The Health and Safety Authority recently undertook public consultation on the Regulatory Impact Assessment of the transposition of the Seveso III Directive (2012/18/EC) into Irish legislation. AWN Consulting made a submission including comments under the following headings:

1. General
2. Notification
3. Inspection
4. Information to the public
5. Safety report
6. Major Accident Prevention Policy
7. External Emergency Plan
8. Land Use Planning and modifications to establishments
9. Cost recovery

We conclude that the main issues for operators are the provision of commercially confidential information to competent authorities, potential increases in costs, and timescales for decisions on the significance of modifications and land use planning advice. These issues have the potential to lead to a serious and significant competitive disadvantage in attracting new industry to Ireland.

The issues highlighted will also lead to a disadvantage for businesses currently operating in Ireland who may find the additional burdens too onerous to continue to expand here or to continue operating here at all.