Petroleum (Offshore Environmental Protection and Pollution Control) Regulations, 2016 (S.I. No. 39 of 2016).

These Regulations implement provisions of the Petroleum Act, 2016 with respect to environmental obligations of holders of instruments (agreements or issue permits, licences or leases for petroleum operations) and other matters relating to the protection of the environment in petroleum operations. Certain specified operations require an environmental authorization by the Minister responsible for Petroleum. An application for an environmental authorisation shall include an environmental impact assessment (EIA) and an Environmental Management Plan. An EIA submitted to the Minister shall be prepared by the operator in accordance with the First Schedule and contain specified information. All operations for which an environmental authorisation is granted shall be managed in accordance with an Environmental Management System according to internationally-accepted standards. No person may operate an offshore installation without an EMP approved as part of the environmental authorisation. Contents of an EMP are outlined in these Regulations.
The Regulations require an operator to carry out regular monitoring of operations. Another requirements regards approved pollution emergency response procedures, which may be incorporated in the EMP or presented as a separate Oil Pollution Emergency Plan. Offshore installations shall be subject to specific anti-pollution rules laid down by these Regulations and obtain and maintain, a have a valid International Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate (MARPOL). The holder of every instrument shall aim to achieve a zero net environmental footprint and shall ensure that operations are undertaken in order to avoid or minimise disturbance and impacts to critical habitats of vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered species or any other protected species. Imminent threat and of environmental damage and actual damage shall be immediately reported to the Minister and shall respond promptly and effectively to a major environmental incident arising from the conduct of operations under an instrument. Schedule 1 outlines matters to be addressed by an EIA, Schedule 2 outlines contents of an environmental management plan, Schedule 3 outlines contents of oil pollution emergency plans.