These Regulations amend the Minerals Development Act, 1940 by inserting a new section (8A) on Environmental Impact Assessment, and more precisely concerning the application of the screening provisions in respect of Environmental Impact Assessment in the context of applications for consent for deep drilling for mineral exploration purposes (especially in protected areas including European sited and water protection areas). Environmental impact assessment has the meaning assigned to it by section 171A of the Planning and Development Act 2000. Screening for environmental impact assessment means a determination (a) as to whether a proposed activity would be likely to have significant effects on the environment, and (b) if the activity would be likely to have such effects, that an environmental impact assessment is required. A holder of a prospecting licence who applies to the Minister for consent to undertake an activity of a class as specified in the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 shall also apply to the Minister for a screening determination for environmental impact assessment. The Regulations set out procedures and criteria for screening.