Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)
Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is a system of incorporating environmental considerations into certain plans and programmes at an early stage of the programme or plan development.
The European SEA Directive (2001/42/EC) (.PDF 128Kb) 
requires that all member states of the European Union should have ratified the Directive into their own country's law by 21 July 2004, and this was done so in Northern Ireland through the " The Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2004 " legislation .
The Directive defines 'environmental assessment' (Article 2(b)) as a procedure comprising:
- preparing an Environmental Report on the likely significant effects of the draft plan or programme;
- carrying out consultation on the draft plan or pr·ogramme;
- taking into account the Environmental Report and the results of consultation in decision mak·ing; and
- providing information when the plan or programme is adopted and showing how the results of the environmental assessment have been taken into account.
Regulation 4, designated the Department of the Environment (DOE) as the Consultation Body for the SEA process in Northern Ireland and Responsible Authorities should submit their plans and programmes for consultation to the Department's Environment and Heritage Service, through the SEA Coordination Unit.
Other relevant documentation is also available including, the Practical Guide to the SEA Process (.PDF 776 Kb) and Services and Standards for Responsible Authorities (.PDF 530Kb)
The objective of the Directive is to provide for a high level of protection of the environment and to contribute to the integration of environmental considerations into the preparation and adoption of specified plans and programmes with a view to promoting sustainable development.
Twelve sectors:
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........are designated where Responsible Authorities must subject specific plans and programmes to an environmental assessment. This assessment means the preparation of an environmental report, the carrying out of consultations and the taking into account of these consultations in decision making that must then be reported on publicly. Monitoring of the significant environmental effects of the implementation of plans/programmes must be provided.
The Consultation Body must (by reason of their specific environmental responsibilities) be consulted by Responsible Authorities (plan/programme makers).
SEA Work is conducted in....
Designated Areas:
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Further Information contact
Write: SEA Coordination Unit
5th Floor Mezzanine
Calvert House.
23 Castle Place
BELFAST
BT1 1FY
Telephone 028 9054 6760
