Projects falling within the Northern Ireland EIA regime must be assessed under the applicable Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations before development consent is granted. The regime addresses whether EIA is required and the environmental information and procedures that follow.

An Environmental Statement should be scrutinised as evidence. A useful representation identifies specific assumptions, baseline information, predicted effects or mitigation that appear incomplete or inconsistent with site conditions or policy.

Sources and further information

Department for Infrastructure - Current Planning Legislation https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/articles/current-planning-legislation

Last checked: 25 September 2026

Yes. The EIA framework provides for transboundary consultation where relevant significant environmental effects may extend beyond Northern Ireland. The Department has used this process in major cases to enable participation from affected people across the border.

The existence of the border does not make an otherwise relevant environmental effect immaterial. Follow the consultation arrangements published for the particular application.

Sources and further information

Department for Infrastructure - Current Planning Legislation https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/articles/current-planning-legislation

Last checked: 25 September 2026

Environmental Impact Assessment in the Northern Ireland planning system is governed by the applicable Northern Ireland EIA legislation. It is used to assess projects likely to have significant effects on the environment before development consent is granted.

For a specific application, check whether it is EIA development, the environmental statement and any later environmental information. The EIA process informs the decision; it does not predetermine approval or refusal.

Sources and further information
Department for Infrastructure NI: Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2Department for Infrastructure NI: Department's determination of applicationsDepartment for Infrastructure NI: New Planning PortalLast checked: 25 September 2026