To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, in relation to a recent Nikkon Gas UK & Ireland development, whether Newry, Mourne and Down District Council were obligated, under EU transnational planning directives, to notify or consult with Louth County Council.

Transboundary notification and consultation required under the Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2017 is undertaken when a council, in its role as local planning authority, becomes aware that an application made to it is for proposed development which is likely to have significant effects on the environment in another EU Member State or any other state which is a party to the European Economic Area agreement.

In such circumstances the council is required to provide my Department with specific information and then my Department would engage directly with that state. In relation to the application by Nippon Gases (which was granted planning permission by the council in 2015) no such notification was given to my Department by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.