SCHEDULES

SCHEDULE 2Improving the natural environment: Northern Ireland

PART 1Environmental improvement plans

I1I23Reviewing and revising environmental improvement plans

1

The Department must—

a

review the current environmental improvement plan in accordance with this paragraph, and

b

if the Department considers it appropriate as a result of the review, revise the plan.

2

The first review of an environmental improvement plan must be completed before the end of the 5 year period beginning with—

a

if it is the first environmental improvement plan, the day on which it is published, and

b

otherwise, the day on which it replaces the previous plan (see paragraph 4(6)).

3

Subsequent reviews of an environmental improvement plan must be completed before the end of the 5 year period beginning with the day on which the previous review was completed.

4

In reviewing an environmental improvement plan, the Department must—

a

consider what has been done to implement the plan in the period since it was published or (if it has been reviewed before) last reviewed,

b

consider whether, having regard to data obtained under paragraph 5F1and reports made by the OEP under paragraph 1 of Schedule 3, the natural environment has, or particular aspects of it have, improved during that period, and

c

consider whether any Northern Ireland department should take further or different steps to improve the natural environment (compared to those set out in the plan).

5

In reviewing and revising an environmental improvement plan, the Department must consult such other Northern Ireland departments as it considers appropriate.

6

If as a result of a review the Department considers it appropriate to revise the plan, the Department must lay before the Northern Ireland Assembly—

a

a revised environmental improvement plan, and

b

a statement explaining the revisions and the reasons for them.

7

If as a result of a review the Department does not consider it appropriate to revise the plan, the Department must lay before the Northern Ireland Assembly a statement explaining that and the reasons for it.

8

The Department must publish the documents laid under sub-paragraph (6) or (7).

9

A review is completed when the Department has laid and published the documents mentioned in sub-paragraph (6) or (7).

10

References in this Schedule to an environmental improvement plan include a revised environmental improvement plan.