Consideration of health in Strategic Environment Assessment (SEA) on the island of Ireland

Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is mandatory under European legislation and a number of assessments have now been undertaken across the island of Ireland. IPH undertook research to explore the extent to which health was incorporated into SEA in a manner which would suggest a good understanding of the many social and economic factors which strongly influence health. The research identifies that a consideration of health is not routinely included in SEAs. There is a need to build capacity and change mindsets in how SEAs are undertaken to more completely factor in the health impacts. A focus on integrating health into other assessments can make better use of limited resources and this report will inform debate in the area to widen future opportunities for enhanced health.