tarchur a tharraingt siar, i scríbhinn, tráth ar bith sula dtabharfaidh an Bord breith ar an achomharc, ar an iarratas nó ar an tarchur sin.
(b) A luaithe is féidir tar éis tarraingt siar a fháil, tabharfaidh an Bord fógra maidir leis an tarraingt siar do gach páirtí eile nó duine eile a rinne aighneachtaí nó a thug tuairimí i ndáil leis an achomharc, leis an iarratas nó leis an tarchur.”,
agus
(b) i bhfo-alt (2)(a), trí “iarratas ar chead nó ar cheadú (de réir mar a bheidh) i leith forbartha bonneagair straitéisigh,” a chur isteach i ndiaidh “iarratas pleanála lena mbaineann achomharc,”.
Leasú ar alt 143 den Phríomh-Acht.
26.— Cuirtear an t-alt seo a leanas in ionad alt 143 den Phríomh-Acht:
“Beidh aird ag an mBord ar bheartais agus cuspóirí áirithe.
143.— (1) Beidh aird ag an mBord, le linn dó a fheidhmeanna a chomhlíonadh, ar na nithe seo a leanas—
(a) na beartais agus na cuspóirí de thuras na huaire, de chuid an Rialtais, údaráis Stáit, an Aire, údarás pleanála agus aon chomhlachta eile is údarás poiblí a bhfuil baint, nó a bhféadfaidh baint a bheith, ag a fheidhmeanna le pleanáil chuí agus le forbairt inchothaithe cathracha, bailte nó limistéar eile, uirbeach nó tuaithe,
(b) an leas náisiúnta agus aon éifeacht a bheadh ar shaincheisteanna a bhfuil tábhacht straitéiseach, eacnamaíoch nó shóisialta leo don Stát mar gheall ar chomhlíonadh a fheidhmeanna ag an mBord, agus
(c) an Straitéis Spáis Náisiúnta agus aon treoirlínte pleanála réigiúnacha a bheidh i bhfeidhm de thuras na huaire.
(2) San alt seo ciallaíonn ‘ údarás poiblí ’ aon chomhlacht arna bhunú le reacht nó faoi reacht a mbeidh sé dearbhaithe de thuras na huaire le rialacháin arna ndéanamh ag an Aire gur údarás poiblí é chun críocha an ailt seo.”.
Leasú ar alt 144 den Phríomh Acht.
27.— Leasaítear alt 144(1) den Phríomh Acht—
(a) trí “nó i ndáil le forbairt bonneagair straitéisigh (lena n-áirítear iarratas faoi alt 146B nó ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta a chur isteach faoi 146C)” a chur isteach i ndiaidh “faoi alt 37(5)”, agus
(b) trí “le hachomhairc, le tarchuir agus le hiarratais” a chur in ionad “le hachomhairc agus tarchuir”.
Leasú ar alt 145 den Phríomh-Acht.
28.— Leasaítear alt 145(1) den Phríomh-Acht tríd an mír seo a leanas a chur in ionad mhír (b):
“(b) i gcás—
(i) go ndéanfar breith an údaráis pleanála i ndáil le hachomharc nó le tarchur a dhaingniú nó a athrú agus nach ngéillfidh an Bord, le linn an t-achomharc nó an tarchur a chinneadh, do bhrí na bhforas achomhairc nó tarchuir, nó
(ii) go ndéanfar an t-achomharc nó an tarchur a chinneadh, a dhíbhe faoi alt 138 nó a tharraingt siar faoi alt 140, agus go measfaidh an Bord, in aon chás de na cásanna sin, go ndearnadh an t-achomharc nó an tarchur le hintinn moill a chur ar an bhforbairt nó go bhfaigheadh páirtí san achomharc nó sa tarchur nó aon duine eile gnóchan airgeadaíochta,
féadfaidh an Bord, más cuí leis é, a ordú don achomharcóir nó don duine a dhéanfaidh an tarchur—
(I) cibé suim a shonróidh an Bord, dá lánrogha féin, a íoc leis an údarás pleanála mar chúiteamh don údarás pleanála sa chaiteachas a bhain dó i ndáil leis an achomharc nó leis an tarchur,
(II) cibé suim a shonróidh an Bord, dá lánrogha féin, a íoc le haon pháirtí de na páirtithe san achomharc nó sa tarchur mar chúiteamh don pháirtí sa chaiteachas a bhain dó nó di i ndáil leis an achomharc nó leis an tarchur, agus
(III) cibé suim a shonróidh an Bord, dá lánrogha féin, a íoc leis an mBord mar chúiteamh don Bhord faoi chomhair an chaiteachais a thabhaigh an Bord i ndáil leis an achomharc nó leis an tarchur.”.
Leasú ar alt 146 den Phríomh-Acht.
29.— Leasaítear alt 146 den Phríomh-Acht trí na fo-ailt seo a leanas a chur in ionad fho-ailt (3) agus (4):
“(3) Más rud é, le linn don Bhord aon ní a bhreithniú a mbeidh breith le tabhairt aige air i gcomhlíonadh feidhme faoin Acht seo nó faoi aon achtachán eile nó arna haistriú leis an Acht seo nó le haon achtachán eile—
(a) go gceanglaítear air leis an Acht seo nó faoin Acht seo, nó leis an achtachán eile sin nó faoin achtachán eile sin, doiciméid, léarscáileanna, sonraí nó faisnéis eile i ndáil leis an ní a sholáthar d’aon duine, nó
(b) gur cuí leis, i bhfeidhmiú a lánrogha féin, na doiciméid, na léarscáileanna, na sonraí nó an fhaisnéis sin (‘ábhar nó faisnéis iomchuí’) a sholáthar d’aon duine,
tá feidhm ag fo-alt (4) maidir leis an gceanglas sin a chomhlíonadh nó leis an soláthar sin i bhfeidhmiú na lánrogha sin.
(4) Is leorchomhlíonadh ar an gceanglas dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (3) an Bord do dhéanamh an dá ní seo a leanas (nó, de réir mar is cuí, féadfaidh an Bord, i bhfeidhmiú na lánrogha dá dtagraítear san fho-alt sin, an dá ní seo a leanas a dhéanamh), eadhon:
(a) an t-ábhar nó an fhaisnéis iomchuí a chur ar fáil lena iniúchadh nó lena hiniúchadh—
(i) in oifigí an Bhoird nó in aon áit eile, nó
(ii) ar mhodh leictreonach;
agus
(b) a chur in iúl don duine lena mbaineann go bhfuil an t-ábhar nó an fhaisnéis iomchuí ar fáil amhlaidh lena iniúchadh nó lena hiniúchadh.
(5) Laistigh de 3 lá tar éis breith a thabhairt maidir le haon ní a mbeidh breith le tabhairt aige maidir leis i gcomhlíonadh feidhme faoin Acht seo nó faoi aon achtachán eile nó arna haistriú leis an Acht seo nó le haon achtachán eile, maidir leis na doiciméid a bhaineann leis an ní—
(a) déanfaidh an Bord iad a chur ar fáil lena n-iniúchadh in oifigí an Bhoird ag daoine den phobal, agus
(b) féadfaidh an Bord iad a chur ar fáil lena n-iniúchadh—
(i) in aon áit eile, nó
(ii) ar mhodh leictreonach,
de réir mar is cuí leis an mBord.
(6) Déanfar cóipeanna de na doiciméid dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (5) agus de shleachta as na doiciméid sin a chur ar fáil lena gceannach in oifigí an Bhoird, nó i cibé áiteanna eile a chinnfidh an Bord, ar tháille nach mó ná an costas réasúnach a ghabhann leis an gcóip a dhéanamh.
(7) Déanfar na doiciméid dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (5) a chur ar fáil ar an modh dá dtagraítear i mír (a) den fho-alt sin ar feadh tréimhse 5 bliana ar a laghad dar tosach an tríú lá tar éis don Bhord an bhreith a thabhairt ar an ní lena mbaineann.”.
Leasú ar cheadanna, ceaduithe, etc.
30.— Déantar an Chaibidil seo a leanas a chur isteach i ndiaidh Chaibidil III de Chuid VI den Phríomh-Acht:
“Caibidil IV
Cumhachtaí breise an Bhoird i ndáil le ceadanna, breitheanna, ceaduithe, etc.
Leasuithe ar cheadanna, etc. de chineál cléireachais nó teicniúil.
146A.— (1) Faoi réir fho-alt (2)—
(a) féadfaidh údarás pleanála nó an Bord, de réir mar is cuí, cead pleanála a dheonaigh sé a leasú, nó
(b) féadfaidh an Bord aon bhreith a thug sé i gcomhlíonadh feidhme faoin Acht seo nó a aistrítear leis an Acht seo nó faoi aon achtachán eile a leasú,
d’fhonn—
(i) aon earráid chléireachais ann nó inti a cheartú,
(ii) a éascú aon ní a dhéanamh de bhun an cheada nó na breithe i gcás go bhféadfar a mheas le réasún go raibh sé i gceist i bhforáil áirithe den chead nó den bhreith nó i dtéarmaí an cheada nó na breithe arna nglacadh ina n-iomláine go ndéanfaí an ní sin ach nach ndearnadh foráil maidir leis go sainráite sa chead nó sa bhreith, nó
(iii) oibriú an cheada nó na breithe a éascú thairis sin.
(2) Ní fheidhmeoidh údarás pleanála ná an Bord na cumhachtaí faoi fho-alt (1) más rud é gurb é an toradh a bheadh air sin, ina thuairim, athrú ábhartha ar théarmaí na forbartha is ábhar don chead nó don bhreith lena mbaineann.
(3) Féadfaidh údarás pleanála nó an Bord, sula dtabharfaidh sé breith i dtaobh na cumhachtaí faoi fho-alt (1) a fheidhmiú i gcás áirithe, a iarraidh ar aon duine aighneachtaí a dhéanamh chuige i ndáil leis an ní is duine a rinne aighneachtaí chuig an údarás pleanála nó chuig an mBord nó a thug tuairimí don údarás pleanála nó don Bhord i ndáil leis an gcead nó leis an ní eile lena mbaineann, agus beidh aird aige ar aon aighneachtaí a dhéanfar chuige ar scór na hiarrata sin.
(4) San alt seo folaíonn ‘téarma’ coinníoll.
An Bord d’athrú forbairt bonneagair straitéisigh ar iarraidh a bheith déanta chuige.
146B.— (1) Faoi réir fho-ailt (2) go (8) agus alt 146C, féadfaidh an Bord, ar iarraidh ó aon duine a bhfuil forbairt bonneagair straitéisigh á déanamh aige nó aici nó a bheartaíonn forbairt bonneagair straitéisigh a dhéanamh, téarmaí na forbartha is ábhar do chead pleanála, do cheadú nó do thoiliú eile arna dheonú faoin Acht seo a athrú.
(2) (a) A luaithe is indéanta tar éis iarraidh den sórt sin a bheith déanta, tabharfaidh an Bord breith i dtaobh arbh ionann an t-athrú lena mbaineann an iarraidh a dhéanamh agus athrú ábhartha a dhéanamh ar théarmaí na forbartha lena mbaineann.
(b) Sula dtabharfaidh sé breith faoin bhfo-alt seo, féadfaidh an Bord a iarraidh ar aon duine nó ar aon aicme daoine is cuí leis an mBord (is aicme a mbeidh an pobal ar áireamh inti má chinneann an Bord, sa chás áirithe, go mbeidh sé ar áireamh amhlaidh) aighneachtaí a dhéanamh chuige i ndáil leis an ní; beidh aird ag an mBord ar aon aighneachtaí a dhéanfar chuige ar scór na hiarrata sin.
(3) Más í an bhreith a thugann an Bord maidir leis an athrú a dhéanamh—
(a) nárbh ionann é agus athrú ábhartha a dhéanamh ar théarmaí na forbartha lena mbaineann, athróidh sé an cead pleanála, an ceadú nó an toiliú eile dá réir sin agus cuirfidh sé an t-athrú in iúl don duine a rinne an iarraidh faoin alt seo, agus don údarás pleanála nó do gach údarás pleanála don limistéar nó do na limistéir lena mbaineann,
(b) gurbh ionann é agus athrú ábhartha den sórt sin a dhéanamh, cinnfidh sé cibé acu—
(i) a dhéanfaidh sé an t-athrú,
(ii) a dhéanfaidh sé athrú ar théarmaí na forbartha lena mbaineann, ar athrú é a bheadh éagsúil leis an athrú lena mbaineann an iarraidh (ach nach é a bheadh ann, i dtuairim an Bhoird, athrú ar théarmaí na forbartha a bheadh níos suntasaí, ina iomláine, ná mar a bheadh san athrú deiridh), nó
(iii) a dhiúltóidh sé an t-athrú a dhéanamh.
(4) Sula ndéanfaidh sé cinneadh faoi fho-alt (3)(b), cinnfidh an Bord—
(a) maidir leis an athrú a iarradh faoi fho-alt (1), agus
(b) maidir le haon athrú malartach atá á bhreithniú aige faoi fho-alt (3)(b)(ii),
an de mhéid agus de chineál é gur dhóigh go mbeadh éifeachtaí suntasacha ag an athrú, dá ndéanfaí é, ar an gcomhshaol (agus, chun na críche sin, beidh breith chríochnaitheach tugtha ag an mBord maidir le cad é méid agus cad é cineál aon athraithe mhalartaigh a bhfuil sé ag breithniú amhlaidh ina leith go ndéanfaidh sé é).
(5) Má chinneann an Bord, maidir le ceachtar cineál athraithe dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (3)(b) a dhéanamh—
(a) nach dóigh go mbeidh éifeachtaí suntasacha aige ar an gcomhshaol, rachaidh sé ar aghaidh le cinneadh a dhéanamh faoi fho-alt (3)(b), nó
(b) gur dóigh go mbeidh éifeachtaí den sórt sin aige, beidh feidhm ag forálacha alt 146C.
(6) Más rud é, i gcás lena mbaineann fo-alt (5)(a), go gcinneann an Bord athrú de cheachtar cineál dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (3)(b) a dhéanamh, athróidh sé an cead pleanála, an ceadú nó an toiliú eile dá réir sin agus cuirfidh sé an t-athrú in iúl don duine a rinne an iarraidh faoin alt seo, agus don údarás pleanála nó do gach údarás pleanála don limistéar nó do na limistéir lena mbaineann.
(7) Le linn dó cinneadh a dhéanamh faoi fho-alt (4), beidh aird ag an mBord ar na critéir chun a chinneadh cad iad na haicmí forbartha ar dóigh dóibh éifeachtaí suntasacha a bheith acu ar an gcomhshaol is critéir a bheidh leagtha amach in aon rialacháin arna ndéanamh faoi alt 176.
(8) (a) Sula ndéanfaidh an Bord cinneadh faoi fho-alt (3)(b), nó (4)—
(i) déanfaidh sé, nó ceanglóidh sé ar an duine a rinne an iarraidh lena mbaineann faoi fho-alt (1), cibé faisnéis a bhaineann leis an iarraidh sin a chur ar fáil lena hiniúchadh go ceann cibé tréimhse,
(ii) cuirfidh sé in iúl, nó ceanglóidh sé ar an duine sin a chur in iúl, do cibé duine, do cibé aicme daoine nó don phobal (de réir mar is cuí leis an mBord) go bhfuil an fhaisnéis ar fáil amhlaidh, agus
(iii) iarrfaidh sé go ndéanfar aighneachtaí chuige nó go dtabharfar tuairimí dó, nó ceanglóidh sé go n-iarrfaidh an duine sin go ndéanfar aighneachtaí chuige nó go dtabharfar tuairimí dó (ó aon duine roimhe seo nó, de réir mar is cuí, ó chomhaltaí den phobal) i ndáil leis an iarraidh sin laistigh de cibé tréimhse,
a chinnfidh an Bord agus, i gcás ceanglais faoi aon cheann de na fomhíreanna roimhe seo, a shonróidh sé sa cheanglas; féadfar na meáin trína ndéanfar an ní lena mbaineann an ceanglas a shonrú i gceanglas den sórt sin.
(b) Beidh aird ag an mBord ar aon aighneachtaí a dhéanfar chuige nó aon tuairimí a thabharfar dó de réir iarrata dá dtagraítear i mír (a).
(c) Tabharfaidh an Bord fógra i dtaobh a chinnidh faoi fho-alt (3)(b) nó (4) d’aon duine a rinne aighneacht chuige nó a thug tuairim dó de réir na hiarrata sin.
(9) San alt seo, tá le ‘téarma’ an bhrí chéanna atá leis in alt 146A.
Ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta a ullmhú chun críocha alt 146B.
146C.— (1) Baineann an t-alt seo le cás inarb é cinneadh an Bhoird faoi alt 146B(4), maidir le ceachtar cineál athraithe dá dtagraítear in alt 146(3)(b) a dhéanamh, gur dóigh go mbeidh éifeachtaí suntasacha aige sin ar an gcomhshaol.
(2) I gcás lena mbaineann an t-alt seo, ceanglóidh an Bord ar an duine a rinne an iarraidh faoi alt 146B (‘an t-iarrthóir’) ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta a ullmhú i ndáil leis an athrú a bheartaítear a dhéanamh ar théarmaí na forbartha lena mbaineann agus, san fho-alt seo agus sna fo-ailt seo a leanas den alt seo, ciallaíonn ‘ athrú a bheartaítear a dhéanamh ar théarmaí na forbartha lena mbaineann ’—
(a) an t-athrú dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (3)(b)(i), agus
(b) aon athrú malartach faoi fho-alt (3)(b)(ii) a bhfuil an Bord ag breithniú ina leith go ndéanfaidh sé é (agus, chun críocha an fho-ailt seo, tabharfaidh an Bord don iarrthóir sonraí aon athraithe mhalartaigh den sórt sin a bhfuil sé ag breithniú amhlaidh ina leith go ndéanfaidh sé é).
(3) Beidh i ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta faoin alt seo—
(a) aon fhaisnéis a cheanglaítear le haon rialacháin arna ndéanamh faoi alt 177 a bheith i ráitis tionchair timpeallachta i gcoitinne faoin Acht seo, agus
(b) aon fhaisnéis eile a fhorordaítear in aon rialacháin arna ndéanamh faoi alt 177 a mhéid—
(i) a bheidh an fhaisnéis sin iomchuí—
(I) maidir leis an gcéim áirithe den phróiseas toilithe agus maidir le sainghnéithe sonracha na forbartha nó an chineáil forbartha lena mbaineann, agus
(II) maidir leis na gnéithe comhshaoil ar dóigh go ndéanfar difear dóibh,
agus
(ii) a fhéadfar le réasún a cheangal ar an duine nó na daoine a bheidh ag ullmhú an ráitis é a thiomsú, ag féachaint d’eolas agus do mhodhanna measúnachta reatha,
agus
(c) achoimre, i bhfriotal neamhtheicniúil, ar an bhfaisnéis dá dtagraítear i míreanna (a) agus (b).
