WRITTEN QUESTION E-0369/04 by Proinsias De Rossa (PSE) to the Commission. Public consultation during the preparation of emergency plans under the Seveso II Directive.
Date: 2004-02-12
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Ireland, application of EU law, environmental risk prevention, industrial hazard, political participation

3.4.2004

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 84 E/379

the Member States regarding the protection of animals used for
and administrative provisions of
experimental and other scientific purposes, and Article 10 of the EC Treaty establishing the European
Community.
Ireland notified new legislation to comply with the judgement.
The infringement procedure was subsequently terminated.

In December 2002,

(1) OJ L 358, 18.12.1986.

(2004/C 84 E/0440)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0368/04

by Proinsias De Rossa (PSE) to the Commission

(12 February 2004)

Subject: Irish Government charges and the Seveso II Directive

What has been the Irish Government’s reply to the reasoned opinion announced on 18 July 2003 (IP/03/
1048) regarding the Irish Government’s decision to charge members of the public for expressing an
opinion on developments concerning major industrial installations under the Seveso II Directive on the
control of major industrial accidents involving dangerous substances (Council Directive 96/82/EC (1)).

What action is the Commission proposing to take in this matter?

(1) OJ L 10, 14.1.1997, p. 13.

(2004/C 84 E/0441)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0369/04

by Proinsias De Rossa (PSE) to the Commission

(12 February 2004)

Subject: Public consultation during the preparation of emergency plans under the Seveso II Directive

What has been the Irish Government’s reply to the reasoned opinion announced on 18 July 2003 (IP/03/
1048) regarding the failure of the Irish Government to ensure adequate consultation of the public during
the preparation of emergency plans, as required by the Seveso II Directive on the control of major
industrial accidents involving dangerous substances (Council Directive 96/82/EC (1))?

What action is the Commission now proposing to take in this matter?

(1) OJ L 10, 14.1.1997, p. 13.

Joint answer
to Written Questions E-0368/04 and E-0369/04
given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(22 March 2004)

The Commission notified a Reasoned Opinion to Ireland on 11 July 2003 with regard to Council Directive
96/82/EC of 9 December 1996 on the control of major industrial accidents involving dangerous
substances, as it was not satisfied that Irish transposing legislation was compliant with Articles 11, 12
and 13 of the Directive. The issues referred to by the Honourable Member relate to Article 11 (public
consultation in the preparation of external emergency plans) and Article 13 (right of public to express an
opinion on certain developments). In September 2003, Ireland notified new legislation with regard to
Article 11 (1). This appears to rectify a weakness in the previous Irish transposing legislation. Ireland’s
position has not changed with regard to the use of participation fees. The Commission is still considering
Ireland’s response with regard to Article 12 of the Directive.

(1) S.I. No 402 of 2003.