Explanatory note

These Regulations are made in exercise of the powers conferred by section 8(1) of, and paragraph 21(a)(i) and (b) and Schedule 7 to, the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (c. 16) in order to address failures of retained EU law to operate effectively and other deficiencies arising from the withdrawal of the UK from the European Union.

These Regulations make amendments to Northern Ireland legislation that implements, in relation to drainage projects, Directive 2011/92/EU on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment.

Part 2 of these Regulations makes amendments to the Drainage (Northern Ireland) Order 1973. Part 3 makes amendments to the Drainage (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2017.

An impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as no impact on the private or voluntary sector is foreseen.