(4) Nuair a bheidh ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta faoin alt seo ullmhaithe, déanfaidh an t-iarrthóir, a luaithe is féidir—
(a) cóip den ráiteas a chur faoi bhráid an Bhoird, mar aon le ceachtar díobh seo a leanas—
(i) cóip den fhógra foilsithe dá dtagraítear i mír (c), nó
(ii) cóip den fhógra a bheartaítear a fhoilsiú de réir mhír (c) mar aon le mionsonraí maidir lena fhoilsiú beartaithe agus le dáta a fhoilsithe bheartaithe,
(b) fógra a fhoilsiú, san fhoirm fhorordaithe, i nuachtán amháin nó níos mó a scaiptear sa limistéar ina mbeartaítear an fhorbairt lena mbaineann a dhéanamh, nó ina bhfuil sí á déanamh—
(i) ina luafar go bhfuil ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta curtha faoi bhráid an Bhoird i ndáil leis an athrú a bheartaítear a dhéanamh ar théarmaí na forbartha lena mbaineann,
(ii) ina gcuirfear in iúl cé na tráthanna a fhéadfar, cén tréimhse (nach lú ná 4 sheachtain) ar lena linn a fhéadfar, agus cén áit nó cé na háiteanna ina bhféadfar cóip den ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta a iniúchadh,
(iii) ina luafar go bhféadfar cóip den ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta a cheannach ar tháille shonraithe (is táille nach mó ná an costas réasúnach a bhainfidh le cóip den sórt sin a dhéanamh) a íoc, agus
(iv) ina luafar go bhféadfar aighneachtaí a dhéanamh i scríbhinn chuig an mBord nó tuairimí a thabhairt dó i scríbhinn roimh dháta sonraithe (ar dáta é nach luaithe ná 4 sheachtain tar éis an fógra a fhoilsiú den chéad uair) i ndáil leis na héifeachtaí ar an gcomhshaol is dóigh a bheidh ag an athrú a bheartaítear a dhéanamh ar na téarmaí sin roimhe seo,
(c) cóip den ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta mar aon le fógra san fhoirm fhorordaithe a chur chuig an údarás áitiúil nó chuig gach údarás áitiúil ar ina limistéar feidhme a bheadh an fhorbairt bheartaithe suite agus chuig aon chomhlacht nó duine forordaithe ina luafar—
(i) gur cuireadh an ráiteas faoi bhráid an Bhoird i ndáil leis an athrú a bheartaítear a dhéanamh ar théarmaí na forbartha lena mbaineann,
(ii) go bhféadfar, roimh dháta sonraithe (ar dáta é is ionann agus an dáta dá ndéantar foráil, nó dá mbeartaítear foráil a dhéanamh, leis an bhfógra faoi mhír (b)), aighneachtaí a dhéanamh i scríbhinn chuig an mBord nó tuairimí a thabhairt dó i scríbhinn, i ndáil leis na héifeachtaí ar an gcomhshaol is dóigh a bheidh ag an athrú a bheartaítear a dhéanamh ar na téarmaí sin roimhe seo,
(d) cóip den ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta, mar aon le fógra san fhoirm fhorordaithe, a chur chuig Ballstát de na Comhphobail Eorpacha nó stát is páirtí sa Choinbhinsiún Trasteorann más rud é, i dtuairim an Bhoird, gur dóigh go mbeidh éifeacht shuntasach ag an athrú a bheartaítear a dhéanamh ar théarmaí na forbartha lena mbaineann ar an gcomhshaol sa stát sin, mar aon le fógra (san fhoirm fhorordaithe, más ann) ina luafar—
(i) gur cuireadh an ráiteas faoi bhráid an Bhoird i ndáil leis na héifeachtaí ar an gcomhshaol is dóigh a bheidh ag an athrú a bheartaítear a dhéanamh ar na téarmaí sin roimhe seo,
(ii) go bhféadfar, roimh dháta sonraithe (ar dáta é is ionann agus an dáta dá ndéantar foráil, nó dá mbeartaítear foráil a dhéanamh, leis an bhfógra faoi mhír (b)), aighneachtaí a dhéanamh i scríbhinn chuig an mBord nó tuairimí a thabhairt dó i scríbhinn i ndáil leis na héifeachtaí is dóigh a bheidh ag an athrú a bheartaítear a dhéanamh ar na téarmaí sin ar an gcomhshaol sa stát sin,
agus féadfaidh an Bord, dá rogha féin agus ó am go ham, aon teorainneacha ama dá bhforáiltear leis an bhfo-alt seo a fhadú.
(5) Ar na fo-ailt roimhe seo a bheith comhlíonta, rachaidh an Bord, faoi réir fho-ailt (6) agus (7), ar aghaidh chun cinneadh a dhéanamh faoi alt 146B(3)(b) i ndáil leis an ní.
(6) Le linn don Bhord an cinneadh sin a dhéanamh, beidh aird aige, a mhéid is dealraitheach don Bhord iad a bheith iomchuí, ar na nithe seo a leanas:
(a) an ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta a cuireadh faoi bhráid an Bhoird de bhun fho-alt (4)(a), aon aighneachtaí a rinneadh nó aon tuairimí a tugadh mar fhreagra ar an iarraidh dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (4)(b) nó (c) roimh an dáta a shonrófar san fhógra lena mbaineann chun na críche sin agus aon fhaisnéis iomchuí eile atá os a chomhair agus a bhaineann leis na héifeachtaí is dóigh a bheidh ar an gcomhshaol ag an athrú a bheartaítear a dhéanamh ar théarmaí na forbartha lena mbaineann;
(b) i gcás gur dóigh go mbeidh éifeachtaí suntasacha ag an athrú sin ar an gcomhshaol i mBallstát eile de na Comhphobail Eorpacha, nó i stát is páirtí sa Choinbhinsiún Trasteorann, tuairimí an Bhallstáit sin nó an pháirtí sin;
(c) an plean nó na pleananna forbartha don limistéar ina mbeartaítear an fhorbairt lena mbaineann a dhéanamh, nó ina bhfuil sí á déanamh (dá ngairtear ‘an limistéar’ ina dhiaidh seo san fho-alt seo);
(d) forálacha aon ordaithe um limistéar taitneamhachta speisialta a bhaineann leis an limistéar;
(e) más rud é gur láithreán Eorpach nó limistéar atá forordaithe chun críocha alt 10(2)(c) an limistéar nó cuid den limistéar, an méid sin;
(f) más rud é go mbeadh éifeacht ag an bhforbairt lena mbaineann (dá ndéanfaí í de réir na dtéarmaí mar a bheartaítear iad a athrú) ar láithreán Eorpach nó ar limistéar atá forordaithe chun críocha alt 10(2)(c), an méid sin;
(g) na nithe dá dtagraítear in alt 143;
(h) aon leas sóisialta nó eacnamaíoch a thiocfadh don Stát, do réigiún den Stát nó don limistéar, dá ndéanfaí an fhorbairt lena mbaineann de réir na dtéarmaí mar a bheartaítear iad a athrú;
(i) áraigh faoina ndeachthas agus an chéim a ndeachaigh an fhorbairt lena mbaineann chun cinn chuici faoin gcead, faoin gceadú nó faoin toiliú eile de réir na dtéarmaí mar a deonaíodh i dtosach iad; agus
(j) aon fhorálacha iomchuí den Acht seo agus d’aon rialacháin arna ndéanamh faoin Acht seo.
(7) Ní dhéanfaidh an Bord cinneadh faoi alt 146B(3)(b) i gcás lena mbaineann an t-alt seo tráth ar bith roimh an dáta a bheidh sonraithe, de bhun fhomhír (iv) d’fho-alt (4)(b), san fhógra faoi fho-alt (4)(b).
(8) Más rud é go ndéanfaidh an Bord cinneadh faoi alt 146B(3)(b) i gcás lena mbaineann an t-alt seo—
(a) tabharfaidh sé fógra poiblí i dtaobh an chinnidh (lena n-áirítear fógra sa limistéar ina mbeartaítear an fhorbairt lena mbaineann a dhéanamh, nó ina bhfuil sí á déanamh) agus cuirfidh sé an cinneadh, lena n-áirítear sonraí an chinnidh, más cinneadh den chineál dá dtagraítear i mír (b) an cinneadh, in iúl d’aon stát ar cuireadh ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta chuige faoi fho-alt 4(d), agus
(b) más cinneadh chun athrú de cheachtar cineál dá dtagraítear in alt 146B(3)(b) a dhéanamh an cinneadh, athróidh sé an cead pleanála, an ceadú nó an toiliú eile dá réir sin agus tabharfaidh sé fógra faoin athrú don iarrthóir.
(9) Gan dochar do ghinearáltacht alt 18(a) den Acht Léiriúcháin 2005, folaíonn tagairt san alt seo, cibé slí a bheidh sí sainráite, don limistéar ina mbeadh an fhorbairt bheartaithe suite, más féidir é sa chomhthéacs, tagairt don 2 limistéar nó níos mó ina mbeadh an fhorbairt bheartaithe suite agus forléireofar tagairtí gaolmhara dá réir sin.
Feidhm ailt 146A go 146C maidir le horduithe iarnróid.
146D.— Beidh feidhm ag ailt 146A go 146C maidir le hordú iarnróid faoin Acht Iompair (Bonneagar Iarnróid) 2001 (cibé acu roimh an leasú ar an Acht sin leis an Acht um Pleanáil agus Forbairt (Bonneagar Straitéiseach) 2006 nó dá éis a dhéanfar é) mar atá feidhm acu maidir le cead, breith nó ceadú dá dtagraítear iontu fara na modhnuithe seo a leanas:
(a) forléireofar tagairt sna hailt sin do théarmaí na forbartha mar thagairt do théarmaí na n-oibreacha iarnróid is ábhar don ordú iarnróid;
(b) forléireofar tagairt sna hailt sin do théarmaí na forbartha a athrú mar thagairt don ordú iarnróid a leasú, le hordú, maidir le téarmaí na n-oibreacha iarnróid is ábhar don ordú iarnróid; agus
(c) forléireofar tagairt in alt 146A d’aighneachtaí arna ndéanamh chuig an mBord nó do thuairimí arna dtabhairt dó i ndáil leis an gcead nó leis an ní eile lena mbaineann mar thagairt d’aighneachtaí arna ndéanamh chuig an Aire Iompair nó chuig an mBord, de réir mar a bheidh, faoin Acht Iompair (Bonneagar Iarnróid) 2001 i ndáil leis an ordú iarnróid.”.
Leasú ar alt 156 den Phríomh-Acht.
31.— Leasaítear alt 156 den Phríomh-Acht—
(a) i bhfo-alt (1), trí “135(7),” a chur isteach i ndiaidh “63,”, agus
(b) tríd an bhfo-alt seo a leanas a chur leis i ndiaidh fho-alt (8):
“(9) I gcás go gciontófar duine, ar díotáil, i gcion faoi alt 135(7), féadfaidh an chúirt, i gcás go gcinnfidh sí gur chuir an gníomh nó an neamhghníomh arb é an cion é moill le seoladh na héisteachta ó bhéal áirithe dá dtagraítear in alt 135(7), a ordú—
(a) don duine a chiontófar, nó
(b) d’aon chomhlacht ar deimhin leis an gcúirt gur lena thoiliú, lena chúlcheadú nó lena cheadú a rinneadh an cion,
cibé méid a íoc leis an mBord nó le haon pháirtí nó duine a láithrigh ag an éisteacht ó bhéal atá comhionann le méid aon chostas breise a shuífear don chúirt a bheith tabhaithe ag an mBord, ag an bpáirtí nó ag an duine le linn dó nó di láithriú nó le linn do dhuine eile feidhmiú thar a cheann nó thar a ceann ag an éisteacht ó bhéal mar gheall ar an gcion a dhéanamh.”.
Leasú ar alt 173 den Phríomh-Acht.
32.— Leasaítear alt 173 den Phríomh-Acht tríd an bhfo-alt seo a leanas a chur in ionad fho-alt (2):
“(2) (a) Má iarrann iarratasóir, nó duine a bhfuil ar intinn aige nó aici iarratas a dhéanamh, ar chead amhlaidh, tabharfaidh an t-údarás pleanála lena mbaineann tuairim scríofa maidir leis an bhfaisnéis a bheidh i ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta—
(i) faoi réir comhchomhairliúcháin leis an mBord, agus
(ii) faoi réir aon chomhchomhairliúchán forordaithe,
a bheidh le déanamh ag an údarás pleanála i ndáil le tuairim den sórt sin, agus tabharfar an tuairim scríofa sula gcuirfidh an duine sin iarratas isteach ar chead pleanála a dheonú.
(b) Ní dochar tuairim scríofa a thabhairt de réir mhír (a) d’fheidhmiú a chumhachtaí faoin Acht seo, nó faoi aon rialacháin a dhéanfar faoi, ag an údarás pleanála lena mbaineann nó ag an mBord, chun a cheangal ar an duine a rinne an iarraidh faisnéis bhreise a chur faoina bhráid maidir leis an iarratas lena mbaineann nó, de réir mar a bheidh, maidir le haon achomharc.
(c) Féadfaidh an tAire, le rialacháin, foráil a dhéanamh do nithe breise, teagmhasacha, iarmhartacha nó forlíontacha ó thaobh nósanna imeachta i leith tuairim scríofa a sholáthar faoi mhír (a).”.
Leasú ar alt 174 den Phríomh-Acht.
33.— Leasaítear alt 174 den Phríomh-Acht—
(a) i bhfo-alt (1)(a), trí “, nó don Bhord le linn dó déileáil le haon iarratas nó achomharc” a chur in ionad “, nó don Bhord ar achomharc,”,
(b) i bhfo-alt (2), trí “ailt 34(3), 37G(2), 146C(6), 173(1), 181B(1), 182B(1) agus 182D(1)” a chur in ionad “ailt 173(1) agus 34(3)”, agus
(c) i bhfo-alt (3), trí “ar dheonú ceada nó ceadaithe” a chur in ionad “ar dheonú ceada”.
Leasú ar alt 175 den Phríomh-Acht.
34.— Leasaítear alt 175 den Phríomh-Acht—
(a) tríd an bhfo-alt seo a leanas a chur in ionad fho-alt (5):
“(5) (a) Féadfaidh an Bord—
(i) más rud é go measann sé gur gá déanamh amhlaidh, a cheangal ar údarás áitiúil a rinne iarratas ar cheadú le haghaidh forbartha beartaithe cibé faisnéis bhreise a shonróidh an Bord a thabhairt don Bhord i ndáil leis na nithe seo a leanas—
(I) éifeachtaí na forbartha beartaithe ar an gcomhshaol, nó
(II) na hiarmhairtí a bheidh ag an bhforbairt bheartaithe do phleanáil chuí agus d’fhorbairt inchothaithe sa limistéar ina mbeartaítear an fhorbairt a shuíomh,
agus a shonróidh an Bord, nó
(ii) má tá sé den tuairim go sealadach gur chuí an fhorbairt bheartaithe a cheadú dá ndéanfaí athruithe áirithe (a bheidh sonraithe san fhógra dá dtagraítear san fhomhír seo) ar théarmaí na forbartha, fógra a thabhairt don údarás áitiúil á rá go bhfuil sé den tuairim sin agus a iarraidh ar an údarás áitiúil athruithe a bheidh sonraithe san fhógra a dhéanamh ar théarmaí na forbartha beartaithe agus, má dhéanann an t-údarás na hathruithe sin, cibé faisnéis (más ann) a shonróidh sé i ndáil leis an bhforbairt, sna téarmaí arna n-athrú amhlaidh, nó, más gá, ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta athbhreithnithe ina leith, a thabhairt dó.
(b) Má dhéanann údarás áitiúil na hathruithe ar théarmaí na forbartha beartaithe a bheidh sonraithe i bhfógra arna thabhairt dó faoi mhír (a), measfar gurb iad téarmaí na forbartha arna n-athrú amhlaidh an fhorbairt bheartaithe chun críocha an ailt seo.
(c) Déanfaidh an Bord—
(i) i gcás go measann sé, maidir le haon fhaisnéis bhreise a bheidh faighte de bhun ceanglais arna dhéanamh faoi mhír (a)(i), go bhfuil sonraí suntasacha breise inti—
(I) maidir leis na héifeachtaí is dóigh a bheidh ag an bhforbairt bheartaithe ar an gcomhshaol, agus
(II) maidir leis na hiarmhairtí is dóigh a bheidh ag an bhforbairt sin do phleanáil chuí agus do fhorbairt inchothaithe sa limistéar ina mbeartaítear an fhorbairt sin a shuíomh,
nó
(ii) i gcás go mbeidh na hathruithe ar théarmaí na forbartha beartaithe, arna sonrú i bhfógra arna thabhairt dó faoi mhír (a)(ii), déanta ag an údarás áitiúil,
a cheangal ar an údarás áitiúil na nithe dá dtagraítear i mír (d) a dhéanamh.
(d) Is iad na nithe a cheanglófar ar údarás áitiúil a dhéanamh mar a dúradh—
(i) fógra a fhoilsiú i nuachtán amháin nó níos mó a scaiptear sa limistéar ina mbeadh an fhorbairt bheartaithe suite ina luafar, de réir mar is cuí—
(I) go bhfuil faisnéis bhreise i ndáil leis an bhforbairt bheartaithe tugtha don Bhord, nó
(II) go ndearna an t-údarás áitiúil, de bhun iarrata ón mBord, athruithe ar théarmaí na forbartha beartaithe (agus cuirfear cineál na n-athruithe sin in iúl) agus, más amhlaidh atá, go ndearnadh faisnéis i ndáil le téarmaí na forbartha arna n-athrú amhlaidh nó ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta athbhreithnithe i leith na forbartha a thabhairt don Bhord,
á chur in iúl cé na tráthanna a fhéadfar, cén tréimhse (nach lú ná 3 sheachtain) ar lena linn a fhéadfar agus cén áit nó cé na háiteanna ina bhféadfar cóip den fhaisnéis nó den ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta dá dtagraítear i gclásal (I) nó (II) a iniúchadh saor in aisce nó a cheannach agus go bhféadfar aighneachtaí a dhéanamh chuig an mBord nó tuairimí a thabhairt dó, i ndáil leis an bhfaisnéis sin nó leis an ráiteas sin roimh dheireadh na tréimhse a chuirfear in iúl, agus
(ii) na nithe seo a leanas a chur chuig gach údarás forordaithe dár tugadh fógra de bhun fho-alt (4)(b)—
(I) fógra á rá go ndearnadh an fhaisnéis bhreise dá dtagraítear i bhfomhír (i)(I) nó an fhaisnéis nó an ráiteas dá dtagraítear i bhfomhír (i)(II), de réir mar is cuí, a thabhairt don Bhord, agus
(II) cóip den fhaisnéis bhreise, den fhaisnéis nó den ráiteas sin,
agus a chur in iúl don údarás go bhféadfar aighneachtaí a dhéanamh chuig an mBord nó tuairimí a thabhairt dó, i ndáil leis an bhfaisnéis bhreise, leis an bhfaisnéis nó leis an ráiteas sin roimh dheireadh tréimhse (nach lú ná 3 sheachtain) dar tosach an lá a chuirfidh an t-údarás áitiúil an fógra chuig an údarás forordaithe.”,
(b) i bhfo-alt (6)(a), trí “an ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta a cuireadh isteach de bhun fho-alt (1) nó (5)(a)(ii), aon aighneacht a rinneadh nó aon tuairimí a tugadh de réir fho-alt (4) nó (5)” a chur in ionad “an ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta a cuireadh isteach de bhun fho-alt (1), aon aighneachtaí a rinneadh nó aon tuairimí a tugadh de réir fho-alt (4)”, agus
(c) trí na fo-ailt seo a leanas a chur in ionad fho-alt (9):
“(9) (a) Féadfaidh an Bord, maidir le hiarratas ar fhorbairt bheartaithe a cheadú faoin alt seo—
(i) an fhorbairt bheartaithe a cheadú,
(ii) cibé modhnuithe a dhéanamh ar an bhforbairt bheartaithe a shonróidh sé sa cheadú agus an fhorbairt bheartaithe arna modhnú amhlaidh a cheadú,
(iii) gan an fhorbairt bheartaithe a cheadú ach go páirteach (fara modhnuithe sonraithe uirthi den chineál sin roimhe seo nó dá n-éagmais), nó
(iv) diúltú an fhorbairt bheartaithe a cheadú,
agus féadfaidh sé cibé coinníollacha is cuí leis a chur ag gabháil le ceadú faoi fhomhír (i), (ii) nó (iii).
(b) Gan dochar do ghinearáltacht na cumhachta sin roimhe seo coinníollacha a chur ag gabháil le ceadú, féadfaidh an Bord coinníoll a chur ag gabháil le ceadú faoi mhír (a)(i), (ii) nó (iii) á cheangal—
(i) saoráid a fhoirgniú nó foirgniú saoráide a mhaoiniú go hiomlán nó go páirteach, nó
(ii) seirbhís a sholáthar nó soláthar seirbhíse a mhaoiniú go hiomlán nó go páirteach,
sa limistéar ina mbeadh an fhorbairt bheartaithe suite, is saoráid nó seirbhís a bheadh, i dtuairim an Bhoird, ina gnóchan substaintiúil don phobal.
(c) Ní cheanglófar le coinníoll a chuirfear ag gabháil le ceadú de bhun mhír (b) go gcuirfear an oiread sin acmhainní airgeadais in árach chun an coinníoll a chomhlíonadh go mbainfí go substaintiúil den duine, ar ina fhabhar nó ina fabhar a oibríonn an ceadú, na sochair is dóigh a d’fhabhródh ó dheonú an cheadaithe.
(9A) (a) Ordóidh an Bord go ndéanfaidh an t-údarás áitiúil lena mbaineann cibé suim a mheasfaidh an Bord a bheith réasúnach a íoc leis an mBord faoi chomhair na gcostas agus na gcaiteachas a thabhóidh an Bord le linn iarratas a chinneadh faoin alt seo ar fhorbairt bheartaithe a cheadú, lena n-áirítear—
(i) na costais a bhaineann le haon éisteacht ó bhéal a thionól i ndáil leis an iarratas,
(ii) táillí aon sainchomhairleoirí nó comhairleoirí a fhostófar maidir leis an ní, agus
(iii) méid atá comhionann le cibé cion den luach saothair agus d’aon liúntais i leith caiteachas a íocfar le comhaltaí agus fostaithe an Bhoird a chinnfidh an Bord a bheith inchurtha i leith comhlíonadh dualgas ag na comhaltaí agus na fostaithe i ndáil leis an iarratas,
agus íocfaidh an t-údarás áitiúil an tsuim.
(b) Má mhainníonn údarás áitiúil suim a íoc a ordaítear a íoc faoi mhír (a), féadfaidh an Bord an tsuim a ghnóthú ón údarás mar fhiach conartha shimplí in aon chúirt dlínse inniúla.”.
Leasú ar alt 181 den Phríomh-Acht.
35.— Leasaítear alt 181(1) den Phríomh-Acht—
(a) i mír (a), trí “agus ailt 181A go 181C” a chur isteach i ndiaidh “seachas an t-alt seo”, agus
(b) i mír (b), trí fhomhír (iv) a scriosadh.
Measúnacht tionchair timpeallachta ar fhorbairtí áirithe Stáit.
36.— Cuirtear na hailt seo a leanas isteach i ndiaidh alt 181 den Phríomh-Acht:
“Forbairt áirithe Stáit, ar gá measúnacht tionchair timpeallachta ina leith, a cheadú.
181A.— (1) Faoi réir alt 181B(4), i gcás go mbeartaíonn údarás Stáit forbairt a dhéanamh nó a chur á déanamh—
(a) d’aicme a shonraítear i rialacháin arna ndéanamh faoi alt 181(1)(a), agus
(b) a shainaithnítear mar fhorbairt ar dóigh di éifeachtaí suntasacha a bheith aici ar an gcomhshaol de réir alt 176,
(dá ngairtear ‘forbairt bheartaithe’ ina dhiaidh seo san alt seo agus in ailt 181B agus 181C), ullmhóidh an t-údarás, nó cuirfidh sé faoi deara go n-ullmhófar, iarratas ar an bhforbairt a cheadú faoi alt 181B agus ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta i leith na forbartha agus déanfaidh sé iarratas chuig an mBord ar an gceadú sin dá réir sin.
(2) Faoi réir alt 181B(4), ní dhéanfar an fhorbairt bheartaithe mura mbeidh sí ceadaithe ag an mBord fara modhnuithe nó gan mhodhnuithe.
(3) Sula ndéanfaidh údarás Stáit iarratas ar cheadú faoi fho-alt (1), déanfaidh sé—
(a) fógra a fhoilsiú i nuachtán amháin nó níos mó a scaiptear sa limistéar nó sna limistéir ina mbeartaítear an fhorbairt a dhéanamh, ar fógra é ina gcuirfear in iúl cineál agus suíomh na forbartha beartaithe agus—
(i) ina luafar—
(I) go bhfuil beartaithe aige ceadú an Bhoird a lorg le haghaidh na forbartha beartaithe,
(II) gur ullmhaíodh ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta i leith na forbartha beartaithe,
(III) i gcás gur iomchuí, gur dóigh don fhorbairt bheartaithe éifeachtaí suntasacha a bheith aici ar an gcomhshaol i mBallstát eile de chuid na gComhphobal Eorpach nó de chuid páirtí eile sa Choinbhinsiún Trasteorann,
(ii) ina sonrófar cé na tráthanna a fhéadfar agus cé na háiteanna ina bhféadfar, agus cén tréimhse (nach lú ná 6 sheachtain) ar lena linn a fhéadfar cóip den iarratas agus den ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta a iniúchadh saor in aisce nó a cheannach ar tháille shonraithe (is táille nach mó ná an costas réasúnach a bhainfidh leis an gcóip sin a dhéanamh) a íoc,
(iii) ina n-iarrfar go ndéanfaí aighneachtaí chuig an mBord agus go dtabharfaí tuairimí dó, le linn na tréimhse sin—
(I) i ndáil le himpleachtaí na forbartha beartaithe do phleanáil chuí agus d’fhorbairt inchothaithe sa limistéar nó sna limistéir lena mbaineann, agus
(II) i ndáil leis na héifeachtaí is dóigh a bheadh ag an bhforbairt bheartaithe ar an gcomhshaol,
dá ndéanfaí í, agus
(iv) ina sonrófar na cineálacha cinnidh a fhéadfaidh an Bord a dhéanamh, faoi alt 181B, i ndáil leis an iarratas,
(b) cóip den iarratas agus den ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta a chur chuig an údarás pleanála nó chuig gach údarás pleanála ar ina limistéar feidhme a bheadh an fhorbairt bheartaithe suite agus chuig aon chomhlachtaí forordaithe, mar aon le fógra ina luafar go bhféadfar, le linn na tréimhse dá dtagraítear i mír (a)(ii), aighneachtaí a dhéanamh chuig an mBord nó tuairimí a thabhairt dó, i scríbhinn—
(i) i ndáil le himpleachtaí na forbartha beartaithe do phleanáil chuí agus d’fhorbairt inchothaithe sa limistéar lena mbaineann, agus
(ii) i ndáil leis na héifeachtaí is dóigh a bheadh ag an bhforbairt bheartaithe ar an gcomhshaol,
dá ndéanfaí í, agus
(c) i gcás gur dóigh go mbeidh éifeachtaí suntasacha ag an bhforbairt bheartaithe ar chomhshaol Ballstáit de na Comhphobail Eorpacha nó stáit is páirtí sa Choinbhinsiún Trasteorann, líon forordaithe cóipeanna den iarratas agus den ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta a chur chuig údarás forordaithe an stáit iomchuí nó na stát iomchuí mar aon le fógra ina luafar go bhféadfar, le linn na tréimhse dá dtagraítear i mír (a)(ii), aighneachtaí a dhéanamh chuig an mBord nó tuairimí a thabhairt dó, i scríbhinn.
(4) Féadfaidh an Bord—
(a) má mheasann sé gur gá déanamh amhlaidh, a cheangal ar údarás Stáit, a mbeidh iarratas ar cheadú le haghaidh forbartha beartaithe déanta aige, cibé faisnéis bhreise a shonróidh an Bord i ndáil le héifeachtaí na forbartha beartaithe ar phleanáil chuí agus ar fhorbairt inchothaithe nó ar an gcomhshaol a thabhairt don Bhord, nó
(b) má tá sé den tuairim go sealadach gur chuí an fhorbairt bheartaithe a cheadú dá ndéanfaí athruithe áirithe (a bheidh sonraithe san fhógra dá dtagraítear sa mhír seo) ar théarmaí na forbartha, fógra a thabhairt don údarás Stáit á rá go bhfuil sé den tuairim sin agus a iarraidh ar an údarás Stáit athruithe a bheidh sonraithe san fhógra a dhéanamh ar théarmaí na forbartha beartaithe agus, má dhéanann an t-údarás Stáit na hathruithe sin, cibé faisnéis (más ann) a shonróidh sé i ndáil leis an bhforbairt, sna téarmaí arna n-athrú amhlaidh, nó, más gá, ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta athbhreithnithe ina leith, a thabhairt dó.
(5) Má dhéanann údarás Stáit na hathruithe ar théarmaí na forbartha beartaithe a bheidh sonraithe i bhfógra a thabharfar dó faoi fho-alt (4), measfar gurb iad téarmaí na forbartha arna n-athrú amhlaidh an fhorbairt bheartaithe chun críocha an ailt seo agus alt 181B.
(6) Déanfaidh an Bord—
(a) i gcás go measfaidh sé go bhfuil, in aon fhaisnéis bhreise a gheofar de bhun ceanglais a dhéanfar faoi fho-alt (4)(a), sonraí suntasacha breise a bhaineann leis na nithe seo a leanas—
(i) na héifeachtaí is dóigh a bheidh ag an bhforbairt bheartaithe ar an gcomhshaol, agus
(ii) na hiarmhairtí is dóigh a bheidh ag an bhforbairt sin do phleanáil chuí agus d’fhorbairt inchothaithe sa limistéar nó sna limistéir ina mbeartaítear an fhorbairt sin a shuíomh,
nó
(b) i gcás go mbeidh na hathruithe ar théarmaí na forbartha beartaithe a bheidh sonraithe i bhfógra arna thabhairt don údarás Stáit faoi fho-alt (4)(b), déanta aige,
a cheangal ar an údarás Stáit na nithe dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (7) a dhéanamh.
(7) Is iad seo a leanas na nithe a cheanglófar ar údarás Stáit a dhéanamh mar a dúradh—
(a) fógra a fhoilsiú i nuachtán amháin nó níos mó a scaiptear sa limistéar nó sna limistéir ina mbeadh an fhorbairt bheartaithe suite ina luafar na nithe seo a leanas, de réir mar is cuí—
(i) go bhfuil faisnéis bhreise i ndáil leis an bhforbairt bheartaithe tugtha don Bhord, nó
(ii) go ndearna an t-údarás Stáit, de bhun iarrata ón mBord, athruithe ar théarmaí na forbartha beartaithe (agus cuirfear cineál na n-athruithe sin in iúl) agus, más amhlaidh atá an cás, go bhfuil faisnéis i ndáil le téarmaí na forbartha arna n-athrú amhlaidh nó ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta athbhreithnithe i leith na forbartha tugtha don Bhord,
ina gcuirfear in iúl cé na tráthanna a fhéadfar, cén tréimhse (nach lú ná 3 sheachtain) ar lena linn a fhéadfar agus cén áit nó cé na háiteanna ina bhféadfar cóip den fhaisnéis nó den ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta dá dtagraítear i bhfomhír (i) nó (ii) a iniúchadh saor in aisce nó a cheannach ar tháille shonraithe (is táille nach mó ná an costas réasúnach a bhainfidh leis an gcóip sin a dhéanamh) a íoc agus go bhféadfar aighneachtaí a dhéanamh chuig an mBord nó tuairimí a thabhairt dó, i ndáil leis an bhfaisnéis sin nó leis an ráiteas sin roimh dheireadh na tréimhse a chuirfear in iúl, agus
(b) na nithe seo a leanas a chur chuig gach údarás forordaithe dár tugadh fógra de bhun fho-alt (3)(b) nó (c)—
(i) fógra á rá go ndearnadh an fhaisnéis bhreise dá dtagraítear i bhfomhír (a)(i) nó an fhaisnéis nó an ráiteas dá dtagraítear i bhfomhír (a)(ii), de réir mar is cuí, a thabhairt don Bhord, agus
(ii) cóip den fhaisnéis bhreise, den fhaisnéis nó den ráiteas sin,
agus a chur in iúl don údarás gur féidir aighneachtaí a dhéanamh chuig an mBord nó tuairimí a thabhairt dó, i ndáil leis an bhfaisnéis bhreise, leis an bhfaisnéis nó leis an ráiteas sin roimh dheireadh tréimhse (nach lú ná 3 sheachtain) dar tosach an lá a chuirfidh an t-údarás Stáit an fógra chuig an údarás forordaithe.
Alt 181A: critéir le haghaidh breithe, díolúintí áirithe, etc.
181B.— (1) Sula dtabharfaidh sé breith maidir le forbairt bheartaithe is ábhar d’iarratas faoi alt 181A, breithneoidh an Bord—
(a) an ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta arna chur faoina bhráid de bhun alt 181A(1) nó (4), aon aighneachtaí nó tuairimí a bheidh déanta nó tugtha de réir alt 181A(3) nó (7) agus aon fhaisnéis eile a thabharfar de réir alt 181A(4) agus a bhaineann leis na nithe seo a leanas—
(i) na hiarmhairtí is dóigh a bheidh ag an bhforbairt sin do phleanáil chuí agus d’fhorbairt inchothaithe sa limistéar ina mbeartaítear an fhorbairt bheartaithe a shuíomh, agus
(ii) na héifeachtaí is dóigh a bheidh ag an bhforbairt bheartaithe ar an gcomhshaol,
agus
(b) an tuarascáil agus aon mholtaí ó dhuine a mbeidh aon éisteacht ó bhéal maidir leis an bhforbairt bheartaithe á seoladh aige nó aici.
(2) Féadfaidh an Bord, i gcás gur deimhin leis gur cóir sin de bharr imthosca eisceachtúla, díolúine a dheonú i leith forbartha beartaithe ó cheanglas faoi alt 181A(1) ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta a ullmhú ach amháin nach bhféadfar aon díolúine a dheonú i leith forbartha beartaithe i gcás go bhfuil Ballstát eile de na Comhphobail Eorpacha nó stát is páirtí sa Choinbhinsiún Trasteorann tar éis a chur in iúl gur mian leis tuairimí a thabhairt maidir le héifeachtaí na forbartha beartaithe ar an gcomhshaol sa Bhallstát sin nó sa stát sin.
(3) Déanfaidh an Bord, le linn dó díolúine faoi fho-alt (2) a dheonú, breithniú—
(a) i dtaobh an cóir na héifeachtaí, más ann, a bheidh ag an bhforbairt bheartaithe ar an gcomhshaol a mheasúnú ar shlí éigin eile, agus
(b) i dtaobh an cóir an fhaisnéis a eascróidh as measúnacht den sórt sin a chur ar fáil do dhaoine den phobal,
agus féadfaidh sé cibé ceanglais maidir leis na nithe sin a mheasfaidh sé is gá nó is cuí a chur chun feidhme i ndáil leis an iarratas ar cheadú.
(4) Féadfaidh an tAire Cosanta, i gcás forbartha beartaithe i dtaca le cosaint náisiúnta, nó chun na gcríoch sin, díolúine a dheonú i leith na forbartha ó cheanglas faoi alt 181A(1) iarratas a dhéanamh ar cheadú agus ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta a ullmhú, más deimhin leis nó léi go ndéanfadh cur chun feidhme alt 181A nó 181C dochar do na críocha sin.
(5) Déanfar, a luaithe is féidir, fógra i dtaobh aon díolúine a bheidh deonaithe faoi fho-alt (2) nó (4), i dtaobh na gcúiseanna a bhí leis an díolúine a dheonú, agus más cuí, i dtaobh aon cheanglas arna gcur chun feidhme faoi fho-alt (3)—
(a) a fhoilsiú san Iris Oifigiúil agus i nuachtán laethúil amháin ar a laghad a fhoilsítear sa Stát, agus
(b) a thabhairt, mar aon le cóip den fhaisnéis, más ann, atá curtha ar fáil do dhaoine den phobal de réir fho-alt (3), do Choimisiún na gComhphobal Eorpach.
(6) Féadfaidh an Bord, maidir le hiarratas faoi alt 181A ar fhorbairt bheartaithe a cheadú—
(a) an fhorbairt bheartaithe a cheadú,
(b) cibé modhnuithe a dhéanamh ar an bhforbairt bheartaithe a shonróidh sé sa cheadú agus an fhorbairt bheartaithe arna modhnú amhlaidh a cheadú,
(c) gan an fhorbairt bheartaithe a cheadú ach go páirteach (fara modhnuithe sonraithe uirthi den chineál sin roimhe seo nó dá n-éagmais), nó
(d) diúltú an fhorbairt bheartaithe a cheadú,
agus féadfaidh sé cibé coinníollacha is cuí leis a chur ag gabháil le ceadú faoi mhír (a), (b) nó (c).
(7) Gan dochar do ghinearáltacht na cumhachta sin roimhe seo coinníollacha a chur ag gabháil le ceadú, féadfaidh an Bord coinníoll a chur ag gabháil le ceadú faoi fho-mhír (6)(a), (b) nó (c) á cheangal—
(a) saoráid a fhoirgniú nó foirgniú saoráide a mhaoiniú go hiomlán nó go páirteach, nó
(b) seirbhís a sholáthar nó soláthar seirbhíse a mhaoiniú go hiomlán nó go páirteach,
sa limistéar ina mbeadh an fhorbairt bheartaithe suite, is saoráid nó seirbhís a bheadh, i dtuairim an Bhoird, ina gnóchan substaintiúil don phobal.
(8) Ní cheanglófar le coinníoll a bheidh ag gabháil le ceadú de bhun fho-alt (7) go gcuirfear an oiread sin acmhainní airgeadais in árach chun an coinníoll a chomhlíonadh go mbainfear go substaintiúil den duine, ar ina fhabhar nó ina fabhar a oibríonn an ceadú, na sochair is dóigh a d’fhabhródh ó dheonú an cheadaithe.
(9) Féadfaidh an tAire rialacháin a dhéanamh chun foráil a dhéanamh maidir le cibé nithe a bhaineann le nós imeachta agus riarachán is dealraitheach don Aire a bheith riachtanach nó fóirsteanach i leith comhchomhairliúchán faoi alt 181C nó iarratas ar cheadú faoi alt 181A.
