** Enquire now OR email training@greentechskillnet.com for more information and registration details **

Note: Grant funding comes from Skillnet Ireland through the Irish National Training fund, and, as a result, is ONLY available to residents of the Republic of Ireland who work as a sole trader, or for a private or semi-state commercial company registered in ROI. If you are not eligible for the discount, you will still have the option to enrol by paying the full course fee. Please read Eligibility Criteria.

Start Date: Induction Week Commencing 7th October 2024 / Teaching commences W/C 14th October.
Induction is self-directed on the University Learning platform and will take approximately 45 mins to complete.
Time: Live Session every Wednesday from 18:00 - 19:00, starting Wednesday 16th of October. 
Duration: 8 weeks 
Mode of Delivery: Online

Course Overview 

This module will provide a comprehensive overview of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process, focusing on its application within the Onshore Wind Energy sector. It will cover the latest EU policy directives and Irish national legislation that govern EIAs, ensuring participants are well-versed in the regulatory framework.

Notably, this is the first EIA micro-credential in Ireland specifically tailored for onshore wind farms, marking a significant milestone in the development of industry-specific education. This is an onshore/terrestrial course.

The course will also include an in-depth analysis of EIA case studies relevant to wind energy, offering practical insights and real-world applications to better equip participants for the challenges of assessing environmental impacts in this rapidly growing sector.

Learning Outcomes 

On completion of this micro-credential, you will be able to: 

• Define the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and articulate its purpose.
  Critically assess and interpret relevant EU Directives and Irish legislation.
• Evaluate the stages in the implementation of EIA: methods for screening, scoping, impact identification and evaluation, review, monitoring, and post development auditing.
• Compare and review EIA and EIS.
• Define and assess Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA), its objectives, and methodologies.
• Acknowledge the differences amongst legitimate stakeholder views in relation to environmental impact assessment.
• Discuss the role of the scientist in environmental impact assessment.

Course Content

Topics to be covered include:

• The definition, purpose, origin, and evolution of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), along with an overview of current and potential future EU Directives and national legislation.
• The stages of EIA implementation, including monitoring and auditing processes.
• Reviewing Environmental Impact Assessment Reports (EIAR) and understanding the role of EIA in the planning process. Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) review and the role of EIA in planning.
• Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) directive purpose and stages.
• Examination of EU Directives and national legislation specific to the Wind Energy sector, with an analysis of relevant EIA case studies.

Delivery 

Blended learning approach with asynchronous activities (i.e. Pre-recorded lectures, Micro-learning Activities, Discussion Forums, Knowledge Checks) and synchronous live events (i.e. live online sessions).

This is a 6 ECTS micro-credential.

Who Should Apply?  

• Professionals in the Renewable Energy Sector:
  • Environmental Consultants: Individuals who specialize in conducting EIAs and need to deepen their understanding of wind energy-specific assessments.
  • Project Managers: Those overseeing wind farm projects and responsible for ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
  • Environmental Engineers: Engineers involved in the design and implementation of wind energy projects who need to consider environmental impacts.
  • Ecologists and Biologists: Professionals focused on the impact of wind farms on wildlife and natural habitats.
• Government and Regulatory Personnel:
  • Environmental Planners: Government officials or planners involved in reviewing and approving wind farm projects who need a thorough understanding of EIA processes.
  • Policy Makers: Those involved in developing regulations or policies related to wind energy and environmental protection.
  • Regulatory Compliance Officers: Individuals ensuring that wind farm projects comply with environmental laws and regulations.
• Other Stakeholders:
  • Legal Professionals: Lawyers specializing in environmental law who advise clients on compliance with EIA requirements for wind farms.
  • Developers and Investors: Those investing in or developing wind energy projects who need to understand the environmental assessment process to mitigate risks and ensure project viability.

***Applications are welcome from those who hold a degree in a relevant subject area, and/or have significant, relevant experience in the energy sector. Please note that applicants must hold a Level 8 Degree in cognitive discipline or equivalent relevant professional experience.*** 

Applicants who do not have English as their first language may satisfy English Language requirements: 

• If your qualifications have been obtained in a country where English is an official language this will suffice
• If this is not available, the following additional documents must be provided:
  • English translation of your qualification(s)/transcripts AND 
  • English language competency certificate

For more information on English Language requirements Click Here

All applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

How is this course assessed?  

Final report to identify and synthesise current best practice of Irish wind EIA.

Meet the Trainer 

Dr. William Horan has been involved in teaching modules relating to environmental impact assessment and environmental life cycle assessment for the chemical science and engineering departments at the University of Limerick. His research focus is primarily on assessing the environmental impacts of human activities, through quantitative methodologies, and projecting future environmental transitions pathways accounting for technological, economic and social considerations. He has previously worked on Environmental Protection Agency projects 'Developing the Potential of Third-level Campuses as Change Agents in Transition towards Sustainable Communities' and 'Industrial Water 4.0 - A Framework for Catchment-based Digitally Integrated Industrial Water Stewardship'. William is currently a postdoctoral researcher for the research project 'Sustainable construction and Assessment Of the full Lifecycle impact of Irish harvested Wood products (SAOLWood)' funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

Guest Speakers

Alison Hardiman is a partner level consultant on the Philip Lee LLP Climate and Environment team. She has extensive knowledge of planning and environmental law in the particular context of delivering strategic infrastructure and renewable energy projects.

Alison is a barrister with many years’ experience working in both the public and private sector. She holds a PhD, which was sponsored by EirGrid and awarded by UCC in 2024, on the specific issue of how to reconcile the objectives of environmental protection and climate mitigation in EU Law, with specific regard to renewable energy infrastructure. She has published a number of international academic papers on this topic.

In 2022, Alison was appointed as a member of the ‘Major Projects Advisory Group’ (MPAG) under the Department of Public Enterprise and Reform (DPER) through a competitive process and continues to work within this strategic role alongside her work in Philip Lee.

Elaine Dromey holds a BSc (Hons) Earth Science with a major in Plant Science from University College Cork, Ireland, MSc Vegetation Survey and Assessment from University of Reading, UK and an Advanced Diploma in Planning and Environmental Law from The Honorable Society of King’s Inns, Dublin. Elaine has been a full member of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) since November 2003. Elaine sits on the CIEEM Professional Standards Committee (PSC) and provides input on matters relating to standards and industry guidance. Elaine worked as an ecological consultant, both in the UK and Ireland, until she joined FuturEnergy Ireland in April 2022.

Elaine has worked on a large and diverse portfolio of renewables projects providing technical advice, preparing and reviewing EIAR chapters, Appropriate Assessment (AA) reports and Habitat and Management Plans. Elaine has an excellent understanding of international and domestic wildlife legislation, policy and recent case law particularly in Article 6(3) and 6(4) of the Habitats Directive. Elaine also has experience of engaging in consultation and negotiation with local planning authorities and key stakeholders.