Guides / EIAR & Planning Services
Wave Dynamics GuidesWhat Is an EIAR?
What an Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) is, which projects need one in Ireland, the chapters it contains and how specialist chapters fit in.
In Short
An Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) is the report a developer submits so the planning authority can carry out an Environmental Impact Assessment of a project. It describes the project, the existing environment, the likely significant effects on topics such as population, noise, air, climate, water and biodiversity, and the measures to avoid or reduce them.
- Required for projects listed in the EIA Directive and national regulations, or that screen in.
- Prepared by a team of competent experts, each covering a topic chapter.
- Assesses construction, operational and cumulative effects, with mitigation.
- Includes a Non-Technical Summary written for the public.
Which Projects Need an EIAR?
The EU EIA Directive, as amended in 2014, and Irish planning regulations list projects that always need EIA, such as large infrastructure and industrial installations, and others that need it above certain thresholds. Projects below the thresholds are screened to decide whether significant effects are likely. Large residential schemes, wind farms, data centres, roads and quarries commonly need an EIAR.
What Goes into an EIAR
- Description of the project and the reasonable alternatives studied.
- Topic chapters covering population and human health, biodiversity, land and soils, water, air quality, climate, noise and vibration, material assets including traffic and waste, cultural heritage and landscape.
- Interactions between effects and cumulative effects with other projects.
- Mitigation and monitoring measures.
- A Non-Technical Summary.
How Specialist Chapters Fit In
An EIAR is usually coordinated by a lead planning or environmental consultant, with specialist chapters prepared by technical experts. Wave Dynamics provides EIAR services rather than whole EIARs: we prepare the noise and vibration, air quality, climate, population and human health and material assets (waste) chapters, working with the lead consultant.
Getting the Timing Right
Baseline surveys for noise, air quality and other topics need time, and some need data across seasons. Bringing specialists in at scoping stage avoids delays and lets their findings shape the design, which is the real purpose of EIA.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an EIA and an EIAR?
EIA is the assessment process carried out by the planning authority. The EIAR is the report the developer prepares to inform it.
What guidance applies in Ireland?
The EPA Guidelines on the Information to be Contained in Environmental Impact Assessment Reports (2022) are the main national guidance, alongside topic-specific guidance for each chapter.
This guide gives general information and is not a substitute for project-specific advice. Requirements change, so always check the current regulations, guidance and your planning conditions. Ask our team about your project.
Jon Maguire (BSc Hons MIOA) brings over 8 years of expertise in acoustic consultancy, specialising in environmental acoustics with a focus on 3D modelling, assessments, and detailed design for industrial, commercial, and energy projects. He has lead noise assessments for key clients while thriving in multidisciplinary environments. Jon’s diplomatic communication skills are ideal for stakeholder consultation.
Jack is a Field Engineer at Wave Dynamics, supporting the delivery of environmental monitoring and acoustic consultancy services through detailed on-site fieldwork. He has hands-on experience in noise monitoring, vibration monitoring, and dust monitoring across a variety of infrastructure, construction, and environmental projects. Jack is involved in the setup, operation, and maintenance of monitoring equipment, ensuring accurate data collection in line with relevant standards and project requirements. He works closely with consultants and project teams, providing reliable field support that underpins high-quality assessments and reporting.
Aidan is the Director for all U.K Operations and has worked in multiple industries including for clients in the UK and internationally operating in the residential, industry, healthcare, education, and construction sectors.