(10) Gan dochar do ghinearáltacht fho-alt (9), féadfar le rialacháin arna ndéanamh faoin bhfo-alt sin socrú a dhéanamh chun a cheangal ar an mBord faisnéis a thabhairt i leith a bhreithe maidir leis an bhforbairt bheartaithe a bhfuil ceadú á lorg ina leith.
(11) Le linn dó breithniú a dhéanamh faoi fho-alt (1) ar fhaisnéis a bheidh tugtha maidir leis na hiarmhairtí is dóigh a bheidh ag forbairt bheartaithe do phleanáil chuí agus d’fhorbairt inchothaithe sa limistéar ina mbeartaítear an fhorbairt sin a shuíomh, nó don chomhshaol, beidh aird ag an mBord ar na nithe seo a leanas—
(a) forálacha an phlean forbartha don limistéar,
(b) forálacha aon ordaithe um limistéar taitneamhachta speisialta a bhaineann leis an limistéar,
(c) más rud é gur láithreán Eorpach nó limistéar arna fhorordú chun críocha alt 10(2)(c) an limistéar nó cuid den limistéar, an méid sin,
(d) más rud é go mbeadh éifeacht ag an bhforbairt bheartaithe ar láithreán Eorpach nó ar limistéar atá forordaithe chun críocha alt 10(2)(c), an méid sin,
(e) más iomchuí, na nithe dá dtagraítear in alt 143, agus
(f) forálacha an Achta seo agus rialacháin faoin Acht seo más iomchuí.
(12) Ní bheidh feidhm ag rialacháin a dhéanfar faoi alt 181(1)(b) maidir le haon fhorbairt atá ceadaithe faoin alt seo.
(13) Ní cheanglóidh aon ní san alt seo ná in alt 181A nó 181C go nochtfaidh údarás Stáit nó an Bord mionsonraí na socruithe inmheánacha forbartha a d’fhéadfadh dochar a dhéanamh do shlándáil inmheánach nó sheachtrach na forbartha nó a éascú d’aon duine dul isteach san fhorbairt, nó teacht amach as an bhforbairt, gan údarú, nuair a bheidh sí críochnaithe.
(14) Gan dochar do ghinearáltacht alt 18(a) den Acht Léiriúcháin 2005, folaíonn tagairt, cibé caoi a léirítear í, san alt seo don limistéar ina mbeadh an fhorbairt bheartaithe suite, más féidir é sa chomhthéacs, tagairt don 2 limistéar nó níos mó ina mbeadh an fhorbairt bheartaithe suite agus forléireofar tagairtí gaolmhara dá réir sin.
Nósanna imeachta roimh cheadú faoi alt 181B a lorg.
181C.— (1) Aon údarás Stáit (‘iarratasóir ionchasach’) a bheartóidh iarratas a dhéanamh ar cheadú faoi alt 181B, sula ndéanfaidh sé an t-iarratas, rachaidh sé i mbun comhchomhairliúchán leis an mBord i ndáil leis an bhforbairt bheartaithe.
(2) Féadfaidh an Bord, le linn aon chomhchomhairliúchán faoi fho-alt (1), comhairle a thabhairt don iarratasóir ionchasach maidir leis an iarratas beartaithe agus, go háirithe, maidir leis an méid seo a leanas—
(a) na nósanna imeachta a ghabhann leis an iarratas a dhéanamh, agus
(b) cé na cúinsí, a bhaineann le pleanáil chuí agus forbairt inchothaithe nó leis an gcomhshaol, a d’fhéadfadh, i dtuairim an Bhoird, baint a bheith acu lena bhreith i ndáil leis an iarratas.
(3) Féadfaidh iarratasóir ionchasach a iarraidh ar an mBord—
(a) cinneadh a dhéanamh i dtaobh an dóigh d’fhorbairt d’aicme atá sonraithe i rialacháin arna ndéanamh faoi alt 181(1)(a), agus a bheartaíonn an Bord a dhéanamh nó a chur faoi deara a dhéanamh, éifeachtaí suntasacha a bheith aici ar an gcomhshaol de réir alt 176 (agus an cinneadh a chur in iúl don iarratasóir), nó
(b) tuairim i scríbhinn arna hullmhú ag an mBord a thabhairt don iarratasóir maidir le cén fhaisnéis a cheanglófar a bheith i ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta i ndáil leis an bhforbairt bheartaithe.
(4) Ar iarraidh den sórt sin a fháil, déanfaidh an Bord í a chomhlíonadh a luaithe is indéanta.
(5) Déanfaidh iarratasóir ionchasach, chun críocha na nithe seo a leanas—
(a) comhchomhairliúcháin faoi fho-alt (1), agus
(b) an Bord do dhéanamh de réir iarrata faoi fho-alt (3),
dóthain faisnéise i ndáil leis an bhforbairt bheartaithe a sholáthar don Bhord chun a chumasú don Bhord an fhorbairt bheartaithe a mheasúnú.
(6) Ní dochar—
(a) comhchomhairliúcháin a thionól faoi fho-alt (1), ná
(b) tuairim a sholáthar faoi fho-alt (3),
do chomhlíonadh aon fheidhmeanna eile dá chuid faoin Acht seo nó faoi rialacháin faoin Acht seo nó faoi aon achtachán eile ag an mBord agus ní féidir brath air sa phróiseas pleanála foirmiúil ná in imeachtaí dlí.
(7) Coimeádfaidh an Bord taifead i scríbhinn ar aon chomhchomhairliúcháin faoin alt seo i ndáil le forbairt bheartaithe, lena n-áirítear ainmneacha na ndaoine a bhí páirteach sna comhchomhairliúcháin, agus déanfar cóip den taifead sin a chur agus a choinneáil leis na doiciméid a bhaineann le haon iarratas maidir leis an bhforbairt bheartaithe.”.
Feidhmeanna áirithe Aireachta a aistriú chuig an mBord.
37.— Déantar na hailt seo a leanas a chur isteach i ndiaidh alt 215 den Phríomh-Acht:
“Feidhmeanna áirithe Aireachta a aistriú chuig an mBord faoin Acht Gáis 1976.
215A.— (1) Déanfar feidhmeanna—
(a) an Aire Cumarsáide, Mara agus Acmhainní Nádúrtha,
(b) aon Aire eile den Rialtas, nó
(c) an Choimisiúin um Rialáil Fuinnimh,
faoi ailt 31 agus 32 den Acht Gáis 1976 agus faoin Dara Sceideal a ghabhann leis, arna leasú, i ndáil le fáil éigeantach talún maidir le bonneagar gáis straitéiseach a fhorbairt, a aistriú chuig an mBord agus a dhílsiú don Bhord, agus déanfar tagairtí iomchuí san Acht sin don Aire Cumarsáide, Mara agus Acmhainní Nádúrtha, d’aon Aire eile den Rialtas nó don Choimisiún um Rialáil Fuinnimh a fhorléiriú mar thagairtí don Bhord agus déanfar aon tagairtí comhghaolmhara a fhorléiriú dá réir sin.
(2) Maidir le feidhmeanna an Aire Cumarsáide, Mara agus Acmhainní Nádúrtha, aon Aire eile den Rialtas nó an Choimisiúin um Rialáil Cumarsáide, i ndáil le fáil éigeantach talún, a aistriú chuig an mBord de réir fho-alt (1), folóidh an t-aistriú sin aistriú na gcumhachtaí riachtanacha foghabhálacha go léir i ndáil le teorainneacha claonaidh, fo-strataim talún, éasúintí, cearta thar talamh (lena n-áirítear ceadanna slí agus cearta slí poiblí), cearta chun rochtain a fháil ar thalamh, cúlghairm nó modhnú ceadanna pleanála nó cibé feidhmeanna eile is gá chun a chinntiú go bhféadfaid h an Bord a fheidhmeanna a chomhlíonadh go hiomlán i ndáil leis na hachtacháin dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (1).
(3) Ní bheidh feidhm ag Airteagal 5 den Dara Sceideal a ghabhann leis an Acht Gáis 1976 maidir le feidhm na fála éigeantaí arna haistriú chuig an mBord faoi fho-alt (1).
Feidhmeanna áirithe Aireachta faoin Acht Aerloing-seoireachta 1998 a aistriú.
215B.— (1) Déanfar feidhmeanna an Aire Iompair faoi alt 17 den Acht Aerloingseoireachta agus Aeriompair (Leasú) 1998 agus faoin Dara Sceideal a ghabhann leis, arna leasú, i ndáil le fáil éigeantach talún chun na gcríoch a leagtar amach in alt 18 den Acht sin, a aistriú chuig an mBord agus a dhílsiú don Bhord, agus forléireofar tagairtí iomchuí san Acht sin don Aire Iompair mar thagairtí don Bhord agus déanfar aon tagairtí comhghaolmhara a fhorléiriú dá réir sin.
(2) Maidir le feidhmeanna an Aire Iompair i ndáil le fáil éigeantach talún a aistriú de réir fho-alt (1), folóidh an t-aistriú sin aistriú na gcumhachtaí foghabhálacha riachtanacha go léir i ndáil le fo-strataim talún, éasúintí, cearta thar talamh (lena n-áirítear ceadanna slí agus cearta slí poiblí), cearta thar talamh nó uisce nó cibé feidhmeanna eile is gá chun a chinntiú go bhféadfaidh an Bord a fheidhmeanna a chomhlíonadh go hiomlán i ndáil leis na hachtacháin dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (1).”.
Aistriú feidhmeanna: forálacha forlíontacha.
38.— Cuirtear na hailt seo a leanas isteach i ndiaidh alt 217 den Phríomh-Acht.
“Feidhmeanna aistrithe faoin gCuid seo: forálacha forlíontacha.
217A.— (1) Féadfaidh an Bord, i ndáil le haon cheann de na feidhmeanna a aistrítear faoin gCuid seo maidir le haon fháil éigeantach a dheimhniú nó maidir le gníomh eile a dhéanamh ina leith, dá lánrogha féin aon tráth sula dtabharfaidh sé breith i leith an ní—
(a) aighneachtaí nó tuairimí a iarraidh ar aon duine a bhféadfadh, i dtuairim an Bhoird, faisnéis a bheith aige nó aici is iomchuí dá bhreith maidir leis an bhfáil éigeantach sin a dheimhniú nó maidir le gníomh eile a dhéanamh ina leith (agus féadfaidh sé aird a thabhairt ar aon aighneacht a dhéanfar nó tuairim a thabharfar amhlaidh le linn dó a bhreith a thabhairt), nó
(b) cruinnithe a thionól leis an údarás áitiúil, nó i gcás alt 215A leis an duine a d’iarr an t-ordú fála, nó le haon duine eile más dealraitheach don Bhord é a bheith riachtanach nó fóirsteanach—
(i) chun breith a thabhairt maidir leis an bhfáil éigeantach sin a dheimhniú nó maidir le gníomh eile a dhéanamh ina leith, nó
(ii) chun go réiteofaí aon saincheist leis an údarás áitiúil nó leis an iarratasóir, de réir mar is cuí, nó aon easaontú idir an t-údarás nó an t-iarratasóir, de réir mar is cuí, agus aon duine eile, lena n-áirítear aon saincheist nó aon easaontú a réiteach roimh éisteacht ó bhéal.
(2) I gcás go dtionólfaidh an Bord cruinniú de réir fho-alt (1)(b), coimeádfaidh sé taifead i scríbhinn ar an gcruinniú agus cuirfidh sé an taifead sin ar fáil lena iniúchadh.
(3) Féadfaidh an Bord, nó fostaí de chuid an Bhoird a bheidh údaraithe go cuí ag an mBord, aon duine a cheapadh chun cruinniú dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (1)(b) a thionól.
Alt 215: forálacha forlíontacha.
217B.— (1) Féadfaidh an Bord, dá lánrogha féin aon tráth sula dtabharfaidh sé breith maidir le scéim nó forbairt bóthair bheartaithe dá dtagraítear in alt 215—
(a) breis aighneachtaí nó breis tuairimí a iarraidh ar aon duine a rinne aighneachtaí nó a thug tuairimí maidir leis an scéim nó leis an bhforbairt bóthair bheartaithe, nó ar aon duine eile a d’fhéadfadh, i dtuairim an Bhoird, faisnéis is iomchuí dá bhreith ar an scéim nó ar an bhforbairt bóthair bheartaithe a bheith aige nó aici, nó
(b) cruinnithe a thionól leis an údarás bóithre nó le haon duine eile i gcás gur dealraitheach don Bhord gur gá nó gur fóirsteanach sin—
(i) chun cinneadh a dhéanamh ar an scéim nó ar an bhforbairt bóthair bheartaithe, nó
(ii) chun go réiteofaí aon saincheist leis an údarás áitiúil nó aon easaontú idir an t-údarás agus aon duine eile, lena n-áirítear aon saincheist nó easaontú a réiteach roimh éisteacht ó bhéal.
(2) I gcás go dtionólfaidh an Bord cruinniú de réir fho-alt (1)(b), coimeádfaidh sé taifead i scríbhinn ar an gcruinniú agus cuirfidh sé an taifead sin ar fáil lena iniúchadh.
(3) Féadfaidh an Bord, nó fostaí de chuid an Bhoird a bheidh údaraithe go cuí ag an mBord, aon duine a cheapadh chun cruinniú dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (1)(b) a thionól.
(4) Féadfaidh an Bord—
(a) más dóigh leis gur gá déanamh amhlaidh, a cheangal ar údarás bóithre a mbeidh scéim faoi alt 49 d’Acht na mBóithre 1993 curtha isteach aige nó iarratas ar cheadú faoi alt 51 den Acht sin déanta aige cibé faisnéis bhreise a thabhairt don Bhord i ndáil leis na nithe seo a leanas—
(i) éifeachtaí na scéime nó na forbartha bóthair beartaithe ar an gcomhshaol, nó
(ii) iarmhairtí na scéime nó na forbartha bóthair sin do phleanáil chuí agus d’fhorbairt inchothaithe sa limistéar nó sna limistéir ina mbeartaítear an scéim nó an fhorbairt bóthair sin a shuíomh,
a shonróidh an Bord, nó
(b) i gcás go mbeidh sé den tuairim go sealadach gur chuí an scéim nó an fhorbairt bóthair bheartaithe a cheadú sa chás go ndéanfaí athruithe áirithe (a bheidh sonraithe san fhógra dá dtagraítear sa mhír seo) ar a téarmaí, fógra a thabhairt don údarás bóithre á rá go bhfuil sé den tuairim sin agus a iarraidh ar an údarás athruithe a bheidh sonraithe san fhógra a dhéanamh ar théarmaí na scéime nó na forbartha bóthair beartaithe agus, má dhéanann an t-údarás na hathruithe sin, cibé faisnéis (más ann) a shonróidh sé i ndáil leis an scéim nó leis an bhforbairt bóthair, de réir na dtéarmaí arna n-athrú amhlaidh, nó, más gá, ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta athbhreithnithe ina leith, a thabhairt dó.
(5) Má dhéanann údarás bóithre na hathruithe ar théarmaí na scéime nó na forbartha bóthair beartaithe a bheidh sonraithe i bhfógra arna thabhairt dó faoi fho-alt (4), measfar gurb iad téarmaí na scéime nó na forbartha bóthair arna n-athrú amhlaidh an scéim nó an fhorbairt bóthair bheartaithe chun críocha ailt 49, 50 agus 51 d’Acht na mBóithre 1993.
(6) Déanfaidh an Bord—
(a) i gcás go measfaidh sé maidir le haon fhaisnéis bhreise a fuarthas de bhun ceanglais arna dhéanamh faoi fho-alt (4)(a) go bhfuil sonraí suntasacha breise inti a bhaineann leis na nithe seo a leanas—
(i) na héifeachtaí is dóigh a bheidh ag an scéim nó ag an bhforbairt bóthair bheartaithe ar an gcomhshaol, agus
(ii) na hiarmhairtí is dóigh a bheidh ag an scéim nó ag an bhforbairt bóthair sin do phleanáil chuí agus d’fhorbairt inchothaithe sa limistéar nó sna limistéir ina mbeartaítear an scéim nó an fhorbairt bóthair sin a shuíomh,
nó
(b) i gcás go mbeidh na hathruithe ar théarmaí na forbartha beartaithe, ar athruithe iad a bheidh sonraithe i bhfógra arna thabhairt dó faoi fho-alt (4)(b), déanta ag an údarás bóithre,
a cheangal ar an údarás na nithe dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (7) a dhéanamh.
(7) Is iad na nithe a cheanglófar ar údarás bóithre a dhéanamh mar a dúradh—
(a) fógra a fhoilsiú i nuachtán amháin nó níos mó a scaiptear sa limistéar nó sna limistéir ina mbeadh an fhorbairt lena mbaineann an scéim nó, de réir mar a bheidh, ina mbeadh an fhorbairt bóthair bheartaithe, suite, ina luafar, de réir mar is cuí—
(i) go bhfuil faisnéis bhreise i ndáil leis an scéim nó leis an bhforbairt bóthair bheartaithe tugtha don Bhord, nó
(ii) go bhfuil athruithe déanta ag an údarás bóithre, de bhun iarrata ón mBord, ar théarmaí na scéime nó na forbartha bóthair beartaithe (agus déanfar cineál na n-athruithe sin a chur in iúl) agus, más amhlaidh atá an cás, go bhfuil faisnéis i ndáil le téarmaí na scéime nó na forbartha bóthair beartaithe arna n-athrú amhlaidh, nó ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta athbhreithnithe i leith na scéime nó na forbartha, tugtha don Bhord,
ina gcuirfear in iúl cé na tráthanna a fhéadfar, cén tréimhse (nach lú ná 3 sheachtain) ar lena linn a fhéadfar agus cén áit nó cé na háiteanna ina bhféadfar cóip den fhaisnéis nó den ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta dá dtagraítear i bhfomhír (i) nó (ii) a iniúchadh saor in aisce nó a cheannach ar tháille shonraithe (is táille nach mó ná an costas réasúnach a bhainfidh leis an gcóip sin a dhéanamh) a íoc agus go bhféadfar aighneachtaí a dhéanamh chuig an mBord nó tuairimí a thabhairt dó, i ndáil leis an bhfaisnéis nó leis an ráiteas sin roimh dheireadh na tréimhse a chuirfear in iúl, agus
(b) na nithe seo a leanas a chur chuig gach comhlacht nó gach údarás forordaithe dár tugadh fógra de bhun alt 51(3)(b) nó (c) d’Acht na mBóithre 1993—
(i) fógra á rá go ndearnadh an fhaisnéis bhreise dá dtagraítear i mír (a)(i) nó an fhaisnéis nó an ráiteas dá dtagraítear i mír (a)(ii), de réir mar is cuí, a thabhairt don Bhord, agus
(ii) cóip den fhaisnéis bhreise, den fhaisnéis nó den ráiteas sin,
agus a chur in iúl don chomhlacht nó don údarás go bhféadfar aighneachtaí nó tuairimí a chur faoi bhráid an Bhoird i ndáil leis an bhfaisnéis bhreise, leis an bhfaisnéis nó leis an ráiteas sin roimh dheireadh tréimhse (nach lú ná 3 sheachtain) dar tosach an lá a chuirfidh an t-údarás bóithre an fógra chuig an údarás forordaithe.
(8) Déanfaidh an Bord, le linn a bhreith a thabhairt maidir le scéim nó maidir le forbairt bóthair bheartaithe, aird a thabhairt ar aon fhaisnéis a chuirfear faoina bhráid ar scór fógra faoi fho-alt (4), lena n-áirítear aon ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta athbhreithnithe nó aon aighneachtaí a dhéanfar nó tuairimí a thabharfar de bhun iarrata faoi fho-alt (1) nó fógra faoi fho-alt (7).
Cumhachtaí an Bhoird chun breitheanna a thabhairt maidir le feidhmeanna aistrithe.
217C.— (1) D’ainneoin aon fhorála d’aon cheann de na hachtacháin dá dtagraítear in alt 214, 215A nó 215B maidir le haon fháil éigeantach a dhaingniú nó maidir le gníomh eile a dhéanamh ina leith, beidh ag an mBord, i ndáil le haon cheann de na feidhmeanna a aistrítear faoin gCuid seo maidir leis na nithe sin, an chumhacht chun fáil éigeantach, nó aon chuid di, a dhaingniú, fara nó d’éagmais coinníollacha nó modhnuithe, nó fáil nó aon chuid di a neamhniú.
(2) D’ainneoin aon fhorála d’Acht na mBóithre 1993 a bhaineann le haon scéim nó forbairt bóthair bheartaithe a cheadú, beidh ag an mBord, i ndáil le haon cheann de na feidhmeanna a aistrítear faoin gCuid seo maidir leis na nithe sin, an chumhacht chun an scéim nó an fhorbairt, nó aon chuid den chéanna, a cheadú, fara nó d’éagmais coinníollacha nó modhnuithe, nó chun diúltú an scéim nó an fhorbairt, nó aon chuid den chéanna, a cheadú.
(3) Gan dochar do ghinearáltacht na cumhachta sin roimhe seo coinníollacha a chur ag gabháil le ceadú, féadfaidh an Bord coinníoll a chur ag gabháil le haon cheadú do scéim nó d’fhorbairt bóthair bheartaithe faoi Acht na mBóithre 1993, á cheangal—
(a) saoráid a fhoirgniú nó foirgniú saoráide a mhaoiniú go hiomlán nó go páirteach, nó
(b) seirbhís a sholáthar nó soláthar seirbhíse a mhaoiniú go hiomlán nó go páirteach,
sa limistéar ina mbeadh an fhorbairt bheartaithe suite, is saoráid nó seirbhís a bheadh, i dtuairim an Bhoird, ina gnóchan substaintiúil don phobal.
(4) Ní cheanglófar le coinníoll a bheidh ag gabháil le ceadú de bhun fho-alt (3) go gcuirfear an oiread sin acmhainní airgeadais in árach chun an coinníoll a chomhlíonadh go mbainfear go substaintiúil den duine, ar ina fhabhar nó ina fabhar a oibríonn an ceadú, na sochair is dóigh a d’fhabhródh ó dheonú an cheadaithe.”.
Leasú ar alt 218 den Phríomh-Acht.
39.— Leasaítear alt 218 den Phríomh-Acht—
(a) tríd an bhfo-alt seo a leanas a chur in ionad fho-alt (1):
“(1) Más rud é, mar thoradh ar aistriú feidhmeanna faoi alt 214, 215, 215A nó 215B, go gceanglófaí ar an mBord thairis sin fiosrúchán áitiúil nó fiosrúchán áitiúil poiblí a dhéanamh nó éisteacht ó bhéal a thionól, ní bheidh feidhm ag an gceanglas sin maidir leis an mBord ach féadfaidh an Bord, dá lánrogha féin, éisteacht ó bhéal a thionól i ndáil leis an ní is ábhar don fheidhm a aistríodh.”,
agus
(b) i bhfo-alt (4), trí “ailt 214 go 215B” a chur in ionad “ailt 214 agus 215”.
Leasú ar alt 219 den Phríomh-Acht.
40.— Cuirtear an t-alt seo a leanas in ionad alt 219 den Phríomh-Acht:
“Cumhacht chun a ordú go n-íocfar costais áirithe.
219.— (1) I gcás go mbeidh breith tugtha ag an mBord le linn aon fheidhmeanna arna n-aistriú faoi alt 214, 215, 215A nó 215B a chomhlíonadh, féadfaidh sé, dá lánrogha féin, a ordú don údarás áitiúil lena mbaineann nó, i gcás alt 215A nó 215B, don duine a rinne an t-iarratas ar an ordú fála (dá ngairtear an ‘t-iarratasóir’ ina dhiaidh seo san alt seo) cibé suim a mheasfaidh an Bord a bheith réasúnach a íoc—
(a) leis an mBord faoi chomhair na gcostas agus na gcaiteachas a thabhóidh an Bord le linn breith a thabhairt ar an ní, lena n-áirítear—
(i) na costais a ghabhann le haon éisteacht ó bhéal a thionól i ndáil leis an ní,
(ii) táillí aon sainchomhairleoirí nó comhairleoirí a fhostófar maidir leis an ní, agus
(iii) méid is comhionann le cibé cion den luach saothair agus d’aon liúntais i leith caiteachas a íocfar le comhaltaí agus fostaithe an Bhoird a chinnfidh an Bord a bheith inchurtha i leith comhlíonadh dualgas ag na comhaltaí agus na fostaithe i ndáil leis an ní,
agus
(b) le haon duine a láithreoidh ag éisteacht ó bhéal a thionólfar i ndáil leis an ní mar ranníoc faoi chomhair na gcostas, seachas na costais dá dtagraítear in alt 135, a thabhaigh an duine sin mar gheall ar láithriú ag an éisteacht sin,
agus íocfaidh an t-údarás áitiúil nó an t-iarratasóir, de réir mar is cuí, an tsuim.
(2) Déanfar an tagairt do chostais i bhfo-alt (1)(b) a fhorléiriú mar thagairt do cibé costais a measann an Bord, dá lánrogha féin, gur costais réasúnacha iad.
(3) Má mhainníonn údarás áitiúil nó iarratasóir, de réir mar is cuí, suim a ordófar a íoc faoi fho-alt (1) a íoc, féadfaidh an Bord nó aon duine eile lena mbaineann, de réir mar a bheidh, an tsuim a ghnóthú ón údarás nó ón iarratasóir, de réir mar is cuí, mar fhiach conartha shimplí in aon chúirt dlínse inniúla.”.
Leasú ar alt 221 den Phríomh-Acht.
41.— Leasaítear alt 221 den Phríomh-Acht—
(a) i bhfo-ailt (1) agus (7), trí “alt 214, 215, 215A nó 215B” a chur in ionad “ailt 214 agus 215”, agus
(b) i bhfo-ailt (2) agus (5), trí “alt 214, 215, 215A nó 215B” a chur in ionad “alt 214 nó 215”.
Leasú ar alt 223 den Phríomh-Acht.
42.— Leasaítear alt 223 den Phríomh-Acht—
(a) i bhfo-alt (1), trí “alt 214, 215, 215A nó 215B don Aire, d’aon Aire eile den Rialtas nó don Choimisiún um Rialáil Fuinnimh” a chur in ionad “alt 214 nó 215 don Aire”, agus
(b) i bhfo-alt (2), trí “alt 214, 215, 215A nó 215B” a chur in ionad “alt 214 nó 215”.
Leasú ar alt 226 den Phríomh-Acht.
43.— Leasaítear alt 226 den Phríomh-Acht—
(a) tríd an bhfo-alt seo a leanas a chur in ionad fho-alt (2):
“(2) (a) Féadfaidh an Bord forbairt bheartaithe a cheadú, í a cheadú faoi réir coinníollacha, nó diúltú í a cheadú.
(b) Gan dochar do ghinearáltacht mhír (a), féadfaidh an Bord coinníollacha a chur ag gabháil le ceadú faoin alt seo maidir le, nó i dtaca le, cosaint na muirthimpeallachta (lena n-áirítear iascaigh a chosaint) nó, más ábhar molta é ón Aire Iompair don Bhord ó thaobh fheidhmiú na cumhachta faoin bhfo-alt seo sa chás áirithe (ar moladh é a fhéadfaidh an tAire sin den Rialtas a dhéanamh de bhua an fho-ailt seo), maidir le, nó i dtaca le, sábháilteacht loingseoireachta.”,
(b) trí na fo-ailt seo a leanas a chur in ionad fho-alt (6):
“(6) (a) Sa chás seo a leanas:
(i) más dóigh leis an údarás áitiúil lena mbaineann gur dóigh go mbeadh éifeachtaí suntasacha ag an bhforbairt sin ar an gcomhshaol, déanfaidh sé; nó
(ii) féadfaidh an tAire Cumarsáide, Mara agus Acmhainní Nádúrtha;
an cheist i dtaobh an dóigh go mbeadh éifeachtaí suntasacha ag an bhforbairt ina dhiaidh sin ar an gcomhshaol a tharchur chuig an mBord chun go ndéanfaidh sé cinneadh ina leith.
(b) Is cás forbartha é an cás sin a aithnítear chun críocha alt 176 (seachas forbairt a thagann faoi réim aicme forbartha a aithnítear chun críocha an ailt sin) agus a bheartaítear a dhéanamh go hiomlán nó go páirteach ar an imeall trá—
(i) ag údarás áitiúil ar údarás pleanála é, cibé acu ina cháil mar údarás pleanála nó i gcáil eile, nó
(ii) ag duine éigin eile thar ceann údaráis áitiúil nó i gcomhpháirt nó i gcomhpháirtíocht le húdarás áitiúil ar údarás pleanála é, de bhun comhaontaithe arna dhéanamh ag an údarás sin, cibé acu ina cháil mar údarás pleanála nó i gcáil eile.
(c) I gcás go n-iarrfaidh an Bord é, soláthróidh an t-údarás áitiúil nó an tAire Cumarsáide, Mara agus Acmhainní Nádúrtha don Bhord cibé faisnéis a shonróidh an Bord maidir leis na héifeachtaí a bheidh ag an bhforbairt bheartaithe, is ábhar don cheist a tarchuireadh chuige faoin bhfo-alt seo, ar an gcomhshaol.
(7) (a) Déanfaidh an Bord an cheist a tharchuirfear chuige faoi fho-alt (6) a bhreithniú agus a chinneadh agus, i gcás go gcinnfidh sé gur dóigh go mbeadh éifeachtaí suntasacha ag an bhforbairt lena mbaineann ar an gcomhshaol, déanfaidh sé—
(i) fógra a thabhairt don údarás áitiúil lena mbaineann (agus, i gcás go mbeidh an cheist tarchurtha ag an Aire Cumarsáide, Mara agus Acmhainní Nádúrtha, don Aire sin den Rialtas) á rá go bhfuil cinnte aige gur dóigh go mbeadh na héifeachtaí sin ag an bhforbairt, agus
(ii) a shonrú, san fhógra sin, go mbeidh ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta a ullmhóidh an t-údarás, nó a chuirfidh sé faoi deara a ullmhú, i leith na forbartha, ag gabháil le haon iarratas ag an údarás áitiúil lena mbaineann ar cheadú faoi fho-alt (1) i leith na forbartha,
agus, i gcás go mbeidh sé sonraithe amhlaidh san fhógra sin, beidh ráiteas den sórt sin ag gabháil le haon iarratas den sórt sin dá réir sin.
(b) Déanfaidh an Bord, le linn dó an cinneadh sin a dhéanamh, aird a thabhairt ar na critéir d’fhonn a chinneadh cé na haicmí forbartha ar dóigh dóibh éifeachtaí suntasacha a bheith acu ar an gcomhshaol arna leagan amach in aon rialacháin arna ndéanamh faoi alt 176.
(c) D’ainneoin aon achtacháin eile, is cinneadh críochnaitheach cinneadh an Bhoird ar cheist arna tarchur chuige faoi fho-alt (6).
(8) Féadfaidh an tAire rialacháin a dhéanamh chun foráil do cibé nithe a bhaineann le nós imeachta agus riarachán is dealraitheach don Aire, tar éis dó nó di dul i gcomhairle leis an Aire Cumarsáide, Mara agus Acmhainní Nádúrtha, a bheith riachtanach nó fóirsteanach i leith ceist a tharchur faoi fho-alt (6) nó cinneadh a dhéanamh faoi fho-alt (7).
(9) Beidh feidhm ag an alt seo maidir le forbairt bheartaithe—
(a) a bheadh, dá ndéanfaí í go hiomlán laistigh de limistéar feidhme údaráis áitiúil is údarás pleanála, faoi réir fhorálacha alt 175,
(b) ar tugadh fógra chuig údarás áitiúil ina leith faoi mhír (a)(i) d’fho-alt (7) á rá gur forbairt í ar chinn an Bord faoin bhfo-alt sin gur dóigh go mbeadh éifeachtaí suntasacha aici ar an gcomhshaol, nó
(c) atá forordaithe chun críocha an ailt seo.”.
Leasú ar alt 227 den Phríomh-Acht.
44.— Leasaítear alt 227 den Phríomh-Acht—
(a) i bhfo-alt (5), trí “an Aire Cumarsáide, Mara agus Acmhainní Nádúrtha” a chur in ionad “Aire na Mara agus Acmhainní Nádúrtha”,
(b) tríd an bhfo-alt seo a chur in ionad fho-alt (8):
“(8) (a) Faoi réir mhír (b), ní bheidh feidhm ag na hAchtanna Imeall Trá 1933 go 2005 maidir le haon iarratas chuig an mBord faoi alt 226, ná maidir le nithe lena mbaineann fo-alt 5(b) ná maidir le scéim arna cur faoi bhráid an Aire faoi alt 49 d’Acht na mBóithre 1993.
(b) In aon chás go ndéanfaidh údarás áitiúil is údarás pleanála iarratas ar cheadú le haghaidh forbartha beartaithe faoi alt 226 nó gur dheonaigh an Bord ceadú den sórt sin chuige, ach nach mbeidh fáil éigeantach arna lorg aige ar aon imeall trá ar a ndéanfaí an fhorbairt bheartaithe faoi achtachán arna shonrú in alt 214, féadfaidh an t-údarás iarratas a dhéanamh ar léas nó ar cheadúnas faoi alt 2 nó 3 den Acht Imeall Trágha 1933 i leith na forbartha beartaithe sin; sna cásanna sin, d’ainneoin fhorálacha aon achtacháin eile, ní gá—
(i) don údarás áitiúil ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta a chur faoi bhráid an Bhoird i dtaca lena iarratas ar an léas nó ar an gceadúnas sin, ná
(ii) don Aire Cumarsáide, Mara agus Acmhainní Nádúrtha breithniú a dhéanamh ar na héifeachtaí is dóigh a bheidh ag an bhforbairt bheartaithe ar an gcomhshaol.”,
agus
(c) trí fho-alt (9) a scriosadh.
Leasú ar alt 228 den Phríomh-Acht.
45.— Leasaítear alt 228 den Phríomh-Acht tríd an bhfo-alt seo a leanas a chur isteach:
“(5) Ní cheanglófar aon cheadúnas faoin Acht Imeall Trágha 1933 i leith aon dul isteach den sórt sin ná aon imscrúduithe láithreáin a dhéanfar de réir an ailt seo.”.
Leasú ar alt 265 den Phríomh-Acht.
46.— Leasaítear alt 265(3) den Phríomh-Acht trí “faoi Chuid XII” a chur in ionad “faoin Acht seo”.
Leasú ar Chuid XIX den Phríomh-Acht.
47.— Leasaítear Cuid XIX den Phríomh-Acht tríd an alt seo a leanas a chur isteach i ndiaidh alt 270:
“Gan difear a dhéanamh d’fhorbairtí díolmhaithe.
270A.— D’fhonn amhras a sheachaint, ní dhéanfaidh na leasuithe de chuid an Achta seo arna ndéanamh leis an Acht um Pleanáil agus Forbairt (Bonneagar Straitéiseach) 2006 difear d’aon earnáil forbartha díolmhaithe de bhua alt 4 nó rialachán faoi.”.
CUID 4
Ilghnéitheach
Leasú ar an Acquisition of Land (Assessment of Compensation) Act 1919.
48.— (1) Déantar alt 2 den Acquisition of Land (Assessment of Compensation) Act 1919, mar atá sé arna leasú i gcásanna ina mbeidh aon chúiteamh a mheasúnaítear iníoctha ag údarás pleanála nó ag aon údarás áitiúil eile, a leasú tríd an Riail seo a leanas a chur isteach i ndiaidh Riail (16):
“(17) The value of any land lying 10 metres or more below the surface of that land shall be taken to be nil, unless it is shown to be of a greater value by the claimant.”.
(2) I gcás go mbeidh forálacha an Acquisition of Land (Assessment of Compensation) Act 1919 le cur chun feidhme le linn aon chúiteamh a mheasúnú a dhlífidh duine, seachas údarás pleanála nó údarás áitiúil eile, a íoc, measfar éifeacht a bheith le foráil den tsamhail sin a ghabhann leis an Riail a chuirtear isteach le fo-alt (1) i ndáil leis an gcúiteamh sin a mheasúnú.
Leasú ar an Acht Iompair (Bonneagar Iarnróid) 2001.
49.— Leasaítear an tAcht Iompair (Bonneagar Iarnróid) 2001—
(a) in alt 2—
(i) sa mhíniú ar “ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta”, trí “alt 37(3)(e)” a chur in ionad “alt 37(2)(d)”,
(ii) tríd an míniú seo a leanas a chur isteach i ndiaidh an mhínithe ar “údarás pleanála”:
“ciallaíonn ‘ forordaithe ’, i gCuid 3, forordaithe le rialacháin arna ndéanamh ag an Aire Comhshaoil, Oidhreachta agus Rialtais Áitiúil;”,
agus
(iii) sa mhíniú ar “gnóthas iarnróid”, trí “alt 43(5)” a chur in ionad “alt 43(6)”,
agus
(b) trí na hailt seo a leanas a chur in ionad ailt 37 go 47 (arna leasú leis an Acht um Shábháilteacht Iarnróid 2005):
“Iarratas ar ordú iarnróid.
37.— (1) Féadfaidh an Ghníomhaireacht, CIÉ, nó aon duine eile le toiliú na Gníomhaireachta, iarratas a dhéanamh chuig an mBord Pleanála (dá ngairtear an ‘Bord’ ina dhiaidh seo san Acht seo) ar ordú iarnróid.
(2) Sonrófar in iarratas faoi fho-alt (1) an mar iarnród éadrom, meitreo nó ar shlí eile is mian leis an iarratasóir go ndéanfar an t-iarnród lena mbaineann a ainmniú leis an ordú.
(3) Déanfar iarratas faoi fho-alt (1) i scríbhinn i cibé foirm a shonróidh an tAire agus beidh na nithe seo a leanas ag gabháil leis—
(a) dréacht den ordú beartaithe,
(b) plean de na hoibreacha iarnróid beartaithe,
(c) i gcás iarratais ag an nGníomhaireacht nó ag duine le toiliú na Gníomhaireachta, plean d’aon fhorbairt tráchtála a bheartaítear a dhéanamh ar thalamh atá tadhlach leis na hoibreacha iarnróid beartaithe,
(d) leabhar tagartha do phlean a cheanglaítear faoin bhfo-alt seo (ina léirítear céannacht úinéirí agus áititheoirí na dtailte a thuairiscítear sa phlean), agus
(e) ráiteas faoi na héifeachtaí is dóigh a bheidh ag na hoibreacha iarnróid beartaithe (dá ngairtear ‘ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta’ ina dhiaidh seo sa Chuid seo) ar an gcomhshaol,
agus maidir le dréachtphlean agus leabhar tagartha is i cibé foirm a shonróidh an tAire nó i bhfoirm a mbeidh an éifeacht chéanna léi a bheidh siad.
(4) Ní dhéanfar foirgniú oibreacha iarnróid, is ábhar d’iarratas ar ordú iarnróid faoin gCuid seo, a ghabháil de láimh mura mbeidh ordú faoi alt 43 deonaithe ag an mBord.
Forbairt dhíolmhaithe.
38.— Is forbairt dhíolmhaithe chun críocha Acht 2000 gach ceann díobh seo a leanas:
(a) forbairt arb éard í oibreacha iarnróid a dhéanamh, lena n-áirítear na hoibreacha iarnróid nó aon chuid díobh a úsáid chun iarnród a oibriú, a bheidh údaraithe ag an mBord agus sonraithe in ordú iarnróid, nó aon oibreacha teagmhasacha nó sealadacha a bhaineann leis an bhforbairt sin;
(b) forbairt arb éard í oibreacha iarnróid a dhéanamh chun iarnród a bheidh tógtha de bhun ordaithe iarnróid a chothabháil, a fheabhsú nó a dheisiú.
Ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta.
39.— (1) Beidh an fhaisnéis seo a leanas i ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta:
(a) tuairisc ar na hoibreacha iarnróid beartaithe ina mbeidh faisnéis ar láithreán, dearadh agus méid na n-oibreacha iarnróid beartaithe;
(b) tuairisc ar na bearta a shamhlaítear d’fhonn droch-éifeachtaí suntasacha a sheachaint, a laghdú agus, más féidir, a leigheas;
(c) na sonraí is gá chun na príomh-éifeachtaí is dóigh a bheidh ag na hoibreacha iarnróid beartaithe ar an gcomhshaol a aithint agus a mheasúnú;
(d) sracléiriú ar na príomhroghanna a mbeidh staidéar déanta ag an iarratasóir orthu agus léiriú ar na príomhchúiseanna a bheidh lena rogha, agus na héifeachtaí comhshaoil á gcur i gcuntas; agus
(e) achoimre i bhfriotal neamhtheicniúil ar an bhfaisnéis thuas.
(2) I ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta, i dteannta na faisnéise sonraithe dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (1), agus mar mhíniú uirthi nó chun cur léi, beidh faisnéis bhreise maidir leis na nithe seo a leanas:
(a) (i) tuairisc ar airíonna fisiceacha iomlán na n-oibreacha iarnróid beartaithe agus na riachtanais ó thaobh úsáide talún de le linn na gcéimeanna foirgníochta agus oibríochta,
(ii) meastachán, de réir cineáil agus méid, ar na hiarmhair agus na hastuithe (lena n-áirítear truailliú uisce, aeir agus ithreach, torann, creathadh, solas, teas agus radaíocht) a mheastar a bheidh ann de thoradh ar oibriú na n-oibreacha iarnróid beartaithe;
(b) tuairisc ar na gnéithe den chomhshaol ar dóigh go ndéanfaidh na hoibreacha iarnróid beartaithe difear suntasach dóibh, lena n-áirítear, go háirithe—
(i) daoine, fauna agus flora,
(ii) ithir, uisce, aer, tosca aeráide agus an tírdhreach,
(iii) sócmhainní ábhartha, lena n-áirítear an oidhreacht ailtireachta agus seandálaíochta, agus an oidhreacht chultúir,
(iv) idirghaolmhaireacht na nithe dá dtagraítear sa mhír seo;
(c) tuairisc ar na héifeachtaí suntasacha (lena n-áirítear cinn dhíreacha, neamhdhíreacha, thánaisteacha, charnacha, ghearrthéarma, mheántéarma agus fadtéarma, bhuana agus shealadacha, dhearfacha agus dhiúltacha) is dóigh a bheidh ag na n-oibreacha iarnróid beartaithe ar an gcomhshaol mar thoradh ar na nithe seo a leanas—
(i) na hoibreacha iarnróid beartaithe a bheith ann,
(ii) acmhainní nádúrtha a úsáid,
(iii) truailleáin a astú, núiseanna a chruthú agus dramhaíl a dhíbirt,
agus tuairisc ar na modhanna tuartha a úsáidfear chun na héifeachtaí ar an gcomhshaol a mheasúnú;
(d) léiriú ar aon deacrachtaí (easnaimh theicniúla nó easpa fios feasa) a bhain don iarratasóir le linn dó nó di an fhaisnéis is gá a thiomsú; agus
(e) achoimre ar an bhfaisnéis thuas i bhfriotal neamhtheicniúil,
a mhéid a bheidh an fhaisnéis sin iomchuí maidir le céim áirithe den nós imeachta toilithe agus maidir le hairíonna sonracha na n-oibreacha iarnróid nó an chineáil oibreacha iarnróid lena mbaineann, agus na ngnéithe comhshaoil ar dóigh go ndéanfar difear dóibh, agus féadfar a cheangal le réasún ar an iarratasóir faisnéis den sórt sin a thiomsú ag féachaint, i measc nithe eile, d’eolas reatha agus do mhodhanna measúnachta.
(3) (a) Más rud é, sula ndéanfaidh duine iarratas chuig an mBord ar ordú iarnróid, go n-iarrfaidh sé nó sí amhlaidh, déanfaidh an Bord, tar éis dul i gcomhairle leis an duine agus le cibé comhlachtaí a bheidh sonraithe ag an Aire Comhshaoil, Oidhreachta agus Rialtais Áitiúil chun na críche sin, tuairim scríofa a thabhairt ar an bhfaisnéis a bheidh i ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta.
(b) Ní dochar tuairim scríofa a thabhairt de réir an fho-ailt seo d’fheidhmiú a chumhachtaí de bhun an Achta seo ag an mBord chun a cheangal ar iarratasóir faisnéis bhreise a thabhairt i ndáil le héifeachtaí na n-oibreacha iarnróid beartaithe ar an gcomhshaol.
(4) Ní bheidh feidhm ag Rialacháin na gComhphobal Eorpach (Measúnacht Tionchair Timpeallachta) 1989 go 2005 ná ag Acht 2000 agus aon rialachán arna dhéanamh faoin gcéanna i ndáil le measúnacht tionchair timpeallachta maidir le haon ní a rinneadh faoi ordú arna dhéanamh faoin Acht seo.
Fógra a fhoilsiú i ndáil le hiarratas ar ordú iarnróid.
40.— (1) Sula ndéanfar iarratas ar ordú iarnróid, déanfaidh an t-iarratasóir—
(a) cóip den dréacht-ordú agus de na doiciméid go léir a bheidh ag gabháil leis an iarratas a thaisceadh agus a choimeád ar taisce, i cibé áit nó áiteanna, a cheapfaidh an Bord, is áit nó áiteanna ar a bhfuil rochtain ag an bpobal go héasca, ar feadh tréimhse nach lú ná 6 sheachtain tar éis an fógra dá dtagraítear i mír (b) a fhoilsiú,
(b) fógra a fhoilsiú i nuachtán amháin nó níos mó a scaiptear sa limistéar lena mbaineann an t-ordú—
(i) ina gcuirfear in iúl go mbeidh iarratas á dhéanamh ar ordú,
(ii) ina gcuirfear in iúl cén tráth a fhéadfar agus cén áit nó cé na háiteanna ina bhféadfar, agus cén tréimhse (is tréimhse 6 sheachtain) ar lena linn a fhéadfar cóip den dréacht-ordú agus de na doiciméid a bheidh ag gabháil leis an iarratas agus a bheidh taiscthe faoin alt seo a iniúchadh,
(iii) ina ndéarfar go mbreithneoidh an Bord aon aighneachtaí i ndáil leis an ordú beartaithe nó i ndáil leis na héifeachtaí is dóigh a bheidh ag na hoibreacha iarnróid beartaithe ar an gcomhshaol a bheidh curtha faoina bhráid i scríbhinn ag aon duine laistigh den tréimhse dá dtagraítear i bhfomhír (ii),
(iv) ina ndéarfar gur féidir cóip den dréacht-ordú nó sliocht as agus cóip de na doiciméid a bheidh ag gabháil leis nó sliocht astu a cheannach ar tháille a íoc nach mó ná an costas réasúnach a bhaineann leis an gcóip nó leis an sliocht sin a dhéanamh, agus
(v) ina ndéarfar, más amhlaidh atá an cás, gur dóigh go mbeidh éifeachtaí suntasacha ag na hoibreacha iarnróid beartaithe ar an gcomhshaol i dTuaisceart Éireann,
(c) cóip den dréacht-ordú agus de na doiciméid a bheidh ag gabháil leis agus den fhógra dá dtagraítear i mír (b) a sheirbheáil ar an údarás pleanála ar ina limistéar feidhme (nó in aon chuid de) a bheartaítear na hoibreacha iarnróid beartaithe a dhéanamh, ar an Aire agus ar cibé daoine eile (más ann) a ordóidh an Bord,
(d) cóip den fhógra dá dtagraítear i mír (b) mar aon le sleachta iomchuí as na doiciméid dá dtagraítear i mír (a) a sheirbheáil ar gach áititheoir (más ann) agus ar gach úinéir (más ann) de chuid talún dá dtagraítear sa dréacht-ordú, agus
(e) i gcás —
(i) inar dóigh go mbeidh éifeachtaí suntasacha ag na hoibreacha iarnróid beartaithe ar an gcomhshaol i dTuaisceart Éireann, nó
(ii) ina n-iarrfaidh an t-údarás dá dtagraítear ina dhiaidh seo sa mhír seo go gcuirfear cóip den ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta chuige, cóip den sórt sin a chur chuig an údarás forordaithe i dTuaisceart Éireann, mar aon le fógra, i cibé foirm a fhorordófar, á rá go bhfuil iarratas déanta ar na hoibreacha sin a cheadú agus go bhféadfar aighneachtaí i scríbhinn a dhéanamh chuig an mBord (le linn na tréimhse a bheidh sonraithe san fhógra dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (1)(b)) i ndáil leis na héifeachtaí is dóigh a bheidh ag na hoibreacha sin ar an gcomhshaol.
(2) Féadfaidh daoine den phobal cóip de dhréacht-ordú iarnróid agus de dhoiciméid a bheidh ag gabháil leis arna dtaisceadh faoin alt seo a iniúchadh saor in aisce na tráthanna agus le linn na tréimhse a bheidh sonraithe san fhógra dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (1)(b) agus féadfaidh siad cóipeanna d’aon cheann de na doiciméid réamhráite nó sleachta astu a cheannach ar tháille a íoc leis an iarratasóir nach mó ná an costas réasúnach a bhaineann leis na cóipeanna nó na sleachta sin a dhéanamh de réir mar a shocróidh an t-iarratasóir.
(3) Féadfaidh aon duine, le linn na tréimhse a bheidh sonraithe san fhógra dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (1)(b), aighneachtaí i scríbhinn a dhéanamh chuig an mBord i ndáil leis an ordú iarnróid beartaithe nó i ndáil leis na héifeachtaí is dóigh a bheidh ag na hoibreacha iarnróid beartaithe ar an gcomhshaol.
(4) I gcás go mbeidh an ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta agus fógra dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (1)(e) curtha chuig an údarás forordaithe i dTuaisceart Éireann de bhun na forála sin, rachaidh an Ghníomhaireacht, CIÉ nó an Bord, i gcás aon iarratasóra eile, de réir mar is cuí, i gcomhairle leis an údarás sin maidir le héifeachtaí ionchasacha na n-oibreacha iarnróid beartaithe ar an gcomhshaol agus maidir leis na bearta a shamhlaítear chun na éifeachtaí sin a laghdú nó chun deireadh a chur leo.
Faisnéis bhreise don Bhord.
41.— (1) I gcás gurb é tuairim an Bhoird nach gcomhlíonann ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta arna thabhairt faoi alt 37 forálacha alt 39 nó más dóigh leis thairis sin gur gá déanamh amhlaidh, ceanglóidh sé ar an iarratasóir doiciméad a thabhairt dó ina mbeidh cibé faisnéis bhreise a shonróidh sé i ndáil leis na hoibreacha iarnróid beartaithe agus comhlíonfaidh an t-iarratasóir aon cheanglas den sórt sin laistigh de cibé tréimhse a shonróidh an Bord.
(2) (a) Más rud é go bhfuil sonraí suntasacha i ndáil leis na héifeachtaí is dóigh a bheidh ag na hoibreacha iarnróid beartaithe ar an gcomhshaol sa doiciméad a thabharfar faoi fho-alt (1), ceanglóidh an Bord ar an iarratasóir—
(i) cóip den doiciméad réamhráite a thaisceadh agus a choimeád ar taisce san áit nó i ngach ceann de na háiteanna a bheidh ceaptha ag an mBord,
(ii) fógra a fhoilsiú i nuachtán amháin nó níos mó a scaiptear sa limistéar lena mbaineann an t-ordú iarnróid bheartaithe ina luafar gur tugadh don Bhord faisnéis bhreise i ndáil leis na héifeachtaí is dóigh a bheidh ag na hoibreacha iarnróid beartaithe ar an gcomhshaol, go mbeidh cóipeanna den doiciméad ina bhfuil an fhaisnéis ar fáil lena n-iniúchadh saor in aisce agus lena gceannach ag daoine den phobal, san áit nó i ngach ceann de na háiteanna a bheidh ceaptha ag an mBord, tráthanna sonraithe le linn na tréimhse nach lú ná 3 sheachtain dar tosach an lá a fhoilseofar an fógra agus go bhféadfar aighneachtaí i ndáil leis an bhfaisnéis bhreise a dhéanamh chuig an mBord sula rachaidh an tréimhse sin in éag, agus
(iii) fógra á rá gur tugadh an fhaisnéis bhreise don Bhord, mar aon le sleachta iomchuí as an doiciméad réamhráite, a sheirbheáil ar aon duine ar seirbheáladh fógra air nó uirthi de bhun alt 40(1) agus a chur in iúl don duine lena mbaineann go bhféadfar aighneachtaí i ndáil leis an bhfaisnéis bhreise a dhéanamh chuig an mBord le linn na tréimhse nach lú ná 3 sheachtain dar tosach an lá a chuirfidh an t-iarratasóir an fógra chuig an duine lena mbaineann.
(b) Déanfar cóipeanna d’fhaisnéis bhreise a bhfoilseofar fógra ina leith de bhun ceanglais faoi fho-alt (2)(a)(ii) a chur ar fáil lena gceannach ag daoine den phobal le linn na tréimhse a bheidh sonraithe san fhógra dá dtagraítear san fhoráil sin ar cibé táille a shocróidh an t-iarratasóir nach mó ná an costas réasúnach a bhainfidh leis na cóipeanna sin a dhéanamh.
(3) Féadfaidh daoine den phobal an fhaisnéis bhreise a thaiscfear faoin alt seo a iniúchadh saor in aisce na tráthanna agus le linn na tréimhse a bheidh sonraithe san fhógra dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (2)(a)(ii).
(4) Féadfaidh duine, le linn na tréimhse a bheidh sonraithe san fhógra dá dtagraítear i mír (a)(ii) nó (iii), de réir mar is cuí, d’fho-alt (2), aighneachtaí i scríbhinn a dhéanamh chuig an mBord i ndáil leis an bhfaisnéis bhreise a thaiscfear faoin alt seo.
Éisteachtaí ó bhéal.
42.— (1) Féadfaidh an Bord, dá lánrogha féin, éisteacht ó bhéal a thionól maidir le hiarratas ar ordú iarnróid.
(2) Beidh feidhm ag ailt 135, 143 agus 146 d’Acht 2000 (arna leasú leis an Acht um Pleanáil agus Forbairt (Bonneagar Straitéiseach) 2006), agus beidh éifeacht leo, i ndáil le héisteacht ó bhéal dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (1) agus forléireofar na hailt sin dá réir sin.
Ordú iarnróid.
43.— (1) Aon uair a dhéanfar iarratas faoi alt 37, déanfaidh an Bord, sula dtabharfaidh sé breith i dtaobh an t-ordú lena mbaineann an t-iarratas a dheonú, na nithe seo a leanas a bhreithniú:
(a) an t-iarratas;
(b) an dréacht-ordú agus na doiciméid a bhí ag gabháil leis an iarratas;
(c) tuarascáil ar aon éisteacht ó bhéal a tionóladh faoi alt 42 agus na moltaí (más ann) atá inti;
(d) aon aighneacht arna déanamh chuige go cuí faoi alt 40(3) nó 41(4) agus nár tarraingíodh siar;
(e) aon aighneacht arna déanamh chuige go cuí ag údarás dá dtagraítear in alt 40(1)(c) nó (e);
(f) aon fhaisnéis bhreise arna tabhairt dó faoi alt 41;
(g) na hiarmhairtí is dóigh a bheidh ag na n-oibreacha iarnróid do phleanáil chuí agus d’fhorbairt inchothaithe sa limistéar ina mbeartaítear na hoibreacha sin a dhéanamh agus don chomhshaol; agus
(h) na nithe dá dtagraítear in alt 143 (a cuireadh isteach leis an Acht um Pleanáil agus Forbairt (Bonneagar Straitéiseach 2006) d’Acht 2000.
(2) Más rud é, tar éis an breithniú sin a dhéanamh, gurb é tuairim an Bhoird gur chóir an t-iarratas a dheonú, déanfaidh sé ordú á údarú don iarratasóir an t-iarnród nó na hoibreacha iarnróid a bheidh sonraithe san ordú nó in aon chuid den chéanna a fhoirgniú, a chothabháil, a fheabhsú agus, faoi réir alt 11(7) i gcás na Gníomhaireachta, a oibriú, ar cibé modh agus faoi réir cibé coinníollacha, modhnuithe, srianta agus ceanglas (agus ar cibé téarmaí eile) is cuí leis an mBord agus a shonróidh sé san ordú agus tabharfaidh an Bord cóip den ordú don iarratasóir.
(3) (a) A luaithe is féidir tar éis ordú iarnróid a dhéanamh, déanfaidh an Bord—
(i) fógra a fhoilsiú in 2 nuachtán ar a laghad a scaiptear sa limistéar lena mbaineann an t-ordú, i dtaobh an t-ordú iarnróid a dhéanamh agus i dtaobh na n-áiteanna ina bhféadfar, na tréimhse ar lena linn a fhéadfar agus na dtráthanna a fhéadfar cóipeanna den ordú iarnróid agus d’aon phlean dá dtagraítear ann a iniúchadh nó a cheannach ar chostas nach mó ná an costas réasúnach a bhaineann le cóipeanna den sórt sin a dhéanamh, agus
(ii) fógra a thabhairt don údarás forordaithe i dTuaisceart Éireann maidir lena bhreith i gcás ina mbeidh cóip den ráiteas timpeallachta curtha chuig an údarás sin de réir alt 40(1)(e).
(b) Sonrófar na nithe seo a leanas i bhfógra dá dtagraítear i mír (a)—
(i) ábhar agus cineál na breithe ón mBord lena n-áirítear aon choinníollacha a bheidh ag gabháil léi,
(ii) go raibh aird ag an mBord, le linn dó breith a thabhairt i dtaobh an ndeonódh sé ordú iarnróid, ar na nithe dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt 43(1), agus
(iii) tuairisc, más gá, ar na príomhbhearta chun aon drochéifeachtaí a bheadh ag na hoibreacha iarnróid beartaithe a sheachaint.
(4) Tiocfaidh ordú iarnróid i ngníomh—
(a) i gcás nach bhfuil iarratas déanta ar chead chun iarratas a dhéanamh ar athbhreithniú breithiúnach ar an ordú, i ndeireadh tréimhse 8 seachtain, agus
(b) i gcás go bhfuil iarratas den sórt sin déanta, agus nach bhfuil sé tarraingthe siar, a mhéid nach bhfuil dearbhú tugtha ina leith gur iarratas neamhbhailí é nó nach bhfuil sé neamhnithe de bhun an athbhreithnithe sin, ar chinneadh críochnaitheach na n-imeachtaí lena mbaineann nó cibé dáta eile a chinnfear sna himeachtaí sin, agus
(c) i gcás go bhfuil iarratas den sórt sin déanta agus tarraingthe siar, ar an dáta a tharraingítear siar é.
(5) Maidir le duine dár deonaíodh ordú iarnróid, féadfaidh sé nó sí, le toiliú an Aire, socruithe a dhéanamh le duine eile chun an t-iarnród nó na hoibreacha iarnróid lena mbaineann an t-ordú a fhoirgniú, a chothabháil, a fheabhsú nó a oibriú.
(6) Féadfaidh an Bord, i gcás gur mainníodh nó gur diúltaíodh coinníoll, srian nó ceanglas atá sonraithe in ordú iarnróid a chomhlíonadh, an t-ordú a chúlghairm.
(7) (a) I gcás go mbeartaíonn an Bord ordú faoin alt seo a chúlghairm, tabharfaidh sé fógra i scríbhinn don ghnóthas iarnróid i dtaobh é a bheith beartaithe aige déanamh amhlaidh agus i dtaobh na gcúiseanna atá leis sin.
(b) Féadfaidh an gnóthas iarnróid, tráth nach déanaí ná 3 sheachtain ón dáta a chuirfear an fógra, aighneachtaí i scríbhinn a dhéanamh chuig an mBord agus—
(i) sula dtabharfaidh an Bord breith ar an ní, cuirfidh sé san áireamh aon aighneachtaí a bheidh déanta chuige go cuí faoin mír seo i ndáil lena bhfuil beartaithe agus nach bhfuil tarraingthe siar, agus
(ii) tabharfaidh an Bord fógra i scríbhinn don ghnóthas iarnróid faoina bhreith agus faoi na cúiseanna atá léi.
(8) I bhfógra i dtaobh a bhfuil beartaithe ag an mBord faoi fho-alt (7) beidh ráiteas go bhféadfaidh an gnóthas iarnróid aighneachtaí a dhéanamh chuig an mBord tráth nach déanaí ná 3 sheachtain ón dáta a chuirfear an fógra agus i bhfógra i dtaobh breithe ón mBord faoi fho-alt (7) beidh ráiteas go bhféadfaidh an gnóthas iarnróid achomharc a dhéanamh chun na hArd-Chúirte faoi fho-alt (9) i gcoinne na breithe tráth nach déanaí ná 3 sheachtain ón dáta a chuirfear an fógra.
(9) D’ainneoin alt 47(1), féadfaidh an gnóthas iarnróid achomharc a dhéanamh chun na hArd-Chúirte i gcoinne breithe ón mBord faoi fho-alt (6) tráth nach déanaí ná 3 sheachtain ón dáta a chuirfear an fógra faoin mbreith faoi fho-alt (7) agus féadfaidh an Chúirt sin, de réir mar is cuí léi, ar an achomharc a éisteacht, breith an Bhoird a dhaingniú nó a ordú don Bhord a bhreith a tharraingt siar agus a thoirmeasc an t-ordú beartaithe lena mbaineann a dhéanamh.
Forálacha i ndáil le hordú iarnróid.
44.— (1) Beidh in ordú iarnróid cibé forálacha a mheasfaidh an Bord is gá nó is fóirsteanach chun críche an ordaithe.
(2) Gan dochar do ghinearáltacht fho-alt (1), maidir le hordú iarnróid—
(a) féadfar a shonrú ann aon talamh nó fo-stratam talún ar gá, i dtuairim an Bhoird, é a fháil chun éifeacht a thabhairt don ordú,
(b) féadfar a shonrú ann aon chearta i dtalamh nó in uisce nó faoi nó thairis nó, faoi réir thoiliú an Aire i gcás bóthair náisiúnta nó an Aire Comhshaoil, Oidhreachta agus Rialtais Áitiúil i gcás aon bhóthair phoiblí eile, in aon bhóthar poiblí nó faoi nó thairis ar gá, i dtuairim an Bhoird, iad a fháil chun éifeacht a thabhairt don ordú,
(c) féadfar a shonrú ann an modh ar a mbeidh an t-iarnród nó na hoibreacha iarnróid nó aon chuid den chéanna lena mbaineann an t-ordú le foirgniú,
(d) féadfar a shocrú ann an tréimhse ar laistigh di a bheidh na hoibreacha iarnróid le críochnú,
(e) féadfaidh forálacha a bheith ann maidir leis an modh ar a mbeidh na hoibreacha iarnróid le hoibriú agus le cothabháil,
(f) gan dochar do mhír (g), féadfaidh cibé forálacha a bheith ann a mheasfaidh an Bord is cuí chun an pobal i gcoitinne, pobail áitiúla agus aon daoine dá ndéanann an t-ordú difear a chosaint,
(g) féadfaidh forálacha a bheith ann lena gceanglaítear—
(i) saoráid a fhoirgniú nó foirgniú saoráide a mhaoiniú, go hiomlán nó go páirteach, nó
(ii) seirbhís a sholáthar nó soláthar seirbhíse a mhaoiniú, go hiomlán nó go páirteach,
sa limistéar ina mbeidh na hoibreacha iarnróid le foirgniú, is saoráid nó seirbhís a bheadh, i dtuairim an Bhoird, ina gnóchan don phobal,
(h) féadfar foráil a dhéanamh ann maidir le haon cheisteanna sonraithe a eascróidh faoin ordú a chinneadh trí eadráin,
(i) féadfaidh cibé forálacha a bheith ann is forálacha coimhdeacha nó teagmhasacha i ndáil le haon cheann de na nithe réamhráite agus a mheasfaidh an Bord is gá agus is cuí.
(3) Ní cheanglófar le foráil d’ordú iarnróid dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (2)(g) go gcuirfear an oiread sin acmhainní airgeadais in árach chun an fhoráil a chomhlíonadh go mbainfear go substaintiúil den duine, ar ina fhabhar nó ina fabhar a oibríonn an t-ordú, na sochair is dóigh a d’fhabhródh ón ordú a dhéanamh.
(4) Féadfaidh an Bord, le toiliú an Aire, in ordú iarnróid an t-iarnród lena mbaineann an t-ordú a ainmniú mar iarnród éadrom nó mar mheitreo.
Talamh a fháil go héigeantach.
45.— (1) Ar thosach feidhme ordaithe iarnróid, beidh an Ghníomhaireacht nó CIÉ údaraithe air sin aon talamh, nó aon chearta i dtalamh nó in aon fho-stratam talún nó faoi nó thairis, a bheidh sonraithe san ordú a fháil go héigeantach agus, chun na críche sin, beidh éifeacht leis an ordú iarnróid amhail is dá mba ordú ceannaigh éigeantaigh dá dtagraítear in alt 10(1) den Acht Rialtais Áitiúil (Uimh. 2) 1960 (arna chur isteach le halt 86 d’Acht na dTithe 1966) é, a rinneadh agus a daingníodh go cuí agus, dá réir sin, beidh feidhm ag an alt sin agus beidh éifeacht leis i ndáil leis an ordú fairis na modhnuithe—
(a) go ndéanfar tagairtí don údarás áitiúil a fhorléiriú mar thagairtí a fholaíonn tagairtí don Ghníomhaireacht nó do CIÉ, de réir mar a bheidh,
(b) go ndéanfar tagairtí don Aire Comhshaoil, Oidhreachta agus Rialtais Áitiúil a fhorléiriú mar thagairtí don Bhord,
(c) go ndéanfar an tagairt i bhfo-alt (4)(a) d’alt 78 d’Acht na dTithe 1966 a fhorléiriú mar thagairt a fholaíonn tagairt d’fho-ailt (1), (4) agus (5) den alt sin,
agus fara aon mhodhnuithe riachtanacha eile.
(2) I gcás go mbeartaíonn an Ghníomhaireacht nó CIÉ talamh a fháil de bhun fho-alt (1) agus go bhfuil sé níos éifeachtaí agus níos eacnamaíche, i dtuairim na Gníomhaireachta nó CIÉ, de réir mar a bheidh, talamh breise tadhlach leis a fháil, féadfaidh an Ghníomhaireacht nó CIÉ, de réir mar a bheidh, déanamh amhlaidh le toiliú an Aire agus toiliú aon duine ag a mbeidh leas sa talamh tadhlach nó ceart ann nó faoi nó thairis d’ainneoin nach bhfuil an talamh tadhlach sonraithe san ordú iarnróid.
(3) Comhlíonfaidh an Ghníomhaireacht nó CIÉ aon ordachán ón Aire i ndáil le talamh a bheidh faighte aici nó aige de bhun fho-alt (1).
Fógra i dtaobh ordú iarnróid a dheonú.
46.— A luaithe is féidir tar éis ordú iarnróid a dhéanamh, déanfaidh an gnóthas iarnróid—
(a) cóip den ordú agus den phlean dá dtagraítear ann a thaisceadh agus a choimeád ar taisce i bpríomh-oifig an ghnóthais iarnróid, agus i cibé áit eile a shonróidh an Bord, i rith na tréimhse 5 bliana tar éis an t-iarnród a oscailt le haghaidh tráchta, agus beidh an t-ordú agus an plean réamhráite, le linn dóibh a bheith ar taisce amhlaidh, ar fáil lena n-iniúchadh ag daoine den phobal saor in aisce, gach tráth réasúnach, agus féadfar cóipeanna d’aon cheann de na doiciméid réamhráite nó sleachta as a cheannach ar tháille a íoc leis an ngnóthas iarnróid nach mó ná an costas réasúnach a bhaineann leis na cóipeanna nó na sleachta sin a dhéanamh, agus
(b) cóip de shleachta iomchuí as an ordú iarnróid agus den phlean dá dtagraítear ann a sheirbheáil ar gach údarás pleanála don limistéar (nó aon chuid den limistéar) lena mbaineann an t-ordú agus chuig gach áititheoir (más ann) agus gach úinéir (más ann) de chuid talún dá dtagraítear san ordú iarnróid.
Athbhreithniú breithiúnach ar ordú iarnróid agus gníomhartha gaolmhara.
47.— (1) Ní cheisteoidh duine bailíocht ordaithe iarnróid ná aon ghnímh a dhéanfaidh an Bord i gcomhlíonadh nó i gcomhlíonadh airbheartaithe a fheidhmeanna faoi ailt 37 go 46 ar shlí seachas ar mhodh iarratais ar athbhreithniú breithiúnach faoi Ordú 84 de Rialacha na nUaschúirteanna (I.R. Uimh. 15 de 1986) (‘an tOrdú’).
(2) Féadfaidh an Bord, aon tráth tar éis tionscnaimh iarratais ar chead chun iarratas a dhéanamh ar athbhreithniú breithiúnach ar aon ghníomh lena mbaineann fo-alt (1) agus a bhaineann le ní a bheidh de thuras na huaire faoi bhráid an Bhoird, iarratas a dhéanamh chun na hArd-Chúirte chun na himeachtaí a bhac go dtí go dtabharfaidh an Bord breith i ndáil leis an ní lena mbaineann.
(3) Féadfaidh an Ard-Chúirt, ar iarratas den sórt sin a bheith déanta, i gcás go measfaidh sí go bhfuil an ní a bheidh os comhair an Bhoird faoi réim dhlínse an Bhoird, ordú a dhéanamh lena mbacfar na himeachtaí lena mbaineann ar cibé téarmaí is cuí léi.
(4) Faoi réir fho-alt (5), déanfar iarratas ar chead chun iarratas a dhéanamh ar athbhreithniú breithiúnach faoin Ordú i leith ordaithe nó gnímh lena mbaineann fo-alt (1) laistigh den tréimhse 8 seachtain dar tosach an dáta a rinneadh an t-ordú nó, de réir mar a bheidh, an dáta a rinne an Bord an gníomh.
(5) Féadfaidh an Ard-Chúirt an tréimhse dá bhforáiltear i bhfo-alt (4) agus a bhféadfar iarratas ar chead, dá dtagraítear san fho-alt sin, a dhéanamh lena linn, a fhadú, ach ní dhéanfaidh sí amhlaidh ach amháin más deimhin léi—
(a) go bhfuil cúis mhaith dhóthanach ann chun déanamh amhlaidh, agus
(b) maidir leis na himthosca ba chúis leis an mainneachtain an t-iarratas ar chead a dhéanamh laistigh den tréimhse dár foráladh amhlaidh, nach raibh neart orthu ag an iarratasóir ar an bhfadú.
(6) Forléireofar tagairtí san alt seo don Ordú mar thagairtí a fholaíonn tagairtí don Ordú arna leasú nó arna ionadú (fara modhnú nó gan mhodhnú) le rialacha cúirte.
Alt 47: forálacha forlíontacha.
47A.— (1) San alt seo—
ciallaíonn ‘Cúirt’ nuair a úsáidtear é gan cháiliú, an Ard-Chúirt (ach ní fhorléireofar an míniú seo mar mhíniú a chiallaíonn nach mbainfidh fo-ailt (2) go (6) agus (9) le feidhmiú dlínse ag an gCúirt Uachtarach ar aon achomharc a dhéanfar agus nach rialóidh siad an céanna);
déanfar ‘Ordú’ a fhorléiriú de réir alt 47;
ciallaíonn ‘cead faoi alt 47’ cead chun iarratas a dhéanamh ar athbhreithniú breithiúnach faoin Ordú i leith ordaithe nó gnímh lena mbaineann alt 47(1).
(2) Déanfar iarratas ar chead faoi alt 47 trí fhoriarratas iar bhfógra (a bheidh forasaithe sa tslí a shonrófar san Ordú i leith foriarratais ex parte ar chead) chuig an mBord, chuig an iarratasóir ar an ordú iarnróid, i gcás nach é nó í an t-iarratasóir ar chead, agus chuig aon duine eile a shonrófar chun na críche sin le hordú ón Ard-Chúirt, agus ní dheonóidh an Chúirt cead faoi alt 47 mura deimhin léi—
(a) go bhfuil forais shubstaintiúla ann chun a mhaíomh go bhfuil an t-ordú nó an gníomh lena mbaineann neamhbhailí nó gur ceart é a neamhniú, agus
(b) (i) go bhfuil leas substaintiúil ag an iarratasóir sa ní is ábhar don iarratas, nó
(ii) maidir leis an iarratasóir—
(I) gur comhlacht nó eagraíocht (seachas údarás Stáit, údarás poiblí nó comhlacht nó gníomhaireacht rialtasach) é nó í a mbaineann a chuid nó a cuid aidhmeanna nó cuspóirí le caomhnú an chomhshaoil a chur chun cinn,
(II) go mbeidh sé nó sí, le linn na tréimhse 12 mhí roimh dháta an iarratais, tar éis na haidhmeanna nó na cuspóirí sin a shaothrú, agus
(III) go gcomhlíonann sé nó sí cibé ceanglais (más ann) a bheadh ar chomhlacht nó eagraíocht, dá ndéanfadh sé nó sí achomharc faoi alt 37(4)(c) d’Acht 2000, a chomhlíonadh de bhua alt 37(4)(d)(iii) den Acht sin (agus, chun na críche sin, beidh feidhm ag aon cheanglas a fhorordófar faoi alt 37(4)(e)(iv) den Acht sin amhail is dá mba thagairt don aicme ní ar di an t-ordú nó an gníomh is ábhar don iarratas ar chead faoi alt 47 an tagairt san alt sin don aicme ní ar di an bhreith is ábhar don achomharc).
(3) Níl leas substaintiúil chun críocha fho-alt (2)(b)(i) teoranta do leas i dtalamh ná leas airgeadais eile.
(4) D’ainneoin iarratas a dhéanamh ar chead faoi alt 47 i leith ordaithe iarnróid, ní dhéanfaidh an t-iarratas difear do bhailíocht an ordaithe iarnróid ná dá oibriú mura rud é, ar iarratas chun na Cúirte, go ndéanfaidh an Chúirt oibriú an ordaithe iarnróid a fhionraí go dtí go gcinnfear an t-iarratas nó go dtarraingeofar siar é.
(5) Má dheonaíonn an Chúirt cead faoi alt 47, ní sheasfar ar aon fhorais san iarratas ar athbhreithniú breithiúnach faoin Ordú seachas iad sin a gcinnfidh an Chúirt gur forais shubstaintiúla iad faoi fho-alt (2)(a).
(6) Féadfaidh an Chúirt, mar choinníoll chun cead faoi alt 47 a dheonú, a cheangal ar an iarratasóir ar chead den sórt sin gealltanas a thabhairt i dtaobh damáistí.
(7) Is cinneadh críochnaitheach a bheidh i gcinneadh na Cúirte maidir le hiarratas ar chead faoi alt 47 nó maidir le hiarratas ar athbhreithniú breithiúnach ar scór an cheada sin agus ní fhéadfar aon achomharc a dhéanamh chun na Cúirte Uachtaraí i gcoinne bhreith na Cúirte i gceachtar cás ach amháin le cead na Cúirte agus ní dheonófar an cead sin ach amháin i gcás go ndeimhneoidh an Chúirt go bhfuil ponc dlí a ngabhann tábhacht phoiblí eisceachtúil leis i gceist sa bhreith uaithi agus gurb inmhianaithe ar mhaithe le leas an phobail achomharc a dhéanamh chun na Cúirte Uachtaraí.
(8) Ní bheidh feidhm ag fo-alt (7) maidir le cinneadh ón gCúirt a mhéid a bhaineann sé le ceist i dtaobh bhailíocht aon dlí ag féachaint d’fhorálacha an Bhunreachta.
(9) I gcás nach ndéanfar iarratas ar athbhreithniú breithiúnach faoin Ordú ach i leith cuid d’ordú nó de ghníomh lena mbaineann alt 47(1), féadfaidh an Chúirt, más cuí léi, a dhearbhú go bhfuil an chuid lena mbaineann nó aon fhoráil di neamhbhailí nó féadfaidh sí an chuid lena mbaineann nó aon fhoráil di a neamhniú gan a dhearbhú go bhfuil an chuid eile den ordú nó den ghníomh nó den chuid den ordú nó den ghníomh neamhbhailí nó gan an chuid eile den ordú nó den ghníomh nó den chuid den ordú nó den ghníomh a neamhniú, agus má dhéanann an Chúirt amhlaidh, féadfaidh sí aon leasuithe iarmhartacha a dhéanamh ar an gcuid eile den ordú nó den ghníomh nó den chuid den ordú nó den ghníomh is cuí léi.
(10) Le linn don Chúirt iarratas ar chead faoi alt 47 nó iarratas ar athbhreithniú breithiúnach ar scór an cheada sin a chinneadh, gníomhóidh sí a luaithe is féidir i gcomhréir le riaradh an cheartais.
(11) Ar achomharc i gcoinne cinnidh ón gCúirt i leith iarratais dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (10)—
(a) ní bheidh dlínse ag an gCúirt Uachtarach ach amháin chun an ponc dlí arna dheimhniú ag an gCúirt faoi fho-alt (7) a chinneadh (agus ní bheidh dlínse aici ach amháin chun an t-ordú sin a dhéanamh sna himeachtaí a bhaineann leis an gcinneadh sin), agus
(b) le linn don Chúirt Uachtarach an t-achomharc a chinneadh, gníomhóidh sí a luaithe is féidir i gcomhréir le riaradh an cheartais.
(12) Féadfar foráil a dhéanamh le rialacha cúirte maidir le hiarratais ar chead faoi alt 47 agus maidir le hiarratais ar athbhreithniú breithiúnach ar scór ceada den sórt sin a éisteacht a luaithe is féidir.”.
An tAcht Iompair (Bonneagar Iarnróid) 2001 a leasú tuilleadh.
50.— Déantar an tAcht Iompair (Bonneagar Iarnróid) 2001 a leasú tuilleadh trí na hailt seo a leanas a chur isteach i ndiaidh alt 47A (a cuireadh isteach le halt 49):
“Pléití leis an mBord sula ndéanfar iarratas.
47B.— (1) Rachaidh an Ghníomhaireacht, CIÉ nó aon duine eile a bheartaíonn iarratas a dhéanamh ar ordú iarnróid de réir alt 37(1) i mbun comhchomhairliúchán leis an mBord i ndáil leis na hoibreacha iarnróid beartaithe sula ndéanfaidh sí nó sé an t-iarratas.
(2) Gairtear ‘iarratasóir ionchasach’ de dhuine den sórt sin ina dhiaidh seo san alt seo agus in alt 47C.
(3) Féadfaidh an Bord, in aon chomhchomhairliúcháin faoi fho-alt (1), comhairle a thabhairt don iarratasóir ionchasach maidir leis an iarratas beartaithe agus, go háirithe, maidir leis an méid seo a leanas—
(a) na nósanna imeachta a ghabhann le hiarratas a dhéanamh faoin gCuid seo agus le hiarratas den sórt sin a bhreithniú, agus
(b) cé na cúinsí, a bhaineann le pleanáil chuí agus forbairt inchothaithe, a d’fhéadfadh, i dtuairim an Bhoird, baint a bheith acu lena bhreith i ndáil leis an iarratas.
Alt 47B: forálacha forlíontacha.
47C.— (1) Déanfaidh iarratasóir ionchasach, chun críocha comhchomhairliúchán faoi alt 47B, dóthain faisnéise i ndáil leis na hoibreacha iarnróid beartaithe a sholáthar don Bhord chun a chumasú don Bhord na hoibreacha sin a mheasúnú.
(2) Féadfaidh an Bord, dá lánrogha féin, dul i gcomhairle le haon duine eile a bhféadfadh, i dtuairim an Bhoird, faisnéis a bheith aige nó aici atá iomchuí chun críocha comhchomhairliúchán faoi alt 47B i ndáil leis na hoibreacha iarnróid beartaithe.
(3) Ní dochar comhchomhairliúcháin a dhéanamh faoi alt 47B do chomhlíonadh aon fheidhmeanna eile dá chuid faoin Acht seo ná faoin Acht um Pleanáil agus Forbairt 2000 ná faoi rialacháin faoi cheachtar de na hAchtanna sin ag an mBord agus ní féidir brath air sa phróiseas pleanála foirmiúil ná in imeachtaí dlí.
(4) Coimeádfaidh an Bord taifead i scríbhinn ar aon chomhchomhairliúcháin faoi alt 47B i ndáil le hoibreacha iarnróid beartaithe, lena n-áirítear ainmneacha na ndaoine sin a bhí páirteach sna comhchomhairliúcháin, agus déanfar cóip den taifead sin a chur agus a choinneáil leis na doiciméid lena mbaineann aon iarratas i leith na n-oibreacha iarnróid beartaithe.
Cumhachtaí forlíontacha don Bhord.
47D.— (1) Sula gcinnfidh an Bord iarratas ar ordú iarnróid, féadfaidh sé, dá lánrogha féin aon tráth—
(a) aighneachtaí nó tuairimí breise a iarraidh ar an iarratasóir, ar aon duine a rinne aighneachtaí chuige nó a thug tuairimí dó i ndáil leis an iarratas, nó ar aon duine eile a bhféadfadh, i dtuairim an Bhoird, faisnéis a bheith aige nó aici atá iomchuí maidir leis an iarratas a chinneadh,
(b) gan dochar d’alt 41, aon fhaisnéis a bhainfidh leis an iarratas a chur ar fáil lena hiniúchadh, a chur in iúl d’aon duine nó don phobal go bhfuil an fhaisnéis ar fáil amhlaidh agus, más cuí leis, a iarraidh go ndéanfaí aighneachtaí breise chuige nó go dtabharfaí tuairimí breise dó laistigh de cibé tréimhse a shonróidh sé, nó
(c) cruinnithe a thionól leis an iarratasóir nó le haon duine eile más dealraitheach don Bhord é a bheith riachtanach nó fóirsteanach déanamh amhlaidh—
(i) chun an t-iarratas a chinneadh, nó
(ii) chun go ndéanfaí aon saincheist leis an iarratasóir nó aon easaontú idir an t-iarratasóir agus aon pháirtí eile a réiteach, lena n-áirítear aon saincheist nó aon easaontú a réiteach sula dtabharfar éisteacht ó bhéal.
(2) I gcás go dtionólfaidh an Bord cruinniú de réir fho-alt (1)(c), coimeádfaidh sé taifead i scríbhinn ar an gcruinniú agus cuirfidh sé an taifead sin ar fáil lena iniúchadh.
(3) Féadfaidh an Bord, nó fostaí de chuid an Bhoird a bheidh údaraithe go cuí ag an mBord, aon duine a cheapadh chun cruinniú dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (1)(c) a thionól.
(4) Féadfaidh an Bord, má tá sé den tuairim go sealadach gur chuí an t-ordú iarnróid lena mbaineann a cheadú dá ndéanfaí athruithe áirithe (a bheidh sonraithe san fhógra dá dtagraítear san fho-alt seo) ar théarmaí an iarratais ina leith nó i leith an ordaithe bheartaithe, fógra a thabhairt don iarratasóir á rá go bhfuil sé den tuairim sin agus a iarraidh ar an iarratasóir athruithe a bheidh sonraithe san fhógra a dhéanamh ar théarmaí an iarratais nó an ordaithe bheartaithe agus, má dhéanann an t-iarratasóir na hathruithe sin, cibé faisnéis (más ann) a shonróidh sé i ndáil leis an iarratas nó leis an ordú beartaithe, sna téarmaí arna n-athrú amhlaidh, nó, más gá, ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta athbhreithnithe ina leith a thabhairt dó.
(5) Má dhéanann an t-iarratasóir na hathruithe ar théarmaí an iarratais nó an ordaithe bheartaithe a bheidh sonraithe san fhógra a thabharfar don iarratasóir faoi fho-alt (4), measfar gurb iad téarmaí an iarratais nó an ordaithe arna n-athrú amhlaidh an t-iarratas nó an t-ordú chun críocha na Coda seo.
(6) I gcás go mbeidh na hathruithe déanta ag an iarratasóir ar théarmaí an iarratais nó an ordaithe bheartaithe a shonrófar i bhfógra a thabharfar don iarratasóir faoi fho-alt (4), ceanglóidh an Bord ar an iarratasóir—
(a) fógra a fhoilsiú i nuachtán nó nuachtáin a scaiptear sa limistéar nó sna limistéir ina mbeadh na hoibreacha iarnróid beartaithe suite ina luafar go ndearna an t-iarratasóir, de bhun iarrata ón mBord, athruithe ar théarmaí an iarratais nó an ordaithe (agus cuirfear cineál na n-athruithe sin in iúl) agus, más amhlaidh atá an cás, go ndearnadh faisnéis i ndáil le téarmaí an iarratais nó an ordaithe arna n-athrú amhlaidh nó ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta athbhreithnithe maidir leis an bhforbairt a thabhairt don Bhord, ina gcuirfear in iúl cé na tráthanna a fhéadfar, cén tréimhse (nach lú ná 3 sheachtain) ar lena linn a fhéadfar agus cén áit nó cé na háiteanna ina bhféadfar cóip den fhaisnéis nó den ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta a iniúchadh saor in aisce nó a cheannach ar tháille shonraithe (is táille nach mó ná an costas réasúnach a bhainfidh leis an gcóip sin a dhéanamh) a íoc agus go bhféadfar aighneachtaí nó tuairimí i ndáil leis an bhfaisnéis nó leis an ráiteas sin a chur faoi bhráid an Bhoird roimh dheireadh na tréimhse a luafar, agus
(b) na nithe seo a leanas a chur chuig an údarás pleanála agus chuig gach duine ar ar seirbheáladh fógra de bhun alt 40(1)(c) nó (e), agus chuig gach áititheoir (más ann) agus gach úinéir (más ann) talún dá dtagraítear san ordú (arb é an t-ordú arna athrú amhlaidh é, más rud é gur athraíodh a théarmaí amhlaidh)—
(i) fógra á rá go ndearnadh an fhaisnéis nó an ráiteas dá dtagraítear i mír (a) a thabhairt don Bhord, agus
(ii) cóip den fhaisnéis nó den ráiteas sin,
agus a chur in iúl don údarás sin nó don duine eile sin go bhféadfar aighneachtaí a dhéanamh chuig an mBord nó tuairimí a thabhairt dó i ndáil leis an bhfaisnéis nó leis an ráiteas sin roimh dheireadh tréimhse (nach lú ná 3 sheachtain) dar tosach an lá a chuirfidh an t-iarratasóir an fógra chuig an údarás nó chuig an duine eile.
(7) Déanfaidh an Bord, le linn breith a thabhairt i dtaobh an ndeonóidh sé an t-ordú iarnróid lena mbaineann an t-iarratas, aird a thabhairt ar aon fhaisnéis a cuireadh faoina bhráid ar scór fógra faoi fho-alt (4), lena n-áirítear aon ráiteas tionchair timpeallachta athbhreithnithe, nó aon aighneachtaí a rinneadh nó tuairimí a tugadh ar scór iarrata faoi fho-alt (1) nó fógra faoi fho-alt (6).
Cuspóir an Bhoird i ndáil le horduithe iarnróid.
47E.— (1) Is é dualgas an Bhoird a chinntiú—
(a) go gcríochnaítear comhchomhairliúcháin arna seoladh faoi alt 47B, agus
(b) go dtugtar breith faoi alt 43 ar iarratas ar ordú iarnróid,
a luaithe is féidir ach é a bheith i gcomhréir le pleanáil chuí agus forbairt inchothaithe agus, chun na críche sin, na bearta sin go léir atá ar fáil dó a dhéanamh chun a chinntiú nach ndéanfar, a mhéid is indéanta, aon mhoill is inseachanta ag aon chéim le linn na comhchomhairliúcháin sin a sheoladh nó an bhreith sin a thabhairt.
(2) Gan dochar do ghinearáltacht fho-alt (1) agus faoi réir fho-ailt (3) go (6), beidh de chuspóir ag an mBord a chinntiú go dtabharfar breith faoi alt 43 ar iarratas a dhéanfar ar ordú iarnróid—
(a) laistigh de thréimhse 18 seachtain dar tosach an lá deireanach chun aighneachtaí a dhéanamh nó tuairimí a thabhairt de réir an fhógra dá dtagraítear in alt 40(1)(b), nó
(b) laistigh de cibé tréimhse eile a fhorordóidh an tAire Comhshaoil, Oidhreachta agus Rialtais Áitiúil, tar éis dul i gcomhairle leis an Aire, le rialacháin i gcoitinne nó i leith aicme nó aicmí áirithe ní.
(3) I gcás gur dealraitheach don Bhord nárbh fhéidir nó nár chuí, mar gheall ar imthosca áirithe an ní is cúram don Bhord, an ní a chinneadh laistigh den tréimhse dá dtagraítear i mír (a) nó (b) d’fho-alt (2), de réir mar a bheidh, déanfaidh an Bord, le fógra i scríbhinn a sheirbheálfar ar an iarratasóir, ar an Aire, ar aon údarás pleanála a bheidh bainteach agus ar aon duine eile a chuir aighneachtaí nó tuairimí faoi bhráid an Bhoird i ndáil leis an ní roimh dheireadh na tréimhse sin, na cúiseanna nárbh fhéidir nó nár chuí an ní a chinneadh laistigh den tréimhse sin a chur in iúl don Aire, don údarás agus do na daoine sin agus sonróidh sé an dáta ar roimhe a bheartaíonn an Bord go gcinnfear an ní.
(4) I gcás go mbeidh fógra seirbheáilte faoi fho-alt (3), déanfaidh an Bord na bearta go léir sin atá ar fáil dó chun a chinntiú go gcinnfear an ní roimh an dáta a bheidh sonraithe san fhógra.
(5) Féadfaidh an tAire Comhshaoil, Oidhreachta agus Rialtais Áitiúil, tar éis dó nó di dul i gcomhairle leis an Aire, le rialacháin, an tréimhse dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (2)(a) a athrú go ginearálta nó i leith aicme nó aicmí áirithe iarratas ar orduithe iarnróid, i gcás gur dealraitheach dó nó di gur gá déanamh amhlaidh, de bhua imthosca eisceachtúla, agus, fad a bheidh na rialacháin i bhfeidhm, forléireofar an t-alt seo agus beidh éifeacht leis de réir na rialachán.
(6) I gcás gur dóigh leis an Aire Comhshaoil, Oidhreachta agus Rialtais Áitiúil, tar éis dul i gcomhairle leis an Aire, gur gá nó gur fóirsteanach aicme nó aicmí áirithe iarratais ar ordú iarnróid lena bhfuil tábhacht speisialta straitéiseach, eacnamaíoch nó shóisialach i dtaca leis an Stát a chinneadh a luaithe is féidir ach é a bheith i gcomhréir le pleanáil chuí agus forbairt inchothaithe, féadfaidh sé nó sí ordachán a thabhairt don Bhord go dtabharfar tosaíocht do chinneadh iarratas den aicme nó de na haicmí lena mbaineann, agus comhlíonfaidh an Bord ordachán den sórt sin.
(7) Áireoidh an Bord i ngach tuarascáil a thabharfar faoi alt 118 den Acht um Pleanáil agus Forbairt 2000 ráiteas maidir le líon na nithe a mbeidh cinneadh déanta ag an mBord orthu laistigh de thréimhse dá dtagraítear i mír (a) nó (b) d’fho-alt (2) agus cibé faisnéis eile a ordóidh an tAire Comhshaoil, Oidhreachta agus Rialtais Áitiúil maidir leis an am a glacadh chun na nithe sin a chinneadh.
Forléiriú ar thagairtí áirithe agus foráil idir-thréimhseach.
47F.— (1) Déanfar tagairtí don Aire in ordú iarnróid, ar ordú é arna dhéanamh roimh an Acht seo a leasú leis an Acht um Pleanáil agus Forbairt (Bonneagar Straitéiseach) 2006, a fhorléiriú mar thagairtí don Bhord.
(2) D’ainneoin na leasuithe ar an Acht seo arna ndéanamh leis an Acht um Pleanáil agus Forbairt (Bonneagar Straitéiseach) 2006, féadfar aon ní a thosófar faoin gCuid seo ach nach mbeidh curtha i gcrích roimh thosach feidhme na leasuithe sin a sheoladh agus a chríochnú tar éis thosach feidhme na leasuithe sin amhail is nach ndearnadh na leasuithe sin.
(3) Folaíonn an tagairt i bhfo-alt (2) d’aon ní a thosófar faoin gCuid seo tagairt do na nithe seo a leanas—
(a) iarratas a rinneadh faoi alt 37 (arb é an t-alt sin é sna téarmaí mar a bhí roimh thosach feidhme na leasuithe dá dtagraítear san fho-alt sin),
(b) iarratas a rinneadh faoi fho-alt (7) d’alt 43 (arb é an t-alt sin é sna téarmaí mar a bhí roimh thosach feidhme na leasuithe sin), agus
(c) aon bheart (lena n-áirítear fiosrúchán poiblí a sheoladh) arna ghlacadh le linn breith a thabhairt i ndáil le hiarratas dá dtagraítear i mír (a) nó (b) nó aon bheart arna ghlacadh ar scór an bhreith sin a thabhairt.
(4) D’fhonn amhras a sheachaint, maidir le haon cheistiú, tar éis thosach feidhme na leasuithe dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (2), leis na nósanna imeachta a ghabhann le hathbhreithniú breithiúnach faoin Ordú (de réir bhrí alt 47) ar bhailíocht aon ní dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (2) agus a críochnaíodh tar éis an tosach feidhme sin, nó atá á sheoladh tar éis an tosach feidhme sin, déanfar é de réir fhorálacha na Coda seo arna leasú leis an Acht um Pleanáil agus Forbairt (Bonneagar Straitéiseach) 2006.”.
Leasú ar Acht na mBóithre 1993.
51.— (1) San alt seo, ciallaíonn “Acht 1993” Acht na mBóithre 1993.
(2) Leasaítear alt 48 d’Acht 1993—
(a) i mír (a)(ii), trí “(nach lú ná 6 sheachtain)” a chur in ionad “(nach lú ná mí amháin)”,
(b) i mír (a)(iii), trí “le linn na tréimhse sin” a chur in ionad “roimh dháta sonraithe (nach lú ná dhá sheachtain tar éis dheireadh na tréimhse le haghaidh iniúchadh)”, agus
(c) i mír (b), tríd an bhfomhír seo a leanas a chur in ionad fhomhír (iii):
“(iii) an tréimhse (arb í an tréimhse í dá dtagraítear i mír (a)(ii)) ar laistigh di a fhéadfar agóidí a dhéanamh i scríbhinn chuig an Aire i ndáil leis an scéim.”.
(3) Leasaítear alt 51(3) d’Acht 1993—
(a) i mír (a)(iii), trí “(nach lú ná 6 sheachtain)” a chur in ionad “(nach lú ná mí amháin)”,
(b) i mír (a)(iv), trí “agus” a scriosadh,
(c) i mír (a)(v), trí “le linn na tréimhse dá dtagraítear i mír (a)(iii)” a chur in ionad “roimh dháta sonraithe (nach luaithe ná dhá sheachtain tar éis dheireadh na tréimhse le haghaidh iniúchadh)”,
(d) trí na fomhíreanna seo a leanas a chur isteach i ndiaidh fhomhír (v) de mhír (a):
“(vi) más iomchuí, ina ndéarfar gur dóigh go mbeidh éifeachtaí suntasacha ag an bhforbairt bóthair bheartaithe ar an gcomhshaol i dTuaisceart Éireann, agus
(vii) ina sonrófar na cineálacha breithe a fhéadfaidh an tAire a thabhairt, faoi alt 51(6), i ndáil leis an iarratas;”,
agus
(e) i mír (b), trí “laistigh de thréimhse shonraithe (arb í an tréimhse í dá dtagraítear i mír (a)(iii))” a chur in ionad “roimh dháta sonraithe (nach luaithe ná dhá sheachtain tar éis dheireadh na tréimhse le haghaidh iniúchadh dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (3)(a) (iii))”.