European Union (Environmental Impact Assessment and Habitats) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 473 of 2011).

These Regulations principally amend the Planning and Development Act 2000 for the purpose of giving further effect to Council Directive No. 85/337/EEC and Council Directive 92/43/EEC in relation to proposed development in protected areas established pursuant to Community legislation. The Regulations concern, among other things: the determination whether activities that require consent of the Minister pursuant legislation concerning protection of birds or habitats (as specified) comprises development which is not exempted development; decisions of a planning authority on an application for a development permission (section 34 of the Act) where an environmental impact statement or a Natura impact statement is submitted; and consent for a development of a class as specified in Schedule 5 of the Act.