C7.2 Role of SEA

The purpose of SEA is to ensure that information on the significant environmental effects is gathered and made available to decision-makers.

The objectives of SEA are to:

Provide a systematic means of identifying, describing, evaluating and reporting on the environmental effects.
Require that Responsible Authorities (i.e. plan, programme or policy-makers) prepares a report on the likely significant environmental effects and its reasonable alternatives.
Prevent, reduce and offset negative environmental effects.
Ensure wide consultation and engagement with the statutory Consultation Authorities, such other bodies as the Responsible Authority considers appropriate (e.g. health), and the public at an early stage.
Deliver a public statement demonstrating how the results of the environmental assessment and the opinions expressed during the SEA consultation process have been taken into account.
Ensure that Responsible Authorities monitor the significant environmental effects, enabling them to also identify unforeseen adverse effects at an early stage and to take appropriate remedial action where necessary.