What is SEA Screening, and Why You Might Need It

When preparing a statutory plan or programme in Ireland such as, a Development Plan, Local Area Plan, Masterplan, or a proposed variation to an existing plan the plan-making authority is legally required to assess whether the implementation of that plan is likely to have significant effects on the environment. This assessment, known as Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Screening, determines whether a full Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is required before the plan is formally adopted.

SEA Screening is a formal statutory process established under Directive 2001/42/EC on the assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes on the environment (commonly referred to as the SEA Directive) and transposed into Irish law by the Planning and Development (Strategic Environmental Assessment) Regulations 2004–2011 (S.I. No. 436 of 2004). Its purpose is to ensure that environmental considerations are identified and integrated into the plan making process from the outset.

This article outlines the legal framework for SEA Screening in Ireland, when it is required, who carries it out, and why it remains a critical consideration for both public authorities and private applicants involved in planning preparation and development

SEA Screening is the statutory process for determining whether a proposed plan or programme, or a variation to one, is likely to have significant environmental effects, thereby requiring a full Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA).

A Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is a systematic process for evaluating the likely environmental consequences of implementing a plan or programme before it is adopted. SEA aims to promote sustainable development by ensuring that potential environmental effects are identified, assessed, and mitigated where necessary.

SEA Screening acts as the preliminary stage in this process. It involves evaluating the nature, scope, and potential environmental impacts of a proposed plan or programme against criteria set out in the SEA Directive and Irish SEA Regulations to determine if a full SEA is warranted.

The criteria for determining the need for an SEA are set out in Schedule 2A of the Planning and Development (Strategic Environmental Assessment) Regulations 2004–2011, and reflect considerations such as:

• The characteristics of the plan or programme.
• The characteristics of the potential environmental effects.
• The characteristics of the area likely to be affected.

Under the SEA Directive and Irish SEA Regulations, SEA Screening is mandatory for:

• Certain statutory plans and programmes prepared by public authorities, including Local Authorities, Regional Assemblies, and other public bodies.
• Variations or amendments to existing plans and programmes.

This includes, but is not limited to:

• Development Plans
• Local Area Plans
• Masterplans
• Strategic Development Zones (SDZ) Planning Schemes
• Waste Management Plans
• Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies (RSESs)

A plan or programme will require SEA Screening where it:

• Sets the framework for future development consent for projects
• Is likely to have significant effects on the environment

If the plan falls within categories listed in Schedule 2A of the SEA Regulations or is likely to impact upon a European Site (Special Area of Conservation (SAC) or Special Protection Area (SPA)) designated under the EU Habitats Directive and Birds Directive, a full SEA may be required.

Further detailed criteria for screening can be found within: Annex II of the SEA Directive (Directive 2001/42/EC)

In Ireland, SEA Screening is undertaken by the planning authority responsible for preparing the plan or programme. This is typically a Local Authority, Regional Assembly, or other public body.

As part of the process, the plan-making authority must consult with designated environmental authorities under Article 9 of the SEA Regulations, including:

• The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage (via the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS))
• The Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications (where relevant)

The outcome of the SEA Screening process is documented in a Screening Determination Report, which:

• Assesses the likely environmental effects of the plan.
• Determines whether a full SEA is required.
• Is typically made available to the public alongside the draft plan.

Guidance on SEA Screening and consultation procedures is set out in the EPA SEA Pack and Guidance Notes

While SEA Screening is primarily the responsibility of public authorities preparing plans and programmes, it is also highly relevant to planning applicants, developers, architects, and planning consultants, particularly in cases where:

• A Local Area Plan, Masterplan, or other framework plan is being prepared for a site.
• A variation to a statutory Development Plan is proposed to facilitate a development.
• A proposal is located within, adjacent to, or may impact on a designated European site (SAC/SPA), a proposed Natural Heritage Area (NHA), or other environmentally sensitive lands.
• A plan or programme has the potential to create cumulative environmental effects in combination with other plans or projects

Confirming whether the relevant statutory plans affecting a subject site have been screened for SEA and whether an SEA was carried out is essential for identifying potential constraints, statutory obligations, and risks to project timeframes.

Environmental designations and constraints can be identified using the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Protected Sites Viewer

At PrePlanning.ie, we provide rapid, comprehensive Pre-Planning Reports identifying:

• Whether a site lies within or adjacent to an environmentally designated site.
• Proximity to areas where SEA Screening or Appropriate Assessment (AA) may be applicable.

Our reports are tailored to assist planning applicants, consultants, and developers in identifying potential statutory assessment requirements and planning constraints at the earliest possible stage supporting regulatory compliance, risk management, and project viability assessments.