Appropriate Assessment Screening and Natura Impact Statements Training — Ireland

This one-day course is designed to equip planners, ecologist and environmental consultants with the practical knowledge and tools needed to navigate the AA Screening process and prepare or interpret Natura Impact Statements in Ireland. Attendees will gain confidence in identifying likely significant effects, applying the precautionary principle and understanding the legal and ecological frameworks underpinning SACs and SPAs. Through hands-on exercises and Irish case studies attendees will leave with skills that can be applied immediately in real-world projects, ensuring compliance with EU and Irish legislation while protecting the integrity of Natura 2000 sites.

All attendees will receive a full course pack to refer to and will have the benefit of learning from a trainer with a wealth of experience in this area.

Course Content

• Key distinctions between AA Screening vs NIS
• What is the purpose of AA Screening?
• Stage 1 screening process
• LSE (Likely Significant Effects) concept
• Role of precautionary principle & handling uncertainty
• What are the most common Issues with AA Screening and NIS?
• Practical AA Screening – Step-by-Step
• Screening flowchart and decision-making
• Identify potential pathways of impact – Apply source – Pathway - Receptors
• Key EU and Irish case law affecting screening and NIS
• Natura 2000
• Introduction to Natura Impact Statements (NIS)
• Purpose of NIS (Stage 2 AA)
• Components of a NIS: site description, QIs, Impact assessment, mitigation, alternatives
• Source – Pathway – Receptor Approach
• Cumulative impacts and indirect effects
• What Happens in a Retention scenario?
• Mitigation, Alternatives & Decision Making
• When IROPI may apply and how it informs decisions
• Integrating screening & NIS findings into planning recommendations

Who Should Attend?

This course will be highly beneficial to planners, inspectors, appeals officers, environmental consultants, ecologists, conservation experts, habitat surveyors, field ecologists, environmental scientists, biodiversity officers, infrastructure and development specialists, architects, project managers, compliance officers, renewable energy executives, regulatory & policy professionals, advisors and landscape architects to name just a few. This will be ideal training for anyone who prepares, reviews, or relies on AA Screening and NIS for planning decisions in Ireland.

Certification

On completion of this one-day training course, you will receive your Professional Certificate. Please note certificates are issued at the close of the training course to participants on completion of the course.

This course may qualify for CPD points. Please check directly with your association or awarding body to see how many points they will award.

Cost

An ‘Early Bird’ discounted rate of €565 is currently available. This training course normal rate is €665. Places are limited and are allocated on a first come first served basis. PLEASE NOTE THE EARLY BIRD RATE CLOSES 3 WEEKS PRIOR TO COURSE DATE. The course cost includes all course documentation and Certificate of Attendance